§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the estimated cost to the tourist industry is of(a) the events of 11 September and (b) foot and mouth; and if she will make a statement. [38835]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 28 February 2002]: It is estimated that foot and mouth disease caused direct losses to the tourism industry during the months of March-August 2001 of between £2.7 billion and £3.2 billion in terms of value added.
Visitor expenditure from overseas residents fell by £1.8 billion in 2001, compared to 2000. This downturn is mainly attributable to the impact of foot and mouth disease, the events of 11 September and current global economic conditions.
The impact across the country has been mixed and there are signs that we are now in the early stages of a recovery.