HC Deb 17 October 1994 vol 248 c12
12. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the latest statistics for tourism for Wales.

Mr. Gwilym Jones

There were 7.7 million domestic tourism trips in 1993 and 670,000 overseas visitors to Wales, spending £132 million in 1992.

Mr. Enright

More than in Dorset.

Mr. Bruce

May I thank my hon. Friend for his reply and the hon. Member for Hemsworth (Mr. Enright) for mentioning the wonders of Dorset? Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the great cards that Wales and Britain in general can play is our heritage and that people come for that and often because of our monarchy? They certainly come more for that than to see the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn).

Mr. Jones

I very much agree with the thrust of my hon. Friend's question. Indeed, I have acknowledged that some parts of Dorset, especially that which he represents, are as attractive as Wales. We shall continue to make the most of all our natural advantages, especially our heritage. The Welsh tourist board and Cadw are playing an important role in that.

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