In May 2006, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published Good Practice Guidance on Planning for Tourism. One year on, we have hosted, with our regional partners, a series of regional seminars and a ministerial event, to promote the aims and principles of the guide.

These events were to encourage dialogue between planning officials, regional tourism bodies and the tourism industry, and further tourism benefits for local communities.

The planning system plays an important role in helping protect the environment in our towns and cities and in the countryside. It is also crucial to ensuring that the tourism industry can develop and thrive in a sustainable manner.

DCLG published Good Practice Guidance on Planning for Tourism as part of the Government's planning reform programme. This followed lengthy pre-consultation with the tourism industry and the close involvement of DCMS at Ministerial and official levels.

The guidance helps planners understand the importance of tourism, taking it into account when preparing development plans and making planning decisions. It is designed to ensure that the tourism industry understands the principles of the national planning policy and guides individual businesses in preparing planning applications. Importantly, the guidance encourages planners and tourism industry to work together effectively.

"This guidance is a great example of public and private working together to find the best solution for the tourism industry"

Shaun Woodward, former Minister for Tourism