VisitEngland and National Parks England have announced a three-year partnership designed to boost rural tourism and stimulate sustainable economic growth in the British countryside.

Tourism is on of the major contributors to rural economies and the English National Parks alone contribute between £4.1bn and £6.3bn to the economy.

VisitEngland and National Parks England will work together to promote national parks in an attempt to bring more visitors, encourage greater collaboration between national park authorities, share intelligence and collaborate on research programmes.

"Our national parks are among the most treasures places in the country," said environment minister Richard Benyon. "Visitors will experience some of England's best landscapes and local businesses will benefit, helping to boost the rural economy."

Penelope Cobham, VisitEngland chair, also commented saying: "This partnership agreement outlines a number of important ways we can work together to ensure tourism works hand-in-hand with our natural assets to further boost rural tourism and ensure sustainable economic growth."