18. To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effects of the recession on the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement. (278206)

The position is mixed. While spend in some areas appears to be down, other parts of the domestic tourism industry have received a boost from favourable currency exchange rates. There are still significant opportunities opening up from which the industry will benefit. These include the unprecedented decade of world class sporting events on which we are embarking, and in particular the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

It is clear however that these remain challenging times for the industry.