HC Deb 03 March 1997 vol 291 c498W
20. Sir David Knox

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on tourism in the midlands. [16717]

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Tourism is an industry of vital importance to the midlands, as it is throughout Britain. In 1995 there were almost 20 million domestic and overseas visitor trips to the areas covered by the Heart of England and East Midlands tourist boards, generating revenue of almost £2,130 million.

The industry in all parts of the country will benefit from the measures contained in the tourism strategy, success through partnership, which I announced on 5 February. The strategy sets out a co-ordinated action plan for Government, the industry and the tourist boards working in partnership to develop tourism to its full potential.