§ Richard Younger-RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of the creation of marine parks on tourism in England. [186282]
§ Mr. CabornThe Department has made no assessment of the impact specifically of marine parks on tourism in England. There are tremendous opportunities for water-based tourism in England. In 2002, the last year that full figures are available, UK residents took 26 million holiday trips to the seaside and 19 million visits to UK wildlife attractions and zoos. The Deep attraction in Hull received 750,000 visitors in its first year, and the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth received tround 380,000 visitors in 2002. Marine attractions are promoted in VisitBritain's current "Watersidt England" campaign, which promotes water-based attractions and activities.