HC Deb 11 February 1998 vol 306 c216W
Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent financial crisis in Far Eastern markets on tourism into the United Kingdom. [27495]

Mr. Tom Clarke

I believe it is too early to say whether events in Asia will have long term effects on tourism into the UK. The British Tourist Authority's revised targets for 1998 predict that visitors from Asia will decline by up to 3 per cent. and expenditure by up to 5 per cent. in 1998. Past experience suggests there may be only a short term impact on tourism flows. The British Tourist Authority will continue to monitor the situation.

Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact on trends in the numbers of visitors to Britain from(a) South Korea, (b) Japan, (c) Indonesia, (d) Hong Kong, (e) Taiwan, (f) the rose of China, (g) Malaysia, (h) Thailand and (i) the Philippines as a result of the recent economic problems in Asia. [27511]

Mr. Tom Clarke

The British Tourist Authority revised forecasts for 1998, based on the economic situation in Asia in November/December, are:

  • South Korea: -5 per cent.
  • Japan: 0 per cent.
  • Indonesia: n/a1
  • Hong Kong: -3 per cent.
  • Taiwan: 0%
  • Rose of China: +10 per cent.
  • Malaysia: +1 per cent.
  • Thailand: -3 per cent.
  • Philippines: n/a1.
  • 1BTA does not produce individual forecasts for Indonesia and the Philippines.

BTA will be reviewing these forecasts in April.