Grant Shapps has visited Mill Green Museum and Watermill to mark the beginning of English Tourism Week.
The Welwyn Hatfield MP was given a tour of the museum's exhibitions, saw the restored 18th-century working watermill in action and then sampled cream tea and scones made with fresh flour from the mill.
His visit comes after a Visit Herts report found signs that the tourism sector in the county is recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic, with growth up 34 per cent from 2020 to £147 million.
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Councillor Terry Mitchinson, executive member for leisure and community at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, joined Mr Shapps on the tour.
He is delighted to see the tourism sector in Hertfordshire recovering and encouraged residents to visit Mill Green Museum and Watermill if they get the chance.
"It is extremely encouraging to see the signs of recovery to our tourism sector which is such an important part of our local economy," he said.
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"We are very fortunate in Welwyn Hatfield to have so much to offer visitors, from Mill Green Museum to our Roman Baths, Stanborough Lakes and Hatfield House.
"The current exhibitions at Mill Green Museum and Watermill are a fascinating glimpse into our history for adults and children alike.
"I would encourage everyone to visit Mill Green Museum and Watermill which we are so lucky to have on our doorstep."
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