To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding his Department plans to provide to promote the tourism opportunities provided by the London 2012 Olympics. (321916)

[holding answer 12 March 2010]: The Department is providing £130 million between 2008-09 and 2010-11 to VisitBritain (VB) and VisitEngland (VE) for marketing Britain as a tourist destination overseas and England as a tourist destination to the domestic market (and some overseas markets). In addition, public funding support for UK tourism from the Regional Development Agencies, local authorities, the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Executive also need to be taken into account. This is likely to exceed £2 billion in the current spending review period.

VB has recently launched its marketing strategy for 2012 which is currently resourced from the above allocation. In addition, public funding support for tourism supports programmes that focus on improving training and skills within the industry, the quality of accommodation and our welcome to the world. These are an integral part of the Government's strategy to help tourism maximise the opportunities presented by the 2012 games.