Tessa Munt, MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, visited The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens on Saturday 14 March as part of British Tourism Week, highlighting the importance of tourism to the city and the wider local economy. 

Tourism plays an important role across Wells and the wider Mendip area of Somerset, supporting local businesses and helping sustain Somerset’s visitor economy. 

During the visit, Ms Munt toured the historic site with Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Palace Trust, learning more about how attractions such as The Bishop’s Palace help bring visitors to the area. 

The charity also delivers a wide range of community engagement activity, working with schools, education groups, health organisations and community groups across the region. 

Merryn Kidd said: “Tourism plays a vital role in Wells helping to sustain local jobs, independent shops, cafés and accommodation providers, whilst also allowing people from across the UK and beyond to experience the unique character of the area. As a charity, we are proud to care for this remarkable historic place enabling visitors to experience this remarkable, historic place while also supporting the wider local economy.” 

Merryn Kidd recently became Chair of the Somerset and Exmoor Local Visitor Economy Partnership, which brings together organisations and businesses to strengthen the region’s visitor economy and promote sustainable tourism across Somerset. 

The visit also highlighted the work of Visit Wells, which supports collaboration between local businesses and attractions to promote the city as a destination.  

 Ms Munt said “I’m enthused and supportive of all the work being done by Visit Wells and the team at The Bishop’s Palace”.