Travel writer meeting costs revealed

The government spent almost £3,000 on souvenirs and books for a group of 50 travel writers, it's been revealed.

A Freedom of Information request to the Department for Enterprise asked for a breakdown of the £48,000 spent on accommodating the Annual General Meeting of the British Guild of Travel Writers earlier this month.

In response, the department said it had cost the taxpayer £16,953 in accommodation costs, just over £8,710 for a gala dinner and almost £6,000 on tours.

The figures also show it spent £2,859 on souvenir gifts, books and guides.