Blair is attacked over tourism
Conservative MPs have accused the prime minister of paying lip-service to the hospitality and tourism industry.
Tony Blair came under fire after it was revealed his May reappointment letter to culture secretary Tessa Jowell did not list Britain's visitor economy as a key priority.
This came despite Blair's challenge to the industry last November to grow its annual turnover from £75b to £100b by the 2012 London Olympics.
In response, the Tories have launched an Early Day Motion in Parliament attacking Labour's tourism priorities.
Hugo Swire, signatory to the EDM and Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: "I'm concerned at the lack of support from Government for significant capital investments in infrastructure needed to attract overseas visitors, and to help reduce the substantial deficit on the UK's tourism account."
A VisitBritain spokesman said: "The culture secretary is very supportive, but this does emphasise that we need to continually educate MPs about the benefits of tourism, which, as well as benefiting the economy, also creates jobs and regeneration opportunities."
