Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, dated 24 June 2026, which grants for the business events growth programme and related funds were allocated to BTA for the purpose of growing business events in the last five years.

DCMS recognises the economic contribution of business events, which facilitate trade and investment, support jobs and generate visitor spending across the UK. The UK’s business event sector is thriving and receives support from a number of national and local sources.

DCMS provides the British Tourist Authority (BTA) with funding each year to deliver an agreed set of objectives which the BTA allocates across a range of priority areas where it can most add value. Funding is also provided from the GREAT programme for international marketing.

From 2021/22 to 2025/26, BTA allocated approximately £1.25m of funding annually to support business events. In 2026/27, BTA reprioritised funding to avoid duplication with VisitScotland and VisitWales and to support smaller businesses to attend international trade shows. MeetEngland’s budget this year of £300,000 accounts for around 20% of VisitEngland’s core operational budget for 26/27.