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Issue 54 September/October 2013 £2.75
Figures show record spend and visitors By Christina Eccles A YEAR after Britain hosted some of the largest events in the world, inbound tourism is holding strong, according to the latest figures from the International Passenger Survey. Figures for the first half of 2013 show record levels in spend and the strongest visitor numbers since 2008, with Britain attracting 15.2m visitors and a record £8.7b spend over this period. Over 2.89m overseas visitors were welcomed in June alone, up 12 per cent compared with last June. Expenditure over the same period saw overseas visitors spend a total of £1.84b, an increase of 13 per cent from June 2012. This was also a new high, up eight per cent on the existing June record set in 2011. June also saw more than 1.22 million holiday visits, 17 per cent up on the previous year, followed by a new all-time record for the first six months of 2012 (two per cent). Overseas director at VisitBritain Keith Beecham said: “This is the second consecutive month we have seen record visits and spend, while the first six months of the year have also delivered a record. “In June the UK welcomed more
than a visitor every single second (67 overseas visitors a minute). “If this trend continues it would see us welcome one overseas visitor every second of every day of every week of every month of the year. “This is great news for the economy and a further sign that tourism is delivering growth across the country. “Particularly encouraging is that we’ve witnessed a record 18 per cent rise in visits from Rest of World markets, the first time June has ever seen us welcome over half-amillion visitors from these markets. This growth has been sustained over the first half of the year, up 11 per cent and also a record.” Minister for tourism Hugh Robertson added: “These record figures for June show that our tourism strategy is working. “We did all we can to showcase the best of Britain to the world in 2012 and it’s paying off. The tourism sector has a big role to play in delivering economic growth and we must keep up this momentum and continue to promote Britain as a great place to visit.” What do you think to the findings? Send your views to our editorial team by emailing ce@scriptmedia.co.uk
Warm July leads to a spending increase
BBC Radio One DJ and Blackpool native Danny Howard has made history by becoming the first DJ to play at the top of Blackpool Tower. Danny officially launched the SKYWALK Sunset Sessions, a collaboration between The Blackpool Tower and North West clubnight supremoes Randy Ron which ran every Saturday in August. He also set a world record for performing a DJ set at the highest height – 420ft above the ground.
THE warmest July in eight years has seen year-on-year spending at UK tourist attractions boom – with figures showing a 99 per cent increase in spend at aquariums and a 64 per cent increase at amusement parks. Brits came out in force this summer and spent considerably more on leisure activities than during the same period last year according to Barclaycard, which processes nearly half of all debit and credit card transactions in the UK. A Barclaycard spokesman said: “The warmest July since 2006 really drove a boom in spending on domestic leisure activities. “A series of soggy summers has taken its toll on UK holiday resorts as Brits jetted off to sunnier climes at every opportunity, and these figures will come as a sigh of relief for those bidding to resurrect the ‘staycation’. “We saw how spend in July climbed 4.8 per cent on last year and this latest data reinforces our view that British shoppers are finally shaking off the longest period of austerity in a generation and are more readily parting with their money.”
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Contacts EDITORIAL Judith Halkerston group editor 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Christina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Dominic Musgrave reporter 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn – graphic designer lb@scriptmedia.co.uk
ADVERTISING Andrew Loades product manager 01226 734482 Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605
The Gromits are transported around the city on the back of a steam train.
Gromits gather for five-day exhibition By Christina Eccles GROMIT Unleashed, a unique public art trail that has been delighting visitors to Bristol this summer, is offering people the opportunity to see all 80 iconic giant Gromit sculptures exhibited together in one place. The Gromits have each been individually designed by a prestigious line-up of artists and celebrities and are in locations in and around Bristol until September 8. Then for five days only, from September 18 to 22, all 80 Gromits
will form a public exhibition – The Greatest Dog Show on Earth – at the Royal West of England Academy in Clifton, Bristol. This will be the only chance for the public to see the unique collection of Gromits displayed together before they are auctioned in October to raise funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal. Destination Bristol’s head of marketing Kelly Ballard said: “All summer groups have been visiting Bristol and embracing the challenge to track down the Gromits, which
A collection of Gromits in front of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
have been lurking around almost every corner in and around the city. “There has been a real buzz here, with yelps of triumph coming from people clutching their trail maps as they encounter each Gromit. “This dog show with a difference at RWA is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to see the Gromits all gathered in one place, which is especially good for those people who are less mobile and may have found it difficult to get to the Gromits around the city or those who are only in Bristol for a short visit.”
CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@scriptmedia.co.uk Web: www.destination.uk.com
Simon to host 10th ceremony MARKETING Lancashire has launched the 10th Lancashire Tourism Awards, which will take place on November 7 at Blackburn Cathedral. The awards will be hosted by tourism expert, broadcaster and travel editor of The Independent, Simon Calder. Chief executive of Marketing Lancashire Ruth Connor said: “The tourism sector is crucial to the economic success of Lancashire, contributing £3.4b to the local economy, and is deserving of an awards event that recognises and rewards those who are at the forefront of their industry. “This year is the 10th year of this celebration and the awards have been through a major overhaul, with more categories than ever before, a new judging process and a fantastic new landmark venue in Blackburn’s developing cultural quarter. “We hope that colleagues from the sector, whether they enter the awards or not, will join us to celebrate the achievements of friends and fellow tourism businesses in this landmark year for the Lancashire Tourism Awards.” 3
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Castle trip ‘one of Europe’s most amazing experiences’ A TRIP to Stirling Castle has been highlighted in a new international guidebook as one of the most amazing experiences in Europe. Along with Mull, the Historic Scotland property is one of only two Scottish locations to feature in Europe – 40 Amazing Experiences, an e-book specially created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lonely Planet. The invitation to “lay siege to Stirling Castle” features alongside activities such as marveling at the Colosseum in Rome, chilling out in a
beach bar in Barcelona and enjoying a boat trip in Southern Crete. Regional director at Visit Scotland Liz Buchanan said: “The team at Lonely Planet are renowned for offering valuable insights into some of the world’s most extraordinary places, and I am delighted to see Stirling Castle featured on their new list of 40 Amazing Experiences in Europe. A visit to Stirling Castle, as highlighted in this new guide – is an experience that is definitely not to be missed, particularly in the Year of Natural Scotland.”
David James, chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire; Takashi Hirata, senior staff of Toyota City’s International Division; Derbyshire County Council Chairman Councillor Dave Wilcox and Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport.
Peak web boost for tourism and trade with Japan By Christina Eccles TOURISM and trade links between Derbyshire and Japan have been given a major boost with the launch of a new web microsite that aims to attract more visitors and investment to the county. Attractions, accommodation and things to see and do – plus opportunities to develop further trade links – are some of the subjects featured on the microsite, which has been created by official tourist board Visit Peak District and Derbyshire and sits on its website at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/japanese It has been compiled as part of celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of twinning between Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, South Derbyshire District Council and Toyota City – and hopes are high that it will stimulate even stronger cultural and economic ties between the county, the wider Peak District tourism destination and Japan. Information has been translated
into Japanese by Takashi Hirata, of Toyota City Council’s international division, who has just spent six weeks in the county on a factfinding mission to explore ways in which Derbyshire and Japan can work even more closely together. Chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire David James said: “Latest official figures from VisitBritain indicate that Japan is the eighth most valuable international market, yet only one per cent of visitors who came to Britain in 2012 were Japanese. “Clearly there’s more that can be done to foster links that will bring both cultural and economic benefits for people and businesses across the area, and we are pleased to host this web page, which we hope will encourage even closer ties in the future. We look forward to welcoming more Japanese visitors to sample the quality and variety that Derbyshire and the wider Peak District tourism destination bring to the regional, national and international marketplace.”
Relay to support charities STAFF from Thistle Hotels will be taking part in a mammoth fundraising relay from Inverness to London as part of the operator’s Lite@Nite charity campaign. The challenge will see staff from all Thistle hotels throughout the UK running, swimming or cycling to the next 4
property on the route, all in aid of five children’s charities. The relay will take 28 days, with the longest leg a huge 136 miles between the Thistle Aberdeen Altens and the Thistle Glasgow. It will end in central London on September 14 after visiting several hotels in the capital.
New festival to showcase the world of comic art A NEW festival in the Lake District is set to highlight the creativity and diversity of comic art. Based on a similar format to the popular comic art festivals on the continent, The Lakes International Comic Art Festival will be the first of its kind in the UK and will take over Kendal between October 18-20. The festival’s line-up includes more than 50 writers and artists and will include more than 50 events, ranging from panel discussions, to interviews, live drawing, films and exhibitions.
Managing director of Cumbria Tourism Ian Stephens said: “Kendal already has an enviable reputation for creative and contemporary events and we’re all looking forward to seeing the town transform itself into a centre for comic art this autumn. Events of this calibre put the Lake District; Cumbria firmly on the map and visitors from far afield can expect a warm welcome. Local people and those who perhaps have not picked up a comic book since childhood will also be fascinated by this festival.”
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New partnership aims to boost rural tourism VISITENGLAND and National Parks England have committed to a threeyear partnership designed to boost rural tourism and stimulate sustainable economic growth in England’s countryside. The partnership statement outlines a number of areas that the two organisations will work on together. These include promoting National Parks to inspire more visitors; encouraging greater collaboration between National Park Authorities and Destination Organisations at the local level and sharing intelligence and collaborating on research
programmes. VisitEngland chairman Lady Cobham said: “Visitors to national parks spend at least £4bn contributing about one third of the spend from rural tourism in England. “They are part of the fabric of our rural tourism offering and sustain thousands of businesses which in turn employ 140,000 people. This partnership outlines a number of ways we can work together to ensure tourism works hand-in-hand with our natural assets to further boost rural tourism and ensure sustainable economic growth.”
Jay Z with the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral.
Rapper Jay Z launches album artwork during Cathedral visit By Christina Eccles
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RAPPER Jay Z has visited historic landmark Salisbury Cathedral to take a look at the Magna Carta document, which provided inspiration for his latest album. The cathedral was chosen as the location for the global launch of the artwork of Jay Z’s latest album Magna Carta… Holy Grail before the star made a private visit to see the famous work. The visit coincided with the announcement that the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta – two held by the British Library and one each by Salisbury and Lincoln cathedrals – will be brought together for the first time in history at an event in London in early 2015, marking its 800th anniversary. The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Reverend June Osborne, said:
“Magna Carta’s clauses on social justice are as relevant today as they were 800 years ago and are at the heart of all we aspire to. “We hope the publicity generated through the planned unification and 800th anniversary year will increase awareness of its importance, values, ideals and modern significance. “It was great to welcome Jay Z to Salisbury Cathedral. He was clearly moved by seeing the original Magna Carta, which to so many people represents the values of human rights and fairness that are so important to us today. “He was a delightful guest and we enjoyed sharing some of our life with him and discussing the work we seek to do here to further the cause of social justice. I think it may have surprised some of our visitors as they explored the cathedral themselves to recognise Jay Z doing the same thing.”
Jamie Roberts with the alpacas.
Alpacas take part in trek to commemorate county’s mill heritage AN important era in Yorkshire’s history was commemorated when the owner of one of the county’s top rural visitor attractions donned Victorian attire and began a walk with a trio of alpacas in tow. Jamie Roberts set out from Saltaire in West Yorkshire to return home to Kilnsey Park in the Yorkshire Dales as part of the park’s 35th anniversary celebrations. The walk is also honouring an important anniversary in the history of Salts Mill, one of Yorkshire’s and the world’s greatest industrial powerhouses in Victorian times and now a cultural centre and UNESCO World Heritage site. It was 120 years ago when Jamie’s great great grandfather Sir James Roberts took over Salts Mill from the family of the founder, Sir Titus Salt
and saved it from bankruptcy. As the Mill’s fortunes – and those of his family – were largely built on spinning alpaca wool, Jamie decided it was a fitting tribute to start the walk with the trio before they take up residence at Kilnsey Park. He said: “Bringing home the alpacas to Kilnsey is a fantastic way of celebrating my family’s heritage and connections with Salts Mill. “The success of the Mill enabled my ancestors to purchase the Kilnsey Estate in 1911 and it has remained in our family ever since. “In 1978 we opened a trout farm and trekking centre and since then the Estate has gone from strengthto-strength not only as a visitor attraction but also as a centre for conservation and as one of the most sustainable businesses in the UK.”
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Organisation appoints Giles as new director GILES Ingram has taken the post of director at Experience Oxfordshire, an organisation comprising Visit Oxfordshire which is responsible for tourism and Oxford Inspires which develops and promotes the arts in Oxfordshire. Giles has extensive experience in the field of tourism and culture, having cut his teeth as a tour director for groups to Oxford in his early career, via marketing and operations manager at Destination Bristol, followed by Interim CEO at Bath Tourism Plus and finally heading up Northumberland Tourism.
He said: “I’m delighted to return to Oxford and Oxfordshire after a gap of many years. Oxfordshire is a truly wonderful destination to promote, with internationally-recognised icons like Oxford University, Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds and River Thames all within the county. And Oxfordshire’s starring role in TV series like Morse and Midsomer keeps it in the public eye. “Oxfordshire’s arts scene is thriving too, offering everything from classical music to outdoor theatre and pub science lectures. It’s a mix that’s a sure-fire winner.”
Desk to provide services to groups VISIT Oxfordshire has launched a Groups Travel Desk to provide a range of services for groups visiting Oxfordshire. Organisers can benefit from services including a free group
accommodation booking service, discounted attraction ticketing for groups, booking Blue or Green Badge guides, itinerary ideas, help and advice with planning a group visit and a welcome pack.
Cotswold Wildlife Park has announced the birth of the first White Rhino calf to be born in its 43-year history. Mother Nancy and father Monty have produced a girl, which has been named Astrid. Managing director Reggie Heyworth said: “Astrid is an old family friend and great fan of the park. Her family were the first to have the idea of our annual charity fundraiser Roar ‘n’ Snore. Astrid was widowed at a young age and remarried this July. Naming the baby rhino was a late wedding gift.”
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Hotel adds new rooms as part of £2m refurb
Almost 11,000 people visited Oxford Castle Unlocked during July.
Castle records its busiest month OXFORD Castle Unlocked is celebrating its busiest month on record, having welcomed 10,868 visitors through its doors during July. The successful period follows the introduction of a living exhibition space in the Georgian prison wing of the visitor attraction, offering visitors the chance to meet characters from
throughout its 1,000-year history. 14 per cent of the monthly total visitors came from Ardmore Language School, a new relationship formed in 2013 which saw the school bring 1,595 pupils. Group sales manager at Continuum Leading Attractions, Elizabeth Mounser, said: “Oxford Castle
Unlocked this summer has really made its mark in the language school market with a range of exciting products and a host of new language schools visiting for the first time. With tours designed to fit within students’ budgets, there has never been a better time to prebook a visit.”
THE popular Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel has added 22 newly designed bedrooms, along with a multi-functional conservatory, following a comprehensive six-month, £2m refurbishment and expansion programme. The 22 new double bedrooms have increased the hotel’s capacity to 84 rooms and have been designed by award winning interior design practice DeSallesFlint, with inspiration from the hotel's close proximity to the River Thames and Oxford’s boating heritage. The concept and design incorporates traditional 'college' colours alongside British influences, such as sumptuous floral fabrics and traditional tweeds, but with contemporary twists. There are two room designs – the blue-toned river rooms with river and boating related artistry and the green-toned garden rooms with flower and garden related pictures adorning the walls.
Iconic venue for all occasions THE Cherwell Boathouse is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant on the banks of the river Cherwell, close to the centre of Oxford. Both the restaurant and the marquee on the terrace overlooking the river are wonderful places to celebrate all types of occasion. We can cater for corporate days out, functions and parties with conference facilities and the option of punting alongside. From mid-March to mid-October, the marquee can accommodate groups from 25 to 125 guests in a variety of formats from informal to three course sit down meals and incorporating music and dancing. The restaurant can accommodate
parties of up to 75 guests throughout the year offering a fine dining experience, with an award winning wine list and friendly, attentive service. Al fresco dining available overlooking the river. For more information contact: Cherwell Boathouse, Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6ST. Marquee/ restaurant: 01865 552746. Punting: 01865 515978. www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk or info@cherwellboathouse.co.uk
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DESTINATIONOXFORDSHIRE Top five attractions with themed tours for groups: Ashmolean Museum Bodleian Library Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours. Blenheim Palace River and Rowing Museum
The itinerary can be downloaded from the website.
Picture credit: Didcot Railway Centre.
Letting off steam in Oxfordshire LETTING Off Steam in Oxfordshire is just one of several itineraries for groups, designed to inspire one, two or three-day visits to this part of the country. Starting with a seven-mile ride with extensive views of the Chiltern Hills on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, the itinerary recommends Pendon Museum of Miniature Railways, probably the first and oldest miniature railway landscape of its kind, recapturing the beauty of the Vale of White Horse in the 20s and 30s. A modern contrast is Williams at Grove
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for lunch, followed by a tour of the Williams Grand Prix Collection, the largest private collection of Formula One cars in the world. Day two takes the group to Didcot Railway Centre for its unique collection of Great Western Railway locomotives, rolling stock, Engine Shed and Carriage Shed. There’s a main line rail-side picnic spot and the option to sample snacks in the Refreshment Room. Head of tourism and marketing at Visit Oxfordshire Jo Butler said: “Within two hours’ travel of most of England, Oxfordshire is an excellent
year-round destination for groups. “Visit Oxfordshire’s itineraries will encourage groups to explore less well-known attractions and parts of the county, with the option of overnight stays to extend their visit.” Letting Off Steam, together with the itineraries Dukes and Lords, A Pageant of Oxfordshire Gardens, A Day in Oxfordshire, William Morris in Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire for Art Lovers, and Books n Murders Tour, can be downloaded free from the group travel section of the www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com website.
Top five venues for afternoon tea: Oxford Malmaison – Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea. Heythrop Park Resort – Tea served in the grandeur of the Wedgewood Room. Newington Nurseries – Dine among flowers in the Orchid House. Macdonald Randolph – The quintessential British experience with cake stands and cucumber sandwiches. Blenheim Palace – Champagne tea served on the water terraces. Oxfordshire’s hidden secrets for groups: Broughton Castle will open especially for a private tour for a group. Learn how to grow an orchid by a Chelsea Gold Winner at Newington Nurseries. Take a curator tour of the Ashmolean Museum and discover more about this fabulous museum. Didcot Railway offer evening visits for groups. Get up close and personal with the animals at the Cotswold Wildlife Park.
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The Cottage offers cosy escape
The monkeys at Longleat cool down with an ice cream.
Monkeys go ape for Colin’s ice cream van MONKEYS at Longleat enjoyed a treat when an ice cream van entered their drive through enclosure. Safari keepers at the Wiltshire wildlife attraction had enlisted the help of local ice cream seller Colin
Robb to provide some cooling treats for their troop of rhesus monkeys. Longleat’s Ian Turner said: “Colin’s ice cream van is a familiar sight as he lives on the Longleat estate, so we thought it would be a nice idea
to ask him to come along and provide the monkeys with a cooling treat. Obviously it was just a one-off and we did it under closely controlled conditions but it certainly seemed to go down well.”
VisitScotland nets £310m for economy since 2012 By Christina Eccles VISITSCOTLAND’S marketing activities have generated nearly £310m worth of additional economic benefit for the country since January 2012, a rise of 14 per cent on the same period the year before, it has been revealed. VisitScotland’s international campaigns target Scotland’s main markets across the globe including North America, Germany and France, as well as emerging markets, such as India and China. This is done through an array of cross media marketing such as ezines, multi-lingual websites, competitions and social media, as well as partner offers with international transport and tour providers such as US Airways and CIE tours.
The domestic market, which accounts for 84 per cent of Scotland’s annual visitor numbers, has been targeted since 2012 through the organisation’s successful Surprise Yourself campaign. The promotion includes a series of Neil Oliver narrated TV advertisements that highlighted the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 and this year’s promotion of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. These figures come as the organisation gears up to for the biggest opportunities for Scotland’s tourism industry in a generation next year; Homecoming 2014, Ryder Cup 2014 at Gleneagles and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Chairman of VisitScotland Mike Cantlay said: “The latest results of
our domestic and international campaigns show just how much VisitScotland continues to deliver for Scotland. As Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014, we’re working extremely hard to grasp the magnificent opportunities there are for growth. “We believe the tourism industry affects all walks of life and we would call on everyone to recognise the potential that next year’s unique events can have for the whole of Scotland.” In recent weeks, the organisation has announced details of activities happening across Scotland as part of the Homecoming celebrations, as well as a multi-million pound marketing campaign to promote the Commonwealth Games across the globe.
THE Cottage in the Wood, nestled on Magic Hill in England’s only mountain forest – Whinlatter near Keswick – is offering a cosy escape enabling guests to enjoy an Autumnal break in the Lake District. The Autumn Colours Break includes a range of treats. These include two nights’ accommodation in a Cottage Room for two people; afternoon tea in front of the fire on arrival; a map of pretty local walks; a hearty breakfast each morning; The Taste Cumbria tasting menu one evening. The Cottage in the Wood’s Autumn Colours Break is available from October 1 until November 30.
Chocolate getaway AN inn and restaurant on the borders of the Lakes and Dales is marking National Chocolate Week with a chocolate laden getaway. Guests at the Sun Inn in Kirkby Lonsdale can enjoy luxurious, locally made chocolate biscuits in their rooms, as well as a special chocolate dessert in the restaurant, during the week, which takes place from October 14 to 20.
Director role for Sam VISIT Heart of England has appointed Sam Warnock as tourism marketing director. Sam takes responsibility for growing the region’s successful tourism website and working with regional attractions, destinations and accommodation suppliers to increase visitors to the area. He joins from travel trade show Best of Britain and Ireland, where he was event director.
Holiday park unveils pods A North East hotel is celebrating after becoming the only one of its kind in the country to make it onto a new list of top hotels. The Doubletree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport Hotel is the only airport-based property in the UK to feature in the prestigious Expedia Insiders’ Select list for 2013. The recently released list, based on reviews submitted by users of online travel agency Expedia, is designed to recognise hotels which consistently deliver superior services, an exceptional guest experience and notable value.
AWARD winning holiday park company Holgates has launched new camping pods at its scenic Silverdale site. The pods at the site in Cumbria comfortably sleep a family of four and enjoy views over the local coast and countryside. 11
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Birmingham set to soar with Indian market By Christina Eccles The Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner hotel.
Hotel gears up for Le Tour’s arrival A LEADING hotel has launched a special package to coincide with the arrival of the Tour de France in Yorkshire next year. With demand already high for accommodation, the Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner hotel has bucked the trend for price hikes by creating a package specifically for those watching or taking part in the prestigious event. The Tour de France package, which includes an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast, is priced at £99 per room, per night and will be available on both Friday July 5 and Saturday July 6 2014, when the Tour de France hosts its opening stages in Yorkshire. The hotel, which underwent a £3m refurbishment in 2012, has also
announced plans to offer a special themed menu in its restaurant to coincide with the race, as well as serving French-style cocktails in its bar, which will screen footage from the event. General manager Alice Ng said: “Our close proximity to the A1 means that visitors can travel quickly and easily from the Holiday Inn Darlington A1 Scotch Corner to almost any point on the Tour de France route. “Our new accommodation package is designed to make it as affordable as possible for the race’s visitors and participants to enjoy this unique location, while our French-themed food and drinks will hopefully help residents from around the region to get involved.”
Recharge your batteries with eco-friendly car hire
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A NEWLY extended fleet of electric and low emission hire cars have taken to the roads of the Lake District, giving drivers a quirky green alternative – but with the comfort and convenience of conventional car travel. The introduction of these new vehicles follows the successful launch of three electric and lowcarbon cars at Langdale and Windermere last year and forms part of the £6.9m GoLakes Travel programme, which is aiming to cut carbon emissions and give people new ways to experience and explore the area at the same time. Sustainable transport advisor for the GoLakes Travel Programme Alistair Kirkbride said: “Both the electric cars and our very low
emission vehicles are really handy for anyone who wants to explore the parts of the central Lake District beyond the reach of buses and boats. “It also means that visitors can now seriously consider leaving their car at home, and residents can save money by getting rid of rarely used second cars. It’s easy to sign up, and it really is then turn up and go, and pay only for what you use.”
BIRMINGHAM is looking to build on its growing Indian tourist market with a new Air India flight, now operating four times weekly between Birmingham Airport and Delhi. With some 13,500 people visiting Birmingham from India each year, the West Midlands remains the most popular region outside of the South East for Indian tourists, with visiting friends and relatives representing nearly half of Indian visitors to the city. Now with partners, Marketing Birmingham is working to build on this market, raising the city’s profile overseas as a tourism destination through targeted campaigns and attendance at key trade shows. Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham – which operates leisure tourism programme Visit Birmingham – said: “Birmingham has a proud reputation as one of the most diverse cities in Europe and is home to a large, rapidly growing Indian population. “With friends and families representing a large proportion of visitors, we are now looking to grow the number of Indian tourists, who are typically keen to travel to destinations with a wealth of history, culture and good quality food and drink.
“Securing a direct flight route to the Indian capital is a major step for Birmingham, and the result of much hard work by citywide partners to promote the area’s potential for the airline. “News of Air India’s investment comes at a time when Birmingham’s international standing is at an all time high. “We must now continue to develop our global profile – promoting the city overseas is vital to securing more international routes and building the city’s reputation as a European hub for tourism.” Attracting new international air routes is part of the city’s ongoing strategy to build on the record 33.8m visitors that came to Birmingham in 2012. CEO of Birmingham Airport Paul Kehoe added: “Birmingham is the first city outside of London to operate a dedicated scheduled Boeing 787 Dreamliner service. “This statement of confidence from Air India sends a clear signal that Birmingham is a great destination for not only business, but also leisure visitors. “Our regular services to Delhi will encourage more Indian visitors to travel to the city and experience our great culture, using Birmingham Airport as their gateway to the rest of the UK.”
Joey, the puppet star of popular show War Horse, will officially open Excursions 2014 at Alexandra Palace on Saturday January 25. He will welcome early visitors to the event before leading everyone into the Great Hall at 10.30am.
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Miss Saigon set for West End return CAMERON Mackintosh's highly anticipated new production of Boublil and Schönberg's Miss Saigon lands in the West End on 1 May 2014 at the Prince Edward Theatre. Set in 1975 during the final days of the American occupation of Saigon, Miss Saigon is an epic love story about the relationship between an American GI and a young Vietnamese woman. Orphaned by war, 17-yearold Kim is forced to work as a bar girl in a sleazy Saigon night club owned by a notorious wheeler-dealer known as 'The Engineer'. John, an American GI, buys his friend Chris the services of Kim for the night. That night will change their lives forever. The most successful musical in the history of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Miss Saigon has also been performed in 28 countries, over 300 cities in 15 different languages, has won over 40 awards and been seen by over 35 million people worldwide. For more information and bookings call 0871 221 444 or visit www.superbreak.com from the September 9, 2013.
Matilda the Musical is now booking until May 2014
Graham Balmforth
MATILDA The Musical is now booking until May 2014 at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End. This multi award-winning show continues to be a top seller for short break specialist Superbreak, appealing to both adults and children alike. Since it opened in October 2011, the West End show has been seen by in excess of 800,000 people and has won 24 awards, including a record breaking seven Olivier Awards. Graham Balmforth, national sales manager at Superbreak comments: “This show continues to go from strength-to-strength and wows audiences both young and old each night. “It has won a huge number of awards with the latest production on Broadway winning four 2013 Tony Awards which has further raised its profile. “Our packages combine overnight accommodation with tickets to the show that allow customers to make a short break of it. With bookings now possible until May 2014, agents have a real opportunity to generate bookings for this ever popular show.” Matilda the Musical tells Roald
Dahl’s much-loved story about a girl with extraordinary powers, written by Dennis Kelly and awardwinning musician and comedian Tim Minchin. Matilda Wormwood’s parents think she is a nuisance and she thinks, quite rightly, they are only interested in watching telly. Life is not much better at school, where the monstrous headmistress Miss Trunchbull terrifies both students and teachers alike. Then one day Matilda discovers she has a very special power and decides it's time the grown-ups were taught a lesson. Be warned, the children are revolting … Sample packages include: Three star package – from £143pp – including one night’s b/b at the three-star President Hotel and a top priced ticket to the show. Based on a Saturday night in October and two sharing. Four Star package – from £168pp – including one night’s b/b at the four-star London Marriott Kensington Hotel and a top priced ticket to the show. Based on a Saturday night in October and two sharing. For more information and bookings call Superbreak 0871 221 4444 www.superbreak.com/agents
News from around the theatres By David Thomas WELCOME to the second edition of the Destination UK West End Chronicle – and a huge thank you to everyone who wrote in after our inaugural feature. September sees the launch of “I Can’t Sing – The X-Factor Musical” written by the huge-collared King of Comedy, Harry Hill, which opens in the Spring of 2014. This is a coproduction between Stage Entertainment, who brought you such unforgettable shows as Hairspray, Sister Act, Singin’ In The Rain (and who will be producing “Rocky The Musical” on Broadway next year) and Mr X-Factor himself, Simon Cowell. The show, a big family-friendly musical comedy, will appropriately be coming from the traditional home of family entertainment, the world-famous London Palladium. I wonder how many of you reading this saw your very first West End show at the London Palladium? 14 Perhaps it was Joseph and his
Technicolor Dreamcoat, with Jason Donavon or Philip Schofield? Or Oliver!, starring a string of world famous Fagins including Jonathan Pryce, Jim Dale, Barry Humphries and Robert Lindsay? Sam Mendes, who directed Oliver! at the London Palladium, is also of course the director of Charlie And The Factory at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane –where a whole new generation of young theatre-goers will be getting their first taste of West End magic. Once upon a time, long, long ago, I happened to be working at Drury Lane. One afternoon a VERY elderly gentlemen approached me in the foyer and asked if I could help him identify a really great show he had seen at Drury Lane as a child. He couldn’t remember the name, but he could still recall the story in detail, the names of the main characters, and a fair chunk of the dialogue. He then added: “I remember we had to decide between taking the tram or the horse and cart from Waterloo.”
When I went back through the records, it turned out that the show had been staged in 1911. It was then 1991. This man could still revel in the memory of a production he had seen 80 years previous! Now theatre tickets may not be cheap, but when a great show gets it right, the memory will stay with you for the rest of your life. Who could ever forget the shiver up the spine the first time they heard Jean Valjean sing “Bring Him Home”? The Phantom ferrying Christine through the underground lagoon of the Paris Opera House. Or Billy Elliot performing “Electricity”? The brass section at Jersey Boys breaking out in “Too Good To Be True”? The opening of The Lion King or the ending of War Horse? Elpheba defying gravity? And every single one of the West End’s long runners is woven out of these magical moments that enchant new audiences eight shows a week, year-in, year-out, in the West End, and around the world. Enjoy your shows!
David Thomas
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Hit musical Wicked has announced the full cast for its forthcoming UK and Ireland tour. The cast will include Nikki Davis-Jones as Elphaba, Emily Tierney as Glinda, Liam Doyle as Fiyero and Marilyn Cutts as Madame Morrible. The tour will visit venues including Manchester Palace Theatre, Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre and Birmingham Hippodrome. Emily Tierney (Glinda) is pictured with Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba). Picture credit: Matt Crockett.
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X Factor winner Joe McElderry is to perform at Torquay’s Princess Theatre later this month. Joe, who has released two hit albums and also won ITV show Pop Star to Opera Star, will appear at the venue on September 14.
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Theatre fans were spoiled for choice with performances of two of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies set against the backdrop of Arundel Castle. The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream were performed in The Collector Earl’s Garden. Picture credit: Chris Hopkins.
Ray Quinn
Ray Quinn to star as Peter Pan flies into Liverpool FAMILY favourite Peter Pan will be flying into Liverpool for the pantomime season this year, starring Ray Quinn and Louis Emerick. The show will be on at the Liverpool Empire from Friday December 13 2013 to Sunday January 5 2014, with ticket prices starting from £10. Liverpool Empire general manager Diane Belding said: “We’re over the moon that pantomime is back at the Liverpool Empire for another year. “Last year’s production of Cinderella was nothing short of phenomenal and audiences and critics alike were unanimous in their praise for the show. “Liverpool audiences love a good
Louis Emerick panto and with our fantastic local cast and great price options, Peter Pan will be the perfect family treat this Christmas.”
Encore appoints Sergio
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James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave are to star in Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, which opens at The Old Vic on September 19. Directed by Mark Rylance, the further cast includes Tim Barlow, Penelope Beaumont, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Katherine Carlton and Beth Cooke.
ENCORE Tickets has appointed Sergio Cicalo as its new trade sales manager. Sergio, who has over 15 years’ experience in the theatre industry will be focusing heavily on the domestic market. He said: “My new role at Encore Tickets will enable me to build new relationships in this ever-growing industry. “I will be at the Group Leisure Show in September, so I am looking forward to getting together with old friends and new at this year’s trade show.”
Sergio Cicalo
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DESTINATIONNEWS
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
Calls for creation of a music-based tourism strategy By Christina Eccles
Visit York and specialist cycling store Cycle Heaven joined forces to offer a special competition prize, coinciding with the York Cycle Races weekend and just one year to go to the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in York. The winners – Elaine and Andy Turnbull from Barnard Castle in County Durham – scooped the prize out of 6,000 hopeful entrants through Visit York’s website. The couple also enjoyed a two-night stay in the city courtesy of Visit York at the Monkbar Hotel and two VIP York Passes to visit the city’s attractions. Cycle Heaven owner Andy Shrimpton is pictured handing over the new bicycles to Elaine and Andy Turnbill at iconic York landmark, Clifford’s Tower.
A CROSS party group of influential peers has called on the Government to develop a new strategy to support music-based tourism and help grow the UK economy. The call was made during a House of Lords debate on the impact of music on tourism, with the debate’s sponsor LibDem Lord Storey saying music festivals have been attracting unprecedented numbers of overseas visitors and pouring money into local economies. He argued that the world’s “evident love” of the UK’s musical heritage should now be harnessed and used to support music tourism. He said: “I have seen first-hand the positive impact music can make on local tourist economies. But, we must also consider the impact music can have on the country as a whole. Great Britain simply has too much potential for musical tourism for the Government to stand idly by. I strongly urge the Government to consider how best to implement a well defined music strategy.”
Lord Storey suggested that to attract more overseas music tourists, the Government should emphasise and engage with existing tourist bodies and authorities across Britain and help them market themselves as music tourist destinations. The concept was supported by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke, who is also a non-executive director of VisitBritain. The Labour peer said Glasgow’s indie venue King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and events and festivals like T in the Park are well known. But, she claimed a lot more could be done to support them. She added: “We are not doing as well as we could for music tourism. We need to have more resource behind promoting our music tourism. “We have the talent, the determination and the worldwide focus. Let us make this a key pillar of our tourism strategy into the future.” Other supporters of the Live music Act include LibDem peer Lord Clement-Jones and Conservative Lord Black of Brentwood.
Advertiser’s announcement
Group Leisure Show planning forward for presentation BRITAIN’S biggest group travel event is fast approaching with organisers YPL Exhibitions very active in planning forward to ensure visitors and exhibitors have a profitable and enjoyable two days at the NEC on September 18 and 19. In particular, a major investment has been made to upgrade the level of free coach transport from around the UK as well as free parking, which can be claimed by preregistered visitors. Show organiser Emma Cash said: “The Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show is the longest established and most important two day event in group travel and coach tourism, and every year we look at how we can keep it fresh and relevant for visitors, and how we can assist these visitors in achieving a successful visit. “The timing of the show has always been important of course, with an autumn date providing an opportunity to look at what is available during a period when many GTOs are planning forward for the following year and beyond. “The new ideas and new brochures or information at GLTT comes at a 20 perfect time and of course, there is
nothing better than being able to talk about trips and ideas with an expert face to face.” The show boasts an abundance of exhibitors from right across the travel and destination sectors. GTOs and coach operators can review the latest West End theatre productions or, indeed, the more established ones, consider day trips of all types, short breaks, special interest activities or long and short haul holidays, as well as accommodation, coach operator services and the exciting range of options on offer from some of Britain’s leading tour operators. A day at the races – no problem, a cruise – we can help you with all your requirements. A major ticket mailing has recently taken place inviting free preregistration for the show, but visitors can also register to visit the GLTT by going online to www.leisureshow.com and clicking on the link. It is quick, easy and free, and all GTOs or coach operators who attend and have pre-registered will be entered into a prize holiday draw to Budapest, sponsored by Jet2.com Holidays.
The Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC on September 18 and 19. Emma added: “We have leading names at GLTT such as Travelsphere, Saga, Warner Holidays, Best Western Hotels, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, English Heritage and the National Trust, National Football Museum, Success Tours, Riviera
Travel, Encore and many, many more. “All of us on the exhibition team are looking forward to an enjoyable two days on September 18 and 19 when we see many old friends and give a warm welcome to new ones.”
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DESTINATIONNEWS
Sponsored by
Tourism chiefs pledge to build on entente cordiale By Christina Eccles
Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge will be celebrating Guy Fawkers’ foiled Gunpowder Plot on November 2 with a spectacular fireworks display. As they make their way down to the Village Green for the show, visitors can talk to the costumed residents in their cottages, shops and other places of work and hear about life in the late 1800s. The highlight of the night will be the fireworks extravaganza accompanied by music, which will light up the night sky.
TOURISM experts from Kent and the Pas de Calais are looking at new ways to build on their long-standing partnerships promoting each other’s destinations – highlighting the similarities and differences in history, heritage, culture and landscapes. To discuss the plans, Amanda Cottrell, chairman, and Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive, of Visit Kent, joined Bertrand Petit, chairman, and Diana Hounslow, director, of Pas de Calais Tourism, for a meeting followed by a tour of Walmer Castle, hosted by English Heritage. The two regions have worked closely as partners in the past on EU-funded cross-Channel projects within the Interreg programme including a £4.2m Coastal Actions for Sustainable Tourism programme and a £4.4m Greet the World campaign promoting Kent and the Pas de Calais in the run-up to the London Games. Chief executive of Visit Kent Sandra Matthews-Marsh said: “With Kent’s excellent cross-Channel providers it makes sense for us to work together to promote twodestination breaks, and share our cultural similarities and differences.
Nik Barrie, of English Heritage, Bertrand Petit, of Pas de Calais Tourism, Abi Budd, English Heritage, and Amanda Cottrell at Walmer Castle. “Likewise, our destinations and our tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses face similar challenges. “The success of our previous partnerships have shown just how much we can learn from each other and how, by sharing our knowledge and experience, we can both punch
above our weight in a competitive marketplace. “We are both looking forward to developing new joint programmes, possibly in partnerships with other mainland European partners, to help boost our tourism businesses and our local economies.”
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Hotel plans Christmas across the centuries and continents events A TASTE of Christmas from across the centuries and continents is to be offered at a Warwickshire hotel. Coombe Abbey hotel in Coventry has revealed plans to celebrate Christmas both Bavarian and Medieval style, as part of a packed programme of festive events. The former Cistercian Abbey, which is now a four-star country house hotel, will be offering visitors the chance to step back in time every Friday and Saturday during December, with a festive medieval banquet offering a taste of Christmas in the Middle Ages. The hotel will also be taking a trip to Germany for a seasonal celebration Bavarian style. These events, modeled on a traditional Bierkeller, will include
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral offers tower tours and carol concerts SALISBURY Cathedral has launched two Christmas offerings for groups. Its popular group carol concerts are on December 10 and 12 and the seasonal Twilight Christmas Tower Tour and Tea option is running from November 28, the day Salisbury’s Christmas Market opens, until the start of the New Year. Director of marketing and communications David Coulthard said: “We expect these two offers to really inspire group visitors, especially in combination with Salisbury’s increasingly popular
Christmas Market. “We’ve introduced the new tour and cream tea and believe this will be a fabulous option as it combines our popular tower tours, led by our knowledgeable guides, with homemade cream teas and wonderful photo opportunities of the city’s Christmas lights and market from the highest vantage point possible. We know that many will enjoy completing their afternoon by attending Evensong with its time for reflection and the beautiful sound of the cathedral choir.”
Hotel chain has a package for everyone FROM Skate and Stay breaks to the ultimate party packages, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, London is aiming to offer everything guests will need this festive season. The boutique Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is minutes from the ice skating rink at the Natural History Museum and as the partner to the ice rink for the third consecutive year, has created the 22
Skate and Stay package – offering guests two skating tickets, one night’s accommodation and a full English breakfast. Other festive packages available include the Stocking Filler package at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which includes a £100 Harrods gift voucher and a luxury pedicure at The Peak Health Club and Spa.
singing and dancing, with guests being served four continental dishes, including a warm pretzel, bratwurst sausage, chicken cooked in beer and stewed spiced apple and gingerbread crumble. Visitors to both the Medieval and Bavarian evenings are being encouraged to attend in fancy dress. General manager Ron Terry said: “Christmas is celebrated differently in every culture and this year we’re giving visitors the chance to see how it would have been marked in the Middle Ages, as well as enjoying a taste of a traditional Bavarian-style party. “Hopefully everyone will get into the spirit and come in fancy dress – you don’t see many people wearing lederhosen in Coventry.”
Organisers of the popular Bath Christmas Market have revealed some new additions, designed to enhance the event even further. Taking place from November 28 to December 15, the 18-day event will see over 150 traditional wooden stalls lining Bath’s central streets and squares. Over a third of the chalets will be managed by new traders, each providing a variety of gifts and Christmas essentials such as decorations and locally produced festive food, with a strong emphasis on handmade, local and unique items. Another highlight this year will be the opening night Holburne Lantern Procession, when a throng of local children armed with their own handmade lanterns will form a parade from the Holburne Museum, along Great Pulteney Street, over the iconic Pulteney Bridge and through the Christmas Market.
German market dates confirmed for city ST Albans has confirmed the dates for its first German inspired Christmas Market. The 24-day event will take place around the magnificent 11th-century St Albans Cathedral and in the Vintry Gardens from November 28 to December 21. Highlights will include up to 55 traditional wooden chalets selling a range of goods, from specialty food and drink to wooden toys, Christmas decorations, stocking-fillers, handmade clothes and gifts. Portfolio holder for localism and community engagement coun Beric Read said: “We are absolutely
thrilled to be holding our first German-inspired Christmas Market this year. We are very proud of our famous twice-weekly market, which we believe is the oldest regular town centre market in the UK, having been held in the same place for over 1,100 years. “So this year we thought it was about time we had a proper European-style Christmas Market. “St Albans is only 20 minutes on the train from St Pancras and we believe we are the nearest Christmas Market to central London, so we are expecting thousands of visitors.”
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DESTINATIONTOURISM SOCIETY
How to turn the tide ... David Curtis-Brignell FTS, chairman, The Tourism Society* AFTER the feel-good factor of 2012, Andy Murray winning the Wimbledon Men’s Final, the Ashes (OK but it was still a win) and the best summer weather in the UK for years, I was starting to think that it would take quite a lot to depress me. But I was wrong. I picked up a copy of “Turning the Tide” the latest report from the think-tank Centre for Social Justice. This looks at five British resorts: Rhyl, Margate, Clacton-on-Sea, Blackpool and Great Yarmouth. One of the main conclusions was that once-fashionable seaside addresses have become little more than dumping grounds for people with problems, attracting the homeless, unemployed and former offenders rather than tourists. Poverty attracts poverty. Overstretched local authorities become even more overstretched with shrinking budgets needing to support even more people with demands on resources than before. The demise of ‘bucket and spade’ holidays in the 1970s as a result of the boom in cheap overseas packages is, according to the report, where the rot started. It goes on to say how cheaper property prices have led to higher concentrations of institutions such as care homes for children in care, sometimes in
unsuitable locations. Former hotels and guest houses have been converted into cheap shared housing and bedsits which are attractive to vulnerable people. These fall into further decline due to lack of repair, maintenance and investment and the spiral continues downwards faster than a child on a helter-skelter. To slightly adapt the Loyd Grossman catchphrase, “Who wants to live in a place like this?” Let alone visit as a tourist. Initiatives are in place to improve matters. Councils have been given more powers to control the increase in HMOs (houses in multiple occupation); the Margate Task Force has done “impressive work...which other authorities should consider emulating”; Rhyl and Great Yarmouth have both been given grants from the Coastal Communities Fund; there is evidence of better educational standards being achieved. And the report does say that all resorts highlighted “have considerable potential as tourist destinations” but adds that it is unlikely any could revert to the tourist numbers of their heyday. The authors do acknowledge that the challenges coastal towns face are not unique, but are different versions of the problems found elsewhere in the UK. Long-term unemployment, family breakdown and educational failure loom large alongside more complex social problems.
Removing barriers to work, drawing in new investment and industry, increasing local responsiveness to issues, and strengthening education and families, can, the report suggests, revive Britain’s troubled coastal towns, “not just as wonderful places to visit, but also as wonderful places to live and work.” Well, that perked me up a bit. It acknowledges that whilst the challenges facing many of Britain’s seaside towns are substantial, they are not insurmountable. “The beauty on which these towns’ success was originally founded remains.” This report is not about the decline and fall of the tourist industry in seaside towns. It is fundamentally about social problems, the breakdown of family life across the UK. But does tourism have a part to play in this recovery plan? For those working hard in the promotion of tourism in the five destinations reviewed, the report can’t have been welcome reading either in its entirety or across the pages of yesterday’s fish and chip wrappings. But we know, and we keep reminding our politicians, just how much of a boost to local economies and employment tourism can be. We know that if we can stimulate the visitor economy we can generate jobs better than any other industry. I am one who firmly believes that people are now taking holidays in the UK because they want to and not because they have to. The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions announced a 22%
David Curtis-Brignell increase in visitor numbers between May and August 2013 v 2012. But we also know that there is still a big difference between London and the ‘provinces’ in terms of hotel occupancy and average rate. Without a doubt, the industry in many places is at a tipping point. So here’s a thought. At a time when public services, hospitals and schools are being cut or closed, let’s not send all of the ring-fenced, inflation-proofed £11bn of overseas aid abroad – in some cases to countries that don’t want or need it. Why not put just 10% into a new fund to create real jobs, and real hope in areas which have previously been described as “underdemolished.” I think that would perk quite a few people up. *Views are of course mine and not necessarily those of the Tourism Society membership.
Marketing Workshop: A ‘Pay Per Result’ approach to marketing Tuesday September 24, 2013 6.00-8.00pm Tourism Society office, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London Are you a small business owner or marketing manager? Have you been struggling to develop, and afford, an effective marketing campaign to build your brand and drive direct response? Fear not. Help is at hand! Join Simon Thorp FTS and the Tourism Society for an engaging and positive workshop where you will discover: The key elements of the marketing mix, how to measure, avoiding hidden costs. What makes an effective website. Why social media is useful, and how to manage and monetise it. Real client success stories. Getting online quickly and cheaply, a no win, no fee model to deliver return on investment. This event is very much planned as an interactive session and there will be plenty of opportunity for sharing issues and asking questions, as well as networking afterwards with refreshments. Book your place today at www.tourismsociety.org or ring 0207 269 9693. Tickets cost just £15 for Tourism Society members or £20 for non-members.
Blackpool Tower
Picture credit: Pefkos – Fotolia.com
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