§ 32. Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Paymaster General if he will estimate the relative position of the United Kingdom in the western European business conference market; and what steps he will take to improve our current standing.
§ Mr. TrippierDetailed information on the business conference market in western Europe is not available. However, the Brussels-based Union of International Associations produces annual figures on international association conferences held throughout the world which indicate that in 1985 the United Kingdom hosted more events than any other western European country. More generally, the British Tourist Authority advises that, alongside France, the United Kingdom has ranked as the premier destination for business and conference tourism in western Europe over recent years.
In order to maintain our current position, many conference and exhibition facility developments and improvements are taking place, with five major centres due for completion this year. The BTA recognises the importance of the business and conference sector both in 106W terms of higher spending yield and as a means of achieving its objective of encouraging off-peak traffic. It will be allocating additional resources to the sector in 1986–87.