VALUABLE support is on offer to tourism providers in Somerset to help them make the most of their rural environment.

Exclusive free seminars are being organised by local authorities in the area that are working together on the ‘Interreg’ EU-funded COOL Tourism project, aimed at boosting rural tourism by looking at best practice, supporting providers and promotions.

Jim Hardcastle of Viper Marketing, said: “Tourism businesses in Exmoor and Somerset are superbly placed to benefit from the rise in popularity of holidays offering the rich experiences available in rural destinations such as wildlife walks, food safaris, village heritage and more. We are surprised how many businesses don’t see what valuable natural resources they have on their doorsteps and how they can create bespoke holidays.”

Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Exmoor National Park Authority are inviting tourism businesses to join them either on Monday (June 16) in Burnham or Tuesday (June 17) at Dunster for practical workshops, networking and presentations.

Burnham’s seminar is at The Princess and Dunster’s is in the Tithe Barn, both 10am-4pm – for details visit cool-somerset.weebly.com