§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what data he has collated on the percentage of total employment accounted for by the tourism industry. [18170]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeThe latest available figures show that tourism accounts for approximately 7 per cent. of total employment in Great Britain.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his Department is doing to encourage the provision of training for employees in the tourist industry. [18166]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeMy Department is already working with the industry, and the Department for Education and Employment, to encourage employee training in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries. Training is essential if these sectors are to have a world class work force of skilled individuals who can provide excellent service to meet consumer expectations. A working group of the Tourism Forum will be developing further ideas to promote training in the industry.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what data he has collected on Britain's international ranking in terms of international tourism earnings. [18169]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeWorld Tourism Organisation figures show the United Kingdom as fifth in the world in terms of tourism earnings in 1996.