§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any progress to report on the implementation of his review of tourism policy.
§ Mr. BevanTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on the review of tourism.
§ Mr. FowlerI have now approved detailed proposals for implementing the results of the review on tourism that I announced on 6 July. The proposals have also been approved by the English tourist board (ETB) and the British Tourist Authority (BTA). The ETB and BTA will streamline their central operations releasing an additional £4 million to be spent directly by the regional tourist boards in England, under a form of contract to the ETB, and the the BTA's offices overseas.
The changes will take effect from 1 April 1990. Both ETB and BTA in conjunction with my Department will be considering further steps to involve industry and regional tourist boards more closely in their work; to ensure maximum flexibility of response to market conditions; further to increase efficiency; and to focus Government funding more clearly and in a way which is consistent with general policy.
I would wish to emphasise the importance of tourism to this country. The tourism industry makes a major contribution to the United Kingdom economy. Its total annual turnover is about £19 billion. About 1.5 million people are employed in the industry, and this number is growing rapidly. 1988 was a record year for overseas visitors to the United Kingdom, with nearly 16 million visits, and the performance in 1989 so far is even better.
These new arrangements will provide positive opportunities for the ETB, the BTA and the regional tourist boards to increase the effectiveness of their work, in partnership with the private sector. The Government remain committed to the success and growth of the tourism industry.