Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in negotiations to provide air services to St Helena once the new airport is completed in February 2016; and what steps they are taking to develop the local tourism industry there, including the provision of suitable tourist accommodation.

St Helena Government (SHG) issued the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) for the air service procurement in June 2014. The PQQ is the first stage of the air service procurement and will allow interested airlines to register their intent to bid for the air service.

Enterprise St Helena (ESH), St Helena's Economic Development Agency, is leading St Helena's plans to develop its tourism industry and its accommodation. In parallel, ESH is working with local businesses to ensure that the island's tourist attractions are developed and accredited to international standards.