§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Wales Tourist Board is not empowered to supplement the overseas marketing of Wales and is thus in a weaker position than tourist boards in all other regions of the United Kingdom.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Trumpington)Under the terms of the Development of Tourism Act 1969, responsibility for the overseas promotion of Britain as a whole lies with the British Tourist Authority. However, the Wales Tourist Board, with the agreement of the BTA, can undertake overseas promotion of Wales on behalf of the authority.
The implementation of the recommendations of last year's tourism review of the BTA, undertaken by the Secretary of State for Employment, is intended to improve the marketing of Britain as a whole and should thus be of direct benefit to Wales. The Government are monitoring closely the effectiveness of the changes.
In addition, the WTB recently commissioned a study intended to identify specific proposals which might enhance the work of the BTA on behalf of Wales. The consultant is working closely with the BTA and the WTB in the preparation of his report, which is expected shortly. It will be considered carefully by the Government.