§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to strengthen the composition of the Scottish tourism co-ordinating group; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend announced on 29 June 1993 that, as part of the tourism review, the Scottish tourism co-ordinating group would be responsible, under my chairmanship, for supervising the preparation by the Scottish tourist board of a national tourism strategy for Scotland.
I have concluded that it will be desirable, if widespread commitment to the national tourism strategy is to be secured, to strengthen the group with a wider range of tourist interests. I am glad to announce that the following members have agreed to serve:
Serving members Scottish Tourist Board Chairman and Chief Executive1 Scottish Enterprise Chairman and Chief Executive1 Highlands and Islands Enterprise Chairman and Chief Executive1 British Tourist Authority Chief Executive1 COSLA President Scottish Confederation of Tourism Chairman Scottish Natural Heritage Chairman The Scottish Arts Council Chairman The Scottish Sports Council Chairman The Scottish Museums Council Chairman Historic Scotland Director and Chief Executive Scottish office Industry Department Head of Highlands, Tourism and co-ordination Division1 1 Existing members of the group. The remit of the group will be to devise a national tourism strategy, to review that strategy annually, to ensure that it is implemented, to improve Scotland's tourism product, and to ensure effective co-ordination between Scottish tourist interests.
The first meeting of the expanded group will be on 20 May.