Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tourism Industry

Thursday 10 February 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK tourism industry received over 37 billion in financial support during the pandemic.
  • Minister expressed willingness to meet MP to discuss tourism promotion in Southern rail.
  • Honorable Member emphasized the need for central funding of major heritage and tourism assets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Huw Merriman Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of covid-19 on the UK tourism industry and seeks to understand what steps are being taken by the Department to support its recovery.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support the UK tourism industry as covid-19 restrictions are lifted?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The tourism industry has been severely affected by covid-19, which is why we have provided more than £37 billion in financial support to the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors over the pandemic. The Government's tourism recovery plan sets out our ambition to get visitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels a year faster than independent forecasts predict. To help us to achieve that ambition, VisitBritain's international marketing campaign launches this month to target pent-up demand in key markets.

Answered
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Q2 Huw Merriman Con
Transport
Context

The MP visited Rathfinny vineyard and met the Minister at De La Warr pavilion, both part of the Sussex Modern trail. He wants to know why Southern rail is not promoting tourism offers like these, which could boost its passenger numbers and local tourism.

Question

Would the Minister meet me to discuss why Southern rail is not promoting tourism offers such as those, which would not only provide a great boost to its own passenger numbers—needed after covid-19—but boost tourism in Sussex and elsewhere in the country?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Indeed, I was delighted to visit my hon. Friend's constituency last year. He has many gems—cultural, historic, heritage—as well as tourist attractions, so I can see why so many people would want to visit his part of the world. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss his proposals, some of which would involve engagement across Departments, and I would be happy to facilitate those conversations as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific information on Southern Rail's promotion plans or timelines.

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Q3 Chris Matheson Lab
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP highlights the importance of city walls in his area as a major driver of tourism and suggests that such national treasures should be funded centrally.

Question

Does the Minister agree with me that such major heritage and tourism assets should be funded centrally, because they are national and, indeed, international treasures?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. We do invest quite heavily in heritage, particularly with the culture recovery programme, and of course there is ongoing investment in heritage through the national lottery heritage schemes and others. Again, this is an area that sometimes involves cross-Government work, so I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss his ideas and proposals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the importance of central funding for heritage but does not provide specific commitments or timelines.

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