§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the development of tourism in rural areas. [95901]
§ Janet AndersonThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) was one of several other Government departments we consulted when drawing up150W the tourism strategy document, "Tomorrow's Tourism", in view of that Department's strong interest in the economic vitality, conservation and public enjoyment of the countryside. We have maintained dialogue with MAFF regarding the future development of rural tourism policy, particularly with regard to farm diversification and the implementation of the European Commission's proposed Rural Development Regulation. We are also liaising with MAFF and others regarding the preparations for the Tourism Summit in March 2000, and the forthcoming Rural White Paper.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the relationship of the value of tourism to the holding of major sporting events. [96013]
§ Janet AndersonA 1997 study by the UK, English and Scottish Sports Councils examined the economic impact of six major sporting events throughout the UK. It concluded that much of the additional expenditure earned by these events was contributed by tourists, in addition to the expenditure by competitors and officials themselves.
The Government's tourism strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism", pointed to the boost given by Euro '96 to UK tourism and underlined our commitment to bringing major international sporting events to this country. That is why I have agreed with my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport that the British Tourist Authority will produce a sports tourism strategy by the end of this year to complement the Government's forthcoming sports strategy and to help to maximise the tourism benefits accruing from major sporting events in the UK.