2023届高考英语外刊阅读模拟强化训练：阅读理解专题十四

高考英语外刊阅读模拟强化训练 阅读理解专题十四 ① Plans to boost domestic tourism by introducing a rail pass for British “staycationers” have been axed, the Guardian can reveal. The idea was initially heralded by the government as a way to help struggling businesses get back on their feet as the final Covid restrictions were being lifted in the summer of 2021. But extensive consultations since have found the plan would not be commercially viable. The special ticket was to be modelled on the BritRail pass, which is sold through Visit Britain and allows foreign tourists unlimited journeys on most train lines across England, Wales and Scotland. That is sold as a way of encouraging visitors to visit attractions and “discover the hidden gems of Britain anytime, on any train” at “great value for money”. As the final unlocking of restrictions approached, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said in a widely reported announcement in June 2021 that a similar rail pass for staycationers would be launched later in the year. However, more than 18 months later, the plan has not come to fruition. Extensive research by DCMS, alongside the Department for Transport, the Rail Delivery Group, and VisitBritain, found that such a product “would not provide value for money for customers”if it were commercially viable.“The government will work with VisitBritain and the rail operators to find alternative ways to encourage more people to use UK rail networks to enjoy the leisure and tourism offer around the country,”the document noted. The decision will come as a blow to tourism and hospitality firms, which are already struggling given the cost of living crisis and high inflation. Richard Toomer, executive director of the Tourism Alliance, said dropping the plan was disappointing. It would have been“a great way to encourage people to explore the regions and nations of the UK”, and rail travel was“a very sustainable form of transport”. Labour called the decision to axe“another broken pr