§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what has been the increase in real output of the United Kingdom tourist industry in each year since 1986; what effect the decline in the nominal exchange rate since September 1992 has had on bookings for this year; and if he will publish his forecast for the industry's real output this year and next.
§ Mr. KeyThe information on output is not available in the form requested. The Department does not collect data on bookings and so cannot quantify the effect of the depreciation of sterling since September 1992; however, it will have made the United Kingdom a more competitive tourism destination.
The British Tourist Authority forecasts that the number of overseas visits will rise by 5 per cent. in 1993 and by a further 6 per cent. in 1994. Spending by overseas visitors is expected to rise by 4 per cent. (in cash terms) in 1993, and by a further 4 per cent. in 1994. The English tourist board forecasts that the number of domestic tourism trips of one night or more will rise by 1½ per cent. in both 1993 and 1994. Spending on domestic tourism trips is expected to rise by 7 per cent. (in cash terms) in 1993 and by a further 5½ per cent. in 1994.