Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2000 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make a statement on trends in incoming tourism to the United Kingdom. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on trends in incoming tourism to the United Kingdom. [141426] Mr. Chris Smith: The numbers of North American and other long-haul visitors to the UK have increased by 3 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively in the first 10 months of this year, compared with the corresponding period of 1999, although visits from Europe are down by 4 per cent. and overall visits by 2 per cent. Overall spend by overseas visitors is up by 1 per cent. to £10.8 billion in the first 10 months of this year, compared with the equivalent period of 1999, and remains on course to be one of the highest levels on record.

Secondary information