§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the(a) total number of people employed in the United Kingdom tourism industry and (b) financial contribution to the United Kingdom economy of the tourism industry. [12525]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeThe latest available figures show that there are around 1.7 million people employed in tourism-related industries in Great Britain. The revenue 651W generated by tourism in the United Kingdom is estimated to be £40 billion for 1996. This is equivalent to approximately 5 per cent. of gross domestic product.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has to develop a strategy for further development of the United Kingdom tourism industry. [12519]
§ Mr. ClarkeThe Government believe that the further development of tourism can best be achieved by working in full partnership with the industry, local authorities, tourist boards and others. On 10 October we therefore announced an expanded role for the Tourism Forum and the creation of a new forum working group on strategic planning.