"TOURISM: SCOTLAND COULD LOSE OUT" SAYS THURSO
February 5, 2003 12:00 AM
Far North MP John Thurso, a member of the influential Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee, today welcomed publication of the Committee's report on Tourism which is critical of the Government's proposals on tourism promotion.
John Thurso said:
"Ever since the Government announced that it was merging the British Tourist Authority and English Tourist Council, I have warned that Scottish tourism could be the loser as the new body concentrates on England.
"With the exception of the Minister responsible and his officials, every witness expressed similar concerns to the Committee, and the report endorses my views and again highlights this danger"
The report is critical of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for its failure to consult properly, particularly with its failure to consult with the Scottish and Welsh Tourist Boards. The Committee also criticizes the Government for having ducked the opportunity to design an appropriate new structure taking account of the Devolution Settlement. The Committee makes clear that it does not believe the Government's proposals will work.
John Thurso added:
"Tourism is worth £74 billion per annum to the UK economy and is of particular importance to Scotland as a job creator. It is a matter of grave concern that the efforts of VisitScotland and the Scottish Executive are being undermined by the slipshod performance of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
"The government should listen to one of our biggest industries and give it the backing the Committee calls for, and the industry deserves."
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