In a newspaper article last weekend the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire claimed that the success of ITV's Downton Abbey has given a great boost to the popularity of Britain's stately homes as places to visit.
This is excellent news for us all because our country has so many great places to visit, including the 350 historic houses and gardens, ancient monuments, nature reserves and parks in the care of the National Trust. More visits to all of them means more business for hotels and restaurants nearby.
But it isn't only Downton Abbey we must thank. The King's Speech has revived interest in Great Britain on a massive scale, as has the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. Are we witnessing a tourism renaissance, almost entirely resulting from luck? I do hope so. When people in the trade talk about tourism they very often focus on the funding awarded to the various bodies who promote different regions and compare the rates of VAT in different countries. These things matter, of course, but they matter less than the fundamental motive that makes tourists go where they do: the prospect of an enjoyable experience.
Perhaps we should add the writers of these blockbusters to our already impressive list of National Treasures?