Lords to debate tourism's contribution to UK and European economies

The debate will be opened by Lord Harrison, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Affairs EU Sub-Committee and former Member of the European Parliament, who tabled the debate, said:

“When most people think of tourism, the word ‘holiday' springs to mind. What they might consider are the thousands of people in this country who are employed through the tourism industry, which provides a rich variety of jobs and opportunities for all kinds of people. This underrated industry is actually the fourth largest in Britain, and yet it is largely ignored by Government. Tourism parked in a department that bears no relevance to it and that certainly can't do much to help the education and training of its employees, and support the thousands of small businesses involved.

“Tourism contributes hugely to the economic growth and prosperity to both this country and Europe as a whole. With visitors coming from all over the world, including the rapidly expanding tourism trade in China, Europe is a premier destination for tourists and, if the Government were to treat it as it does other industries, with all the relevant investment and training opportunities this would provide, it could provide an on-going, growing source of income for many years to come.”

Other Members scheduled to speak include:

• Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage;
• Lord Lee of Trafford, Chairman of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) and former Minister for Tourism;
• Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, Shadow Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport;
• Baroness Wheatcroft, Trustee of the British Museum; and
• Lord Shipley, Deputy Chair of the Regional Growth Fund Independent Advisory Panel.

The Earl of Caithness, Lord Berkeley of Knighton, Baroness Wall of New Barnet, Baroness Seccombe and Baroness Billingham are also expected to take part.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble will respond on behalf of the Government.