VisitBritain has agreed commercial deals with destination management companies for the first time, in order to better promote England’s tourism products overseas.

The partnerships will focus on increasing awareness of 20 Discover England Fund tourism projects – such as Golf Tourism England, the South West Coast Path and The Great West Way project.

The three-year Discover England Fund, which runs from 2016-19, is designed to improve England’s competitive tourism offer by building bookable tourism products and getting them to “the right international customers at the right time” – benefitting the domestic market and making it easier to explore the country.

Carol Dray, VisitBritain’s commercial director, said: “This partnership will boost sales of the fantastic new and existing tourism products on offer in England and increase awareness of the exciting Discover England Fund projects.

“From gourmet garden trails in Kent and self-guided app-based tours in the Cotswolds to discovering the Great West Way, this partnership will turn inspiration to visit into bookings.”

The six destination management companies selected by VisitBritain are Abbey Tours, AC Tours, Angela Shanley Associates, E-Voyages, Hotels & More and Jac Travel.