Tourists are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and, as such, are taking their holidays within the UK instead of flying to overseas destinations, it has been claimed.

This is good news for the northwest because the region is already in an enviable position to accommodate 'green' tourists from other parts of Britain.

As well containing two of Europe's most prosperous cities (Manchester and Liverpool) and a famous seaside resort (Blackpool), the northwest boasts a fantastic natural environment, especially in Cumbria, according to the Natural Economy Northwest.

The North West Regional Development Agency believes that rural tourism, for example, contributes something like £770 million to the national economy.

The northwest, four-fifths of which is countryside, is host to England's largest National Park and three designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, and has over 1,000 km of coastline.