The news the South Downs is to become England’s ninth national park has been broadly welcomed across Sussex and, according to Tourism South East (TSE) , the announcement has come at just the right time.

While many areas of tourism are taking a hit in the current recession, John Williams believes the Government’s announcement that 627sq miles of the region will become a national park is really good news.

Rural tourism is an important part of the South East’s economy and TSE says it recognises the potential the decision represents.

Mr Williams said: “This comes at a challenging time for tourism which offers the South East new opportunities.

“With the economy as it is, there’s no better time to take breaks, holidays and day visits in this country. The new national park will help raise awareness of the area’s natural beauty and the breadth of what the South East has to offer.”

The South Downs is widely recognised as one of the area’s natural treasures and it is hoped that its national park status will help to attract more visitors to its vast area of woodland, rolling chalk uplands and river valleys.

The announcement also comes at a time when celebrations are afoot for the 60th anniversary of the protection of special places through the National Park Act.

Mr Williams said part of TSE’s role will be to encourage people to respect the area, at the same time as enjoying its benefits.

He said: “Our role is to help ensure that we make the most of the opportunities this provides and encourage visitors to respect and enjoy this special place in a sustainable way.

“Enjoyment In order to maintain the quality of the region’s environment we need to create a greater understanding among our visitors of the relationship between the enjoyment of a place and its care and protection. In that way, everyone can enjoy our new national park now and in the future.”

The news has also been welcomed by Friends of Sheepcote Valley, which has been campaigning for years for the inclusion of the valley in the national park.

Jane Hawkins, from the group, said: “It is like a dream come true, there were times we never really believed it was going to happen.

“We have been campaigning for a long time and it is great that it has been included.”

Many businesses in the tourism industry have also given the announcement a resounding thumbs-up.

Gary Smart, owner of Littlehampton’s seafront amusement complex Harbour Park, said the decision will have far-reaching benefits for local businesses with a positive impact on seaside trade.

He said: “It will be a huge boost for the local economy, from the smallest bed and breakfast to bigger attractions like Arundel Castle, Arundel Wildlife and Wetland Centre and Goodwood.

“Why are the Brecon Beacons or the Lake District internationally known? Because they re a national park.

“After years of procrastination we’ve finally got our national park designation which comes at a great time for the tourism industry. What a superb marketing tool. This is great news for tourism in Sussex.”

Jonathon Webley, from the Grand Hotel in King Edward’s Parde, Eastbourne, said the National Park status will give the area more definition as a tourist destination. He said: “Everyone has heard of Beachy Head but the context of where it is can sometimes by unclear for visitors outside the area.”

The hotel has already commissioned a booklet of walks exploring the Downs by the countryside author Christopher Somerville.

Councillor Susan Morris, the lead member for tourism at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “Becoming a gateway to the South Downs National Park is fantastic for Eastbourne and really establishes the resort as a coast and country destination.”

John Hughes, the Green Party spokesman for West Sussex, said: “It is marvellous news that it’s finally come to pass.”