VistBritain and VistEngland (Triennial Review)

Helen Grant Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2015 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant)]

On 22 July 2014, I announced in a written ministerial statement the commencement of the triennial review of VisitBritain (VB) and VisitEngland (VE). I am now pleased to announce the completion of the review and publication of the final report.

The review concluded that VB and VE should continue to deliver the functions set out in the Development of Tourism Act 1969, but that they should be fully separated into two independent executive non-departmental public bodies with some changes to their respective roles and responsibilities. The review considered that this would help to clarify responsibility for delivering the functions and the accountability and governance arrangements.

The review has made a number of recommendations for changes and improvements in the functions, delivery and governance arrangements of VB and VE. In particular, the review recommends that VE should in future focus on supporting the development of high-quality tourism products and offers in England, while VB should be responsible for international marketing of both Britain and England.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will now discuss with VB and VE how the recommendations can be implemented.

The triennial review has been carried out with the full participation of VB and VE, as well as a range of stakeholders from across Government and the tourism sector. I am grateful to all those who contributed to the review.

The final report of the review is available online at: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenststements and will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

[HCWS382]