Arts Council England and VisitEngland have joined forces in order to boost cultural tourism across the country.

As part of the new partnership, the two bodies have earmarked £3m worth of Arts Council Lottery funding, to be invested in supporting destinations that have "real potential to grow" and improve cultural tourism.

There will be a number of coordinated to encourage the development of arts and cultural experiences and targeted holiday packages for visitors that include cultural aspects as well as more traditional accommodation and transport elements.

Describing the partnership, culture secretary Maria Miller said: "Our country is renowned around the world as a top cultural tourist destination - with iconic heritage sites, museums and theatres; the industry has a strong role to play in our economic growth.

"It makes sense that our cultural and tourist industries join forces, as in many cases they are two sides of the same coin."

To download the partnership statement (in PDF) form, click here.