§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to assist the domestic tourism market to become more competitive. [49693]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are committed to improving the competitiveness of the domestic tourism market through an agenda of modernisation and long term strategic reform. The Government are working closely with key industry partners to achieve more consistent high standards and better value for money across the tourism industry.
Modernisation and reform will focus on raising the quality of the domestic product; improving skills and training; increasing the quality and quantity of tourism data and research; promoting the development of e-tourism; and providing stronger co-ordination of the promotion and marketing of England's tourist assets.
Baseline funding for English tourism will rise from £10 million in 2001–02 to £12 million this year and campaigns such as "Your Countryside, You're Welcome" will also support our tourism industry during 2002.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to assist the tourism industry in Essex. [49691]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are committed to the modernisation and reform of the tourism industry and this will have a beneficial effect on tourism across the country, including Essex.
835WThe East of England Tourist Board (EETB) received funding of £550,400 in 2001–02 to support tourism in the region. The figure for 2002–03 has yet to be agreed. During 2001£02 the EETB also received additional funding of £425,000 from the East of England Development Agency and £180,000 from the English Tourism Council in response to the foot and mouth outbreak.
Furthermore, Essex county council will be spending £100,000 this year promoting Essex as a tourism destination and has recently collaborated with both the Countryside Agency, and Tastes of Anglia, to provide support for a spring campaign this year. The tourism industry in Essex also benefits from national tourism strategies, such as the "Your Countryside, You're Welcome" campaign, aimed at attracting visitors back to the English countryside.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of United Kingdom jobs are dependent on the tourism industry. [49692]
§ Dr. HowellsThe latest figure available for tourism-related industries is 2.1 million (September 2001). This equates to 7 per cent. of all employment in Great Britain. We do not have estimates for UK employment because Northern Ireland do their employment surveys separately.