HC Deb 22 November 1995 vol 267 cc169-70W
Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the state of the tourism industry in Scotland. [770]

Mr. Kynoch

Tourism is a major contributor to the Scottish economy. My right hon. Friend has made clear his commitment to the industry. I am pleased to say that all the signs are that the industry has done well in 1995. In the first seven months alone, tourism trips to Scotland from within the United Kingdom were up by 24 per cent. over the same period last year, bednights up 32 per cent. and spend up by 15 per cent. Overseas trips to the UK as a whole also rose substantially and I expect Scotland to show a similar position. This success is underpinned by substantial Scottish Office support for tourism, through the Scottish tourist board and the enterprise agencies. We intend to continue to support the industry in its efforts to become still more competitive.