§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their estimate of the impact of the terrorist attacks of 11 September on the tourism industry of the United Kingdom; how this estimate compares with the impact on tourism in other European Union countries; and, if there is a disparity in the figures, what is their explanation for the disparity. [HL1847]
26WA
§ Baroness BlackstoneIt is too early for comprehensive analysis. but clearly there have been adverse effects on British tourism. The BTA has predicted that tourist numbers from Britain's key long-haul markets will fall by 15 to 25 per cent. Those businesses most dependent on higher spending long-haul visitors have been hardest hit. Other parts of the industry are doing rather better. A recent survey showed a 17.2 per cent fall in occupancy in London hotels but only 1.7 per cent in regional hotels, and an ETC survey found that since 11 September nearly 1 million people in Britain have changed their plans from holidaying abroad to taking a trip at home.
The European Commission compiled a report [(13976/01) COM(2001) 668 final] which found a mixed picture across the EU, with those markets more heavily reliant on higher spending long-haul visitors, such as the UK, most affected.