Liberal Democrat leader MP Charles Kennedy met with hotel bosses to discuss the foot-and-mouth crisis.
At the meeting, the MP discussed the current and potential impact of the situation on Eastbourne's tourism industry.
He was greeted at the York House Hotel by members of Eastbourne Hotels Association, including recently elected chairman Mike Gillis and outgoing chairman Matthew Williamson.
Outside the hotel, campaigners waved Keep The Pound placards as Mr Kennedy arrived.
During the meeting the MP was asked a string of questions, including what could be done to tempt more English people to holiday in their own country.
He said: "There's no doubt this is a serious problem with a knock-on effect on tourism.
"Scores of businesses depend on tourism in towns like Eastbourne but it is suffering because the national picture makes it look like the countryside and towns around it are closed."
Mr Gillis said: "It was a very productive meeting and it's nice to see a political leader taking an interest in Eastbourne."
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