Narrow Gauge Railway Tourism 2023-12-06
2023-12-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP enquires about promoting narrow gauge railway tourism, which is an important aspect of the UK's tourism sector. The government has previously shown support for this industry.
Whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on promoting and supporting narrow gauge railway tourism in Wales.
Narrow gauge and heritage railways are important for our tourism sector. Although tourism is, of course, devolved, the UK Government have demonstrated their support for the sector. The Secretary of State saw that at first hand on 2 June, when he opened Corwen station, which was partly funded by the UK Government's levelling-up fund.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific discussions with Welsh Government on promoting narrow gauge railway tourism were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights a personal experience where a friend from France was impressed by the narrow gauge railway in Tywyn, Wales. He enquires about promoting these unique Welsh narrow gauge railways in Europe.
First, I welcome my hon. Friend to the Dispatch Box; it is a pleasure to see her there. A little while back, a friend of mine from Rouen, Thierry Fontenay, came over to Tywyn in Gwynedd. I asked myself, “How can I amuse him?” I took him on the Talyllyn railway, and we went from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn. He was over the moon—he took photographs of the engine and went on to the footplate. He told me that there are no narrow gauge railways like that, if at all, in France. What can we do to promote in Europe these wonderful narrow gauge railways that we have in Wales?
My hon. Friend is, of course, right: Wales's narrow gauge railways are part of our unique tourism offer, so it is vital that they are marketed to the world. That is why Visit Britain works to ensure that Wales's brand values are reflected in the broader GREAT campaign. Let me do Visit Britain and Visit Wales's job for them and warmly invite Monsieur Fontenay to come and see the premier narrow gauge railway—the Brecon Mountain railway.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific actions to promote Welsh narrow gauge railways in Europe were not detailed, instead inviting a tourist to visit
Response accuracy