HC Deb 27 January 2004 vol 417 cc277-8W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the contribution to the economy in terms of revenue from tourism generated by the Royal Family in each of the last three years. [150200]

Mr. Caborn

We have no rigorous basis on which to estimate the contribution to the economy in terms of revenue from tourism generated by the Royal Family, but that contribution is certainly substantial.

Estelle Morris

Figures by district are not available. The following is the information by local authority:

Significant recent events include the Golden Jubilee in 2002, which proved to be a big draw for visitors from around the world, and the Royal Tourism Day in June 2003.

In addition to such contributions, some of Britain's most popular attractions are directly associated with the Royal Family, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and most recently Clarence House. The Palace and the Tower of London are named more than any other attractions by overseas visitors to London, with about a third of them planning to visit them. The biggest free attraction is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace which is a 'must see' on most visitors' itineraries.