The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest. As a business-led organisation, the NWDA provides a crucial link between the needs of business and Government policies.  

The Tourism Directorate at the Agency has the leading strategic role for tourism in England’s Northwest and are responsible for setting direction, allocating resources, managing relationships with, and supporting the Tourist Boards.    It is leading in ICT, research, business development, skills, project management and regional marketing.

The Agency uses its influence with regional and central government and region-wide organisations.  It also works with colleagues in other Regional Development Agencies to challenge and support in relation to national tourism issues.