To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent steps his Department has taken to encourage tourists to visit Scotland. (275702)

DCMS supports UK tourism via its grant in aid sponsorship of VisitBritain who in turn promote Scotland as a holiday destination as part of its remit.

This promotion is undertaken through various platforms such press, public relations, the travel trade and the internet.

Currently VisitBritain is working in partnership with Visit Scotland and hosting a dedicated web page for the “Homecoming Scotland 2009” strategy. This is aimed at promoting tourism in Scotland via a year-long programme of events to celebrate some of Scotland's greatest contributions to the world.