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Written question asked by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Monday, 21 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 May 2007. It was answered by Shaun Woodward (Labour) on Monday, 4 June 2007 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

VisitBritain

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans and resources VisitBritain has to change the scope of its operation in countries that have acceded to the European Union since 1997; what assessment she has made of the potential for growth in such markets; and if she will make a statement.
Answer

VisitBritain has monitored and analysed the opportunities in the expanding market represented by the 12 countries that have acceded to the European Union since 1997.Following this analysis, VisitBritain is active in Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, where the evidence suggests the return on investment can currently be maximised. VisitBritain opened a new office in Budapest in early 2007, with Hungary and the Czech Republic falling under its remit. VisitBritain's work in Poland, which was previously the responsibility of its Berlin office, is being integrated into the Budapest office. The number of staff employed in marketing work in these countries has not been affected by the re-structuring proposals which VisitBritain announced recently.Global Insight has forecast that the total world market from these countries will increase, in terms of outbound overnight visits between 2005 and 2010, as follows:

Visits (millions)
2005 2010 Percentage increase
Czech Republic 3.2 4.4 37.5
Hungary 2.4 3.2 33.3
Poland 5.8 7.7 32.7

A market profile for each of these countries is available on VisitBritain's industry website"www.tourismtrade.org.uk."

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
138985; 461 c101-2W
Session
2006-07
Subjects
VisitBritain
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk