§ 18. Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to encourage tourism in the Greater Manchester area to coincide with the Commonwealth games in 2002. [77386]
§ Mr. Chris SmithAs the Government's new tourism strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism", states, we are committed to bringing major international sporting events to this country. Euro 96 demonstrated the boost which can be given to tourism by such events. The 2002 Commonwealth Games will put Manchester and the North West on the map and will provide a great shop window for the facilities and attractions that the area has to offer the domestic and overseas visitor. Manchester City Council and other nearby local authorities are already working with the North West Tourist Board and the English Sports Council to maximise the tourism potential of these Games.