Tony Blair is dropping in on the Lake District today in order to highlight the joys of the British countryside. The prime minister is expected to visit two tourist spots in Cumbria, as figures show tourism gradually beginning to recover from the impact of the foot and mouth crisis.
The epidemic has hit Cumbrian businesses hard, with a 45% fall in visitors since the spring. At the height of the epidemic, tourist numbers were down by between 70% and 80%, with substantially fewer tourists than usual predicted for July and August. According to a Downing Street spokeswoman, however, bookings are now back to 80% of their normal levels, with even more holidaymakers expected to return during the September/October busy season.
"With nearly all the High Fells open, water activities on the lakes completely unaffected and lowland paths beginning to reopen, there is a recovery," she said. "Although foot-and-mouth is not completely eradicated and we are continuing to bear down on the disease, the prime minister wants to show his support for an area that has been one of the hardest hit, but to which tourists are now returning."
Mr Blair and his family will continue to do their bit for British tourism by spending part of their summer holiday in the south west of England.
Useful links
Further information on foot and mouth
British Mountaineering Council
The Association of National Park Authorities
Department for environment, food and rural affairs
