THIS year could be a boom time for rural tourism.

A national survey claims that more than half of those interviewed said they were more likely to holiday in or visit the countryside this year than last.

The Country Land and Business Association revealed the results of its survey at the launch of its Rural Tourism: Opportunities for Growth manifesto.

Dr Kim Wells, tourism minister, attended the Westminster launch and agreed there was a golden opportunity to be seized.

And Alun Michael, rural affairs minister, said that increased rural tourism would also help improve understanding of the role farmers and landowners play in managing the countryside.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA Yorkshire regional director, said tourism was of growing importance to the county's rural economy.

"This is now more widely recognised, especially in those farming areas that suffered foot and mouth disease," she said,

"A successful rural economy is one where profitable businesses underpin services, jobs, facilities and landscape.

"Agriculture is no longer the only engine for this. It is increasingly likely in many areas of the county to be tourism.

"Many of our members in Yorkshire are already active in most aspects of the rural tourism sector: accommodation, attractions, heritage, food and drink.

"But there is much more that could be done to boost the industry. Our survey shows that people are now keener than ever to visit the countryside."

The CLA is calling for a number of measures to support rural tourism, including a reduction in VAT for rural tourism businesses to bring them into line with their EU competitors - the rate for tourist accommodation in the UK.

A more sympathetic approach to planning and more help in marketing the countryside are among other suggestions.

The CLA is also piloting a countryside loyalty bonus scheme: the survey, carried out by ICM, found that 85pc of people would support a scheme that rewarded visitors for spending on local goods and services.