West Dorset MP Chris Loder is committed to getting the area on the tourism map.

He welcomed Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston to West Dorset last month in a day hailed by Mr Loder as a "turning point for tourism in West Dorset with the first time the Tourism Minister has visited us in decades".

Mr Loder said: "My objective was to ensure the Government has West Dorset at the top of its agenda in supporting our economy and its post-covid recovery.

"We had an excellent day with the minister, showing off West Dorset. From the Sherborne Abbey, the Cerne Abbas Giant and the Jurassic Coast, to our brilliant Dorset Museum and Kingston Maurward to name only a few.

"We have definitely succeeded with getting the Government to recognise how important our tourism economy is and the enormous potential we have here in West Dorset."

The MP hosted three meetings during the ministerial visit. One with the Dorset Tourism Association, Jurassic Coast Trust and West Dorset Holidays, the second with Dorset Museum, the Dorset LEP, National Trust and finally with cabinet members of Dorset Council.

The MP discussed recruitment and staffing challenges as well as the opportunities ahead and the need to get Dorset's train stations sorted.

Mr Loder added: "I raised and discussed many important issues with the minister. These included the need to get West Dorset on the international map, ensure maximum value is gained by visitors, business owners and West Dorset residents."

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