VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Hospitality Industry: Coastal Areas and Rural Areas

Asked by Matt VickersConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 78766

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the contribution of hospitality businesses to economic growth in coastal and rural communities.

Answered by Kate Dearden

The Government recognises the significant role hospitality businesses play in driving economic growth, employment and community cohesion across the UK, especially in coastal and rural areas. That is why we are offering targeted support for the sector, such as the Hospitality Support Scheme to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs.

Whilst there has been no specific assessment on economic contribution for rural or coastal hospitality businesses, in 2024, the hospitality sector contributed £51.5 billion to the UK economy, representing 2.0% of total output.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim