Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Imran Hussain and Tracey Crouch

Thursday 3rd November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Imran Hussain (Bradford East) (Lab)]

5. What assessment she has made of the effect of recent changes in the currency exchange rate on tourism in the UK.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Tracey Crouch)]

It is too early to draw conclusions about the impact of changes in the currency exchange rate on tourism. Many trips to the UK are booked far in advance. Thanks to our world-class attractions, heritage and great marketing campaign, July and August set new records for inbound visits and spending.

[Imran Hussain]

Since the EU referendum result, the pound has devalued dramatically, and last month the Conservatives were celebrating the rising number of tourists coming to the UK. Is it now the Government’s policy to encourage a weak pound in order to increase the number of visitors to UK tourist sites?

[Tracey Crouch]

I appreciate that this is a Labour party attack on the Government following Brexit, but the British tourism industry is going from strength to strength. The softening of the pound is a welcome boost for that, but it is a concerted action by Government and industry that has been driving record-breaking numbers of visitors to our shores. The hon. Gentleman should welcome that, because the number of visitors to west Yorkshire is up.