§ 3. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to assist the development of Cardiff as an international tourism destination. [31648]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Wales tourist board, the Cardiff Bay development corporation, local authorities and Cardiff Marketing Ltd. are working together to promote Cardiff as a major international tourism destination.
§ Mr. CoombsIs my hon. Friend aware that superb visitor attractions such Techniquest and Harry Ramsden's fish restaurant, both of which I had the pleasure of visiting earlier this year, are making a significant contribution towards Cardiff Bay development corporation's target of 2 million visitors by the end of the century? What help can my hon. Friend and his Department give to those who would like to see an opera house in Cardiff bay, as yet another international facility to attract visitors?
§ Mr. JonesI am glad to know that my hon. Friend has visited Harry Ramsden's and Techniquest. By coincidence, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister had the same pleasures on Thursday and Friday. I can report that we all returned from Porthcawl reinvigorated with fresh confidence for the future. I can tell my hon. Friend that I believe that Cardiff Bay development corporation is well on track to achieve its target. Its current year target is more than 1.3 million visitors, and I think that both its targets will be achieved. I would welcome opportunities to explore further possibilities for tourist attractions, not least an opera house or whatever would be felt most agreeable to the local community.