Tourism Industry

Tourism in South East Cornwall includes coastal towns like Looe, Polperro, and Port Eliot. The area struggles with maintaining local services and infrastructure to support both residents and visitors year-round. The hon. Member discussed the importance of sustainable tourism in coastal towns. My hon. Friend stressed the need for balance between tourism growth and local community needs regarding short-term lets and housing availability for workers.

Questions the Liberal Democrat calls for a UK-EU youth mobility scheme and reminds of previous discussions. The Minister congratulated Blake Stephenson on his dedication to tourism issues, highlighted the importance of tourism in driving growth, and discussed Universal Studios theme park plans. He also mentioned the interconnectedness between tourism and creative industries. Acknowledged the Minister's points on food, business rates relief, and national insurance contributions. Emphasised the importance of changing industry perceptions for job and career growth.

First, I very much welcome the announcement that the Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh. As I represent a very large constituency in the south of Scotland, it seems to me inevitable that it would have to proceed through my constituency in order to reach England. The right hon. Friend was praised as a one-man tourism champion for his constituency. The right hon. Member noted the importance of working with Scotland on international tourism branding and development. Mentioned the missed opportunity to highlight Ecclefechan tart from his constituency.

Suggests reinstating Eurostar stops at Ashford and Ebbsfleet to boost Kent's tourism sector.

Discussed the importance of tourism in Northern Ireland, generating 4.9% of GDP and £750 million annually. Our good friend made a case for his constituency's attractions including wild-water bathing, golf, and whiskey. The hon. Member emphasised the importance of welcoming hospitality as a key aspect of the UK's tourism offer.

Cornwall's reliance on tourism can sometimes be a mistake due to seasonality of employment and lack of infrastructure, suggesting that local economies should be balanced.

Tourism in England is essential for the economy, with London attracting millions of visitors to landmarks such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. The Government recognise this importance through initiatives like tourism zones and T-level courses. My hon. Friend highlighted the significance of locations where films and TV programmes are made as drivers for domestic and international tourism.

Praises contributions from other MPs, particularly highlighting the case made by the hon. Member for Dudley regarding what the area has to offer.

The tourism sector in South Northamptonshire includes various landmarks such as Stoke Bruerne museum, Tanks-alot tank driving experience, and Salcey forest. The area faces challenges due to the Budget announcements on employer national insurance contributions and minimum wage increases. My hon. Friend highlighted her constituency's attractions such as driving a tank, visiting Silverstone, or exploring churches. The hon. Member referred to Silverstone’s importance in science, innovation, technology, sport, and tourism.

Expressed her pleasure at being part of the debate and praised the passion of Members speaking about their communities. The hon. Member for Richmond Park pointed out the connection between tourism and the creative industries and expressed concerns about EU-related issues post-Brexit.

If Members need any more clues, it is the heart of the industrial revolution. Dudley borough had 9.6 million visitors in 2023 and has a visitor economy of £447 million. My hon. Friend inquired about geopark development, suggesting a need for joined-up Government across departments to address this issue.