§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what figures he has for the number of visitors to the United Kingdom from north America on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of D-day.
§ Mr. SproatI have received preliminary estimates from the British Tourist Authority about the number of visitors from north America to the United Kingdom as a result of the 50th anniversary of D-day marketing campaign in north America by the BTA and by the Southern tourist board which included a dedicated STB unit within the BTA office in New York.
BTA's early indications show substantially higher numbers of visitors and visitor spending than suggested in pre-campaign forecasts. These figures indicate between 75,000 and 125,000 additional visitors to the United Kingdom from north America, increasing British tourism earnings by between £44 million and £73 million.
I should like to pay particular tribute for this success to the work of Mr. Jeff Hamblin, BTA general manager in north America and his staff, for marketing so effectively the wide range of civilian and military events throughout the United Kingdom, commemorating the 50th anniversary of D-day; also to the exceptional commercial leadership of Mr. Michael Green, chairman of the STB, and Mr. John Slater, managing director of the STB.