Guardian Unlimited: British Culture Minister Kim Howells recently honored the Harry Potter books and movies for bringing British tourism back from the disastrous Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic. Visitors are traveling to Britain inspired by the Harry Potter phenomenon, a contribution celebrated in a recent ceremony. The "Excellence in England Award" was presented to three of the young actors from the film, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett and Joshua Herdman, (Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle) by British Culture Minister Kim Howells.

Sites that have been used during the filming of the Harry Potter movies include the London Zoo, the Bodleian Library in Oxford, and Durham Cathedral as well as Gloucester Cathedral whose lavatory was the home base of "Moaning Myrtle." Goathland Station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway served as Hogsmeade Station in the films.

"Many visitors cite the film as a direct reason for visiting Britain," said Howells.

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