Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support tourism in the North of England.

This Government recognises the strength and economic potential of the North of England's tourism offer. As set out in the Prime Minister's Five Point Plan, we are committed to encouraging more visitors to explore beyond London. Through the Northern Tourism Growth Fund, £10 million has been invested in projects to drive up international visitors to the North, and the £40 million Discover England fund will shortly be available to destinations all over the country. This Government will also support tourism in the North through the Great Exhibition of the North, the UK City of Culture year in Hull 2017, and the new Factory arts venue in Manchester. Following recent flooding, this Government has also supported tourism to the North of England through the launch of a £1 million campaign to drive domestic visitors to the area.