579.Sections 378 and 379 give the Authority, acting through the Mayor, certain powers and duties with respect to tourism in Greater London.
580.Section 378 imposes a duty to promote Greater London, both at home and abroad, as a tourist destination in its own right and as a first destination or start point for visitors from overseas to the rest of the United Kingdom. There is also a duty to encourage the provision and improvement of tourist amenities and facilities in Greater London. This covers any amenities and facilities used by tourists and not just those provided solely for their use.
581.The Mayor has the power to do anything necessary for the purpose of fulfilling these duties including entering into arrangements with others, and acting overseas. Specific powers include undertaking publicity or other promotional activities; providing advisory and information services; and promoting and undertaking research.
582.Under section 378 the Mayor is able to offer assistance for tourism-related initiatives, and also to charge for services and to receive contributions from others to help with the tourism duties. Such assistance may be made subject to conditions: eg that accounts and records be subject to inspection; or that a grant be repaid in full or in part in certain circumstances. Under section 381 the Secretary of State may pay grants to the Authority for the exercise of its tourism functions subject to conditions, eg that the Mayor implement tourism schemes and initiatives in Greater London consistent with the national strategies for tourism.
583.In discharging the tourism functions, the Mayor must have regard to the desirability of undertaking appropriate consultation and co-operation with the Secretary of State, Tourist Boards (including the English Tourism Council whose legal name remains the English Tourist Board) and other relevant persons and organisations (section 378(5)). The Mayor must also advise Tourist Boards and Ministers if required (section 379).
Commentary on Sections Part X: Culture, Media and Sport Sections 378 to 379 and 381 to 382: The Mayor's tourism functions