Destination UK

Issue 25 November/December 2008 £2.75

DJ fronts Northwest tourism campaign

Destinations losing out on profits

By Louise Cordell DESTINATIONS are losing out on profits because they are relying on their historic heritage to bring in visitors rather than modern attractions, according to research.

New research has shown that rather than being seen as a place for interesting and exciting contemporary culture, the country is best known for its ancient monuments.

Tom Wright, VisitBritain chief executive, said: “The economic climate and competition from other destinations means tourism to and within the UK is changing.

“Visitors may believe that because our heritage has been here for centuries it will be here for centuries more and there is little they have not already seen.

“We must remind them of all that is new and different throughout the UK, and of the contemporary experiences they will miss, if we are to maintain our place among the world’s leading destinations.”

The survey findings were released during the launch of Britain’s Cultural Olympiad, an event celebrating the variety of the nation’s culture and marking the beginning of

the journey towards the 2012 Olympics.

They revealed that twice as many Britons agreed that the country’s main attraction was its historical, rather than its modern destinations.

Tom added: “Many people believe Britain is a place of Morris dancing, Highland Games, historic castles, museum and archaeological attractions, and monuments to yesteryear.

“They forget we have also given the world a wealth of contemporary cultural icons from rock bands and music festivals, to theatre and dance, to modern art and architecture.”

VisitBritain now aim to use the Games as a once in a lifetime opportunity to raise the profile of more modern cultural attractions and destinations.

A new film, Britain Celebrates, has been created to reflect the range of activities that are available.

It includes clips of destinations from ballet, orchestra and theatre productions to the Natural History Museum and the Edinburgh Festival, to pop and rock concerts, Banksy and Gormley and the Highland Games.

Britain is cashing in on the popularity of one of the most famous film franchises in the world. The release of the new James Bond film, Quantum Of Solace, coupled with the centenary of creator Ian Fleming’s birth, has given rise to many tourism opportunities. Visitors can experience the James Bond lifestyle at the Ritz, take a trip down the Thames 007 style, or learn more about Fleming at an exhibition which features some of the most recognisable material from the films including a the orange bikini worn by Halle Berry in Die Another Day. Full feature, Page 10

RADIO TWO DJ Stuart Maconie is fronting a new campaign to promote tourism in England’s Northwest.

The autumn campaign by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Stuart’s Short Stories for Short Breaks, will see a series of travel diary-style pieces appear in national magazines and glossy newspaper supplements over the coming months, following Stuart on his travels. Focusing on city culture and the region’s cultural offer the campaign is backed by a new website, www.stuartsstories.com, where visitors can read all of the short stories or download podcasts narrated by Stuart himself. Stuart said: “This is my part of the world, so I might be biased, but the Northwest is full of fantastic places to visit and I’m more than happy to bang the drum for them. We have some fascinating history and our popular culture is second to none, so it’s not really a very difficult job.

If this campaign helps people to see the Northwest as the wonderful place that it is, then I’m pleased to be able to help.”

DESTINATIONNEWS

Disappointment over cut in government support

By Louise Cordell THE UK travel industry will be facing a lack of government support as well as challenging market conditions in the year ahead, according to VisitBritain.

The national tourism agency has published its annual review, revealing a fall in international visitor numbers of 150,000 to 32.6m.

Christopher Rodrigues, VisitBritain chairman, said: “We were extremely disappointed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s decision at the end of 2007 to reduce our three year funding by over 20 per cent just at the time the industry faces increased competitive and economic challenges.

“VisitBritain will continue to focus its efforts on increasing the efficiency of its operations, but it

is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this uniquely severe budget reduction reflects, at best, evidence of other priorities and at worst a continued lack of support for the very significant contribution made by nearly 200,000 businesses, both to the visitor economy and to the British economy as a whole.”

The report claimed that during 2007 visitor numbers came under pressure from the combined effects of a strong pound, fuel and commodity price inflation and uncertainty in the financial markets of the developed world.

Domestic tourism profits also fell, as Britons abandoned plans for local holidays and travelled overseas to escape the summer’s bad weather.

However, despite this decline, inbound tourism remains a significant contributor to the

The World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-onWindermere has announced plans for a new addition in 2009. The Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Garden will feature plant varieties that Beatrix Potter would have known when she wrote the last of the Peter Rabbit stories, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, a century ago in 1909. A sculpture which was unveiled by actress Renee Zellweger will form the centre of it.

Manager Richard Foster said: “Beatrix Potter was one of the very first conservationists and it is thanks to her activities that so much of the Lake District is held in trust for the nation. It was the sale of her books that gave Beatrix Potter the resources to purchase farms and land for the National Trust. So many of her best loved tales are set in gardens and we hope that the Naturally Better Garden will be a wonderful new attraction to visit.”

British economy, earning nearly £16bn in foreign exchange earnings.

VisitEngland will launch a £1.5m marketing campaign promoting offers on short breaks and experiences in England and VisitBritain hopes to attract tourists from the key growth market in India with cheap fare offers from British Airways.

Christopher added: “The visitor economy in Britain continues to deliver great product and service and our best tourism businesses win accolades around the world.

“We want to continue to flourish as a world class destination and are working with industry leaders to address the challenges faced.

“Now, with the global magnifying glass of the 2012 Olympics looming on the horizon, we need to step up the pace of change.”

Haven hat-trick HAVEN Holidays is celebrating after winning a hat-trick in the 2008 travel awards.

The company was named Domestic Operator of the Year by the Travel Trade Gazette and the Travel Bulletin Star Awards.

It also won the Best Value prize in the family friendly category of the Prima Baby Reader Awards.

Spokesman Tim Gibson said: “The brand has been commended for its customer focus, outstanding service and commitment to quality.”

Finally, one of the company’s parks, Combe Haven near Hastings was named runner-up in the Best All Inclusive Group Holiday Venue category of Group Travel Organiser magazine’s awards. Haven’s group travel arm specialises in arranging reservations for anything from five up to hundreds of luxury, static caravans for club and business bookings.

Entertainment news in Centrestage starting on Page 11 Resort bids to change its image Page 4

York

Pages 15-17

Destination South West Pages 18-21 Excursions Preview Pages 22-23

Contacts EDITORIAL Andrew Harrod group editor 01226 734639 ah@whpl.net Nicola Hyde news editor 01226 734459 nl@whpl.net Christina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@whpl.net Mary Ferguson reporter 01226 734712 mf@whpl.net

PRODUCTION Judith Halkerston – group deputy editor – jhalkerston@whpl.net Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@whpl.net Kyle Wilkinson – graphic designer kw@whpl.net Emma Frisby – graphic designer ef@whpl.net ADVERTISING Rachel Wood product manager 01226 734611 rw@whpl.net Andrew Loades sales executive 01226 734634 Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605/01226 734333 CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@whpl.net Fax: 01226 734477

Web: www.destination.uk.com

The Tsunami on the horizon ...

By Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance I RECENTLY attended a UKinbound meeting to talk to their members about the state of the tourism sector. At the UKinbound meeting, members where asked if they had experienced a downturn in business as a result of the credit crunch. The overwhelming majority said that they hadn’t and the summer season had been pretty much the same as last year. And, indeed, this experience is borne out by the official statistics. The

latest International Passenger Survey figures show that inbound visitor numbers are up one per cent so far this year while outbound numbers are up a similar amount. And in the domestic market, visitor numbers are up seven per cent (and spend is up a massive 16 per cent). So has taking a holiday crossed that gap from being a discretionary activity to becoming a necessity for modern life? Unfortunately, I don’t think so.

One of the interesting things about the credit crunch has been the desperate attempts by the

Government to prevent the banking crisis spilling over into the real economy. But they can’t stave off the inevitable for too much longer and there are ominous signs that the stormwall that has been erected is starting to crumble.

New car sales fell almost 20 per cent in September. As a new car is about the biggest discretionary item people purchase, you would expect it to be one of the first items to experience a fall in sales as people tighten their belts.

Unemployment is on the rise again with Earnest and Young

forecasting that there will be more than two million unemployed within the next 18 months.

So with rising costs, falling discretionary expenditure and growing unemployment, the outlook for the tourism industry next year is challenging to say the least. The rescue package that the Government has launched for the banking industry may soften the downturn, but it wont prevent it. What DCMS needs to do now is develop a plan for supporting the tourism sector.

Hopefully we wont need it – but we just might.

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Scenes from the film which is set in Eastbourne.

Tourism bosses in Eastbourne are making the most of its new-found popularity following the release of a film set in the town – by trying to change people’s perceptions. Mary Ferguson reports.

Tourism bosses look to Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging HAILED as the biggest teenage movie of the year, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging features some of Eastbourne’s highlights, including the Bandstand, pier, the boats at Fisherman’s Green and the seafront’s colourful Carpet Gardens.

With references to the town throughout, producers even bought in Eastbourne bins, recycling boxes, and deckchairs to ensure continuity and establish the film’s setting when filming took place outside the town.

And a brand new film location map is being planned to highlight the places in the town that feature in the film, to coincide with the DVD release.

As well as promoting the town to young visitors, marketing bosses at Eastbourne Borough Council are keen to use the movie to promote the town’s film liaison

unit and market Eastbourne as a film location.

Norman Kinnish, director of economy, environment and tourism said: “The film is punching our message into the marketplace and we are expecting it to have a big impact on tourism here.

“We are predicting teenage girls will pester their parents to take them to the place their favourite film was shot, which is why we have put together the map.”

Norman said their association with the older generation isn’t a problem for Eastbourne - but that they do need to work with it.

“At the moment we are subtly reprofiling the place to appeal to a younger audience, but without disenfranchising our core visitors.”

A poster campaign around the London Underground has been put in place to change people’s

Fashion outfit joins forces with VisitBritain

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FASHION brand Ben Sherman has joined forces with VisitBritain as part of a global ‘British Getaway’ promotion.

The six-week campaign will offer a prize which includes a night in London at Browns Hotel with dinner at Claridges and a VIP night out at Proud in Camden. A shopping spree at Ben Sherman Carnaby Street is also included. Entry will be online where Ben Sherman customers will be able to download a free music track as part of the ‘Soundtrack to the Getaway’ and link to the VisitBritain and Enjoy England sites.

Alison McKay, VisitBritain’s brand

partnerships manager, said: “High recognition of the brand, their desired reputation among British musicians and singers, and their use of the Union Jack make them a perfect marketing partner. With many people discovering Britain through its fashion, music or film, this promotion will help us reach new audiences and encourage even more people to consider a trip to Britain in 2008 and beyond.”

A network of 25 stores in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and the USA will promote the campaign.

perceptions of the town, and the council organise regular events, such as a four day air show, to attract people to the area.

“Once we have got people to Eastbourne and they realise it’s not just for the blue rinsers they come back, and 75 per cent of visitors are from outside East Sussex.”

The resort has also been used to shoot scenes from Harry Potter, Notes on a Scandal and TV’s Miss Marple over the past couple of years, and Norman said its use as a film setting has a big impact on raising people’s awareness of the area.

He added: “We are seeing new investment in tourism in terms of new attractions, hotels and restaurants, meaning Eastbourne is going through something of a rebirth. Tourism here is definitely on the up.”

Seabird centre soars to success THE Scottish Seabird Centre has been named Tourism Business of the Year at the 2008 National Business Awards for Scotland.

The judges commented that, since opening in 2000, the centre had become a landmark tourist destination and community asset, helping to revitalise North Berwick and its historic harbour area.

Tom Brock, centre chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious award, in recognition of the outstanding support of our staff, volunteers, members and visitors.

“As an independent charity, we couldn’t survive and continue to grow and improve without the support of the local community”.

The centre is a world leader in

remote wildlife viewing where, by controlling live cameras, visitors can experience wildlife close up, without disturbing the animals.

It makes a significant contribution to the local economy and is established as a national and international leader in wildlife tourism, with over 280,000 visitors a year and 720,000 website visitors. Sinead Guerin, VisitScotland regional director, said: “The Scottish Seabird Centre thoroughly deserves this accolade as it continues to provide a service above and beyond the expectations of visitors. The standard of competition was very high in this category and this emphasises the achievement made by all concerned with the centre.”

DESTINATIONNEWS

Attractions popularity on the rise

By Louise Cordell THE popularity of UK attractions is increasing despite the economic slowdown according to a new survey from VisitBritain.

The results revealed a three per cent increase in trips to tourist destination in the last year with the Tower of London being the most popular with over two million visits.

Other favourites included St Paul’s Cathedral which attracted 1.6m tourists and Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach with 1.4m visitors.

Tom Wright, VisitBritain chief executive, said: “This research demonstrates the demand for all types of attractions in England, and that consumers are getting less likely to be swayed by the influence of the weather.

“Come rain or shine our world renowned attractions offer something for all our visitors, whatever the season.

“Now current campaigns are encouraging even more visitors to enjoy our attractions in these challenging times.”

The sector that has seen the biggest increase is the visitor and heritage centres with 12 per cent more business, and outdoor

attractions also experienced a boom with visitor numbers to country parks rising by eight per cent and farm and garden visits up by five per cent.

The popularity of cheap days out also increased with Xscape in Milton Keynes becoming the country’s most visited free destination, followed by Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the British Museum, but the most impressive increase of the year was a 100 per cent leap in visitor numbers at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire Overall, the survey findings varied across the country with the East of England showing the highest increase with nine per cent, but visits to North West attractions down five per cent.

However, the rest of the country showed increases of between two to five per cent.

The results will now be discussed at VisitBritain’s Visitor Attraction Conference where representatives from the country’s most popular destinations will gather to debate best practice in the industry and the issues and challenges for the year ahead.

The North East England tourism industry will be under the spotlight at a number of roadshows being held later this year to help attract new visitors to the region.

The Group Travel Roadshows will bring together some of the region’s top hotels, venues, attractions and destinations with

key tour operators and planners from across the UK. One roadshow will be at Hampton Court Palace, London with a second at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre in Staffordshire.

Sylvia Lowes, sales office manager at Lumley Castle is pictured with members of staff of the four-star hotel.

Latest attraction unveiled BRISTOL has unveiled its latest visitor attraction, the £500m shopping centre Cabot Circus.

The centre has taken ten years to plan, three years to build and it is hoped it will become one of the UK’s leading leisure destinations.

The complex houses over 120 shops, including 15 major flagship stores and shoppers can also visit one of the 25 restaurants and cafes or the 13 screen cinema.

Cabot Circus is estimated to

generate over 20 million visitors in its first year of operations, double the number of visitors in previous years.

It will also help Bristol to climb to seventh place in the UK table of shopping destinations.

To coincide with the opening, Destination Bristol, is also providing vital information on travel and what else to see and do when visiting Bristol during the post launch period.

Visitor figures up by 36% ORGANISERS of the Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show, which took place at the NEC last month, have reported a substantial lift in visitor numbers.

The final count was up 36 per cent from last year with nearly 2,400 people attending and the event also received record forward bookings, with 100 exhibitors confirming for 2009.

Organiser Emma Cash said:

“This has been one of our best exhibitions ever.

“It is very pleasing that the substantial investment we made in marketing and, the benefits we offer visitors and exhibitors at GLTT, have made such a big impact.

“It is also clear that moving the show forward to a Wednesday and Thursday date, rather than the traditional Thursday and Friday, was a big hit with everyone.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Tourism ‘more important than ever to North East

By Louise Cordell

A marketing campaign has been launched to increase visitor numbers to Jersey during the winter months.

Air Southwest – which offers flights from Plymouth to Jersey – has teamed up with Jersey Tourism to promote the island for autumn and winter breaks, through high-profile advertising throughout the region between now and the beginning of November.

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Deputy chief executive of Air Southwest Mike Coombes said: “With many people watching their finances at the moment, we are seeing an increasing number of travellers holidaying closer to home.

Jersey is an ideal destination and great value throughout all four seasons. Jersey has some of the best quality accommodation in the UK and is attracting people year round.”

TOURISM is now more important than ever to the North East with new economic research revealing that the industry’s value to NewcastleGateshead has grown by four per cent.

The area attracted £1.2bn and 19.5m visitors from around the UK and overseas last year, and Tyne and Wear as a whole contributed 51 per cent of the total tourism revenue for the whole of North East England.

Andrew Dixon, NewcastleGateshead Initiative chief executive, said: “Who would have imagined ten years ago that we would be seeing this kind of sustained growth in the tourism economy?

“Our culture and heritage, our business tourism infrastructure, our conferences and our city-break and large day visitor market have all helped position us at the head of the new wave of tourist destinations in the UK. “There is a positive economic

impact for NewcastleGateshead in terms of financial revenue, but also in terms of the development of business tourism; with the growth of Newcastle airport and the universities undoubtedly proving a contributory factor.

“Our excellent international travel links and internationally-renowned academic expertise is generating increased business investment and business tourism, providing the ideal opportunity to profile the destination’s key strengths and expertise in this area.”

The value of tourism to the North East economy has grown by 30 per cent over the past five years and is now worth nearly £4bn annually to the region’s economy.

This growing sector directly employs 60,775 people in North East England, an increase in 14.5 per cent over the past five years and, in addition, one million more visitors are now staying overnight in North East England than in 2003 – an increase of 12 per cent.

DESTINATIONNEWS

Claiming to be the most unique holiday experience in the UK, Feather Down Farm Day sites are making the most of ‘agrotourism’. Mary Ferguson reports.

Farm days prove popular with tourists GOING back to nature has never been more popular, as the surge in camping has proved.

And Feather Down Farm Days was set up to provide the ultimate experience for people to get away from modern living and experience ‘real’ country life.

Based on working farms, accommodation comprises large tent structures with no electricity – but there is a cooking stove, flushing toilet, master bedroom and bunk bedroom. There are also dining room tables and although there is only cold water in the kitchen area, the sites do have hot showers and towel packages. Guests gather their own eggs every morning, get to know the animals in the paddocks and can hire bikes to explore the countryside.

Excursions are regularly organised in the nature reserves of estates around the farm and the sites are open from Easter until the end of October.

The brand was founded in Holland in 2004 by Luite Moraal and there are now 19 farms around the UK, along with one in France and a further 12 in the Netherlands.

Luite said that by 2009, another seven will have opened in the UK with six more opening around Europe.

“I launched the company because of a growing need for genuine family holidays that work

on the less is more principle – it’s about going back to basics.

“Feather Down Farm’s Days is aimed at people who value quality and authenticity in a rural environment.

“The farms create a unique experience - deliberately leaving out the ‘achievements’ of modern city life – in harmony with the gentle rhythm of rural life.”

Luite said a typical visitor to the farms would be a high earning city family looking for something a bit different.

“The concept is for those people searching for a smallscale and genuine experience – far from today’s mass-produced, plastic holiday packages.

“Every Feather Down Farm tent is unbelievably spacious and comfortable, with a traditional interior reflecting the honest rural life of yesteryear. And you’ll find us on working farms – where the farmer and his family are passionate guardians of the countryside.”

The first Feather Down Farm Days site opened in the UK in 2006 and Luite said he has noticed an increase in business in line with the increasing awareness of environmental issues. He added: “93 per cent of people who make enquiries about the holidays end up booking and we will continue to grow. It truly is the most unique family holiday.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Park owner sees rise in ‘local’ visitors A LANCASTER caravan park owner has reported an increase in visits from people living within the county.

Henry Wild, who owns Moss Wood in Cockerham, said that some visitors to his park are journeying from less than 30 miles away.

And, he claims, the trend is being experienced by many other parks across the county.

Henry – who is also a director at the British Holiday and Parks Association – said: “Soaring petrol prices are driving many Lancashire families to take their holidays inside the county, and to seek out destinations which don't take a such a heavy toll on hard-pressed budgets. Escalating fuel costs are one reason why doorstep destinations are being preferred to traditional but further-flung regions such as Scotland and Cornwall.”

Henry said that it is not necessarily Lancashire's tourism ‘honey pots’ which are seeing the benefit. “Resorts such as Blackpool are being increasingly shunned in favour of areas which make fewer demands on family finances. The result is that a number of new Lancashire hot spots are warming up on the county's tourism map.”

And according to Henry, the credit crunch is encouraging visitors to take part in cheaper activities. Walking, cycling and bird-watching are the top three pastimes of guests at Moss Wood Caravan Park – even for families with youngsters in tow.

He added: “Overall, this trend is very good news for Lancashire – not least because it will ensure that tourism spending is more evened-out across the region.”

Japanese tour guide joins Windermere team

By Nicola Hyde WINDERMERE-based Mountain Goat Tours has appointed the Lake District’s first Japanese touring guide.

Junko Ishiwata from Sendai City in northern Japan has been drafted in to help introduce Japanese Beatrix Potter fans to Cumbria and Peter Rabbit country, on board Mountain Goat’s luxury mini-coaches.

The Miss Potter film, starring Renee Zellweger, was only released in Japan towards the end of last year, so Mountain Goat is continuing to develop the service it offers to Japanese visitors.

Junko said: “England is a very popular destination for Japanese visitors due to its traditions, beautiful buildings and spectacular scenery.

“The Lake District is especially popular because so many Japanese love Peter Rabbit. Visitors from Japan want to see the beautiful scenery that was included in the Beatrix Potter books.

“The people of the Lake District

ORGANISERS of this year’s Wales Rally GB, the UK and final round of the World Rally Championship, have announced a spectacular line-up of entertainment for a breathtaking fire and ice-themed show at this year’s Millennium Stadium stage of the event, on December 6.

There will be high speed action, acrobatics and dancing prior to the Cardiff Stage, a full competitive stage of the rally which will take place on the floor of the world-class stadium, providing the perfect family outing to start the run up to Christmas.

Joining the line-up is 11 times world record holding stunt driver, 8

have made me feel very welcome – they are so friendly and have a great sense of humour.”

In 2007, Mountain Goat reported a 40 per cent increase in the number of people doing their daily tours, which the company mainly attributed to the interest in their Beatrix Potter’s Lakeland Tours.

Stephen Broughton, director of

Mountain Goat, said: “Miss Potter has certainly helped to generate extra interest both in Beatrix Potter and the Lake District in the Japanese market. There has been a huge amount of media coverage both about the film and the Lakes, so hopefully we’ll see even more Japanese visitors coming to the area this year.”

Hotels form alliance to boost tourism HOTELS in Durham have formed an alliance to boost tourism to the area.

The Durham Hotels’ Association will work with the County Durham Tourism Partnership to grow tourism revenue, which is currently worth £589m to the area and supports 12,000 jobs. Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of County Durham Tourism Partnership, said: “The new Durham Hotels Association is a giant step forward for the county’s tourism industry and one we have encouraged strongly. For the first time, our

Spectacular line-up unveiled Advertiser’s announcement

The Lake District’s first Japanese touring guide takes to the road

Terry Grant, who will wow crowds with his daredevil motoring manoeuvres and ultimate car control. Grant is the greatest stunt performer in the business and will put spectators on the edge of their seats with his demonstration of bravery and skill.

To add to the high-octane action, organisers have enlisted the UK’s number one freestyle motorcross rider Jamie Squibb.

He will perform a mouthwatering display of airborne motorcycle aerobatics, perfectly choreographed to music.

His mind-blowing, no-holds barred show will leave everyone wanting more. For more information visit www.walesrallygb.com or call the booking hotline on 0844 8472251.

major hotels will work together, share intelligence, and provide a collective drive to position Durham as one of the UK’s leading visitor destinations.”

The new association brings together 25 large hotels and venues to look at market trends and share intelligence. It will also act as a partner for the Durham Attractions Group, consisting of leading visitor attractions.

Deborah Haines, general manager of the new Radisson SAS Hotel Durham – set to open on November 1 – has been appointed chair of the

association. She added: “Durham has enormous potential as a visitor destination and its new Hotels Association recognises the great benefits in collaborating on key tourism projects. We will work closely with County Durham Tourism Partnership to make sure that where appropriate, initiatives and activities are joined up in such a way that they benefit and grow the wider county economy, something which contributes to the success of our individual businesses and those of other accommodation providers.”

DESTINATIONADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Year dedicated to Henry VIII APRIL 22 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne.

Historic Royal Palaces will be dedicating the whole year to marking the lasting legacy of the mighty monarch with permanent representations, temporary exhibitions and thought-provoking debate.

At Hampton Court Palace the theme for 2009 is Henry VIII: heads and hearts, and upriver at the Tower of London we will be launching the major exhibition Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill.

At Hampton Court Palace in 2009 and beyond we will be hosting the wedding party for Henry’s marriage to Kathryn Parr - his sixth wife.

Becoming a wedding guest will give visitors a fantastic experience, with lots to see and do.

The palace will be made ready for the wedding with lavishly dressed rooms throughout the Tudor route, including feasting in the Great Hall and debates in the newly-opened Council Chamber.

We will also be bringing together, for the first time at Hampton Court Palace, six rarely seen 16th century portraits of each of the wives, and hanging them in the Council Chamber.

They will be joined there by portraits of Henry VIII, and Henry’s other women, his favourite sister Mary, and his daughters.

There will also be some rather evocative objects, from a lock of Kathryn Parr’s hair, to the music book written for Anne Boleyn by one of her alleged lovers.

For 2009 we are creating a garden

inspired by Henry’s Privy Gardens of the 16th century.

The design team’s plan, including work by renowned garden designer Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, is based on three historical sources and will include the defining features of the Tudor Court garden: heraldic beasts; beds of flowers, herbs and topiary; and decorated rails.

From 3 April 2009 until 1 November 2009 a new exhibition, over all three floors of the iconic White Tower, will bring together at the Tower of London, for the first time since the reign of Elizabeth I, the largest number of objects and items known to have belonged to Henry VIII. Exploring Henry the Sportsman, Henry the King and Henry the Warrior, the exhibition will feature loans from international collections as well the Royal Armouries, including key paintings from Henry's reign. Each object will be displayed with spectacular new lighting, as well as audio and visual material, enabling visitors to get closer to these objects than has ever been possible before.

A year of events, exhibitions and celebrations are planned at both the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace.

For more details information contact the travel trade sales office on 020 31666311, e-mail: groupsandtraveltrade @hrp.org.uk or visit the website at www.hrp.org.uk www.hrp.org.uk.

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DESTINATIONNEWS

While 2008 has not officially been declared the year of Bond in the UK, there are a whole host of events to mark the centenary of the birth of his creator, Ian Fleming, and the release of the 23rd film. LYNDSEY SMITH looks at how the tourism industry is benefiting from 007...

Curtain rises on ultimate Bond experience Ian Fleming Picture: Getty Images

80,000 salute Fleming NEARLY 80,000 people have visited the Imperial War museum, London, to see a special exhibition celebrating the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth.

The museum is producing the first major exhibition devoted to the life and work of the man who created the world’s most famous secret agent, James Bond.

Featuring fascinating material, much on public display for the first time, For Your Eyes Only, will look at the author and his fictional character in their historical context, and examine how much of the Bond novels were imaginary and how far they were based on real people and events.

The exhibition explores the early life of Fleming, his wartime career, and work as a journalist and travel writer and how, as an author, he drew upon his own experiences to create the iconic character of James Bond that continues to have global appeal.

Victoria Smith, senior press officer, said: “The main reason for the exhibition was to focus on Fleming’s wartime career. We saw early on that Fleming had a strong link to our remit and we are very

much focused towards that.

“We were keen to learn about his experiences, about special operations and the Cold War, and give visitors the chance to learn about the man behind Bond.”

The exhibition will examine to what extent the books and films reflect the reality of the Cold War and life in post-war Britain, and how far they were a product of Fleming’s prodigious imagination.

It will also showcase some of the films most memorable items, including Halle Berry’s famous orange bikini and Daniel Craig’s bloodstained shirt from Casino Royale.

It will conclude with Fleming’s legacy, exploring how one man’s idea generated an entire industry, not only books and films, but also parodies, toys, games and clothes.

Victoria added: “Obviously if you are a James Bond fan some of the memorabilia being exhibited is a great draw. It certainly shows that over 50 years after his first appearance in print, James Bond continues to exert a grip on the global imagination and Fleming remains a classic writer of his generation.”

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Details from Sue Moore, info@partyhouses.co.uk, www.partyhouses.co.uk, 01260 226609 Address: Toft Hall, Heaton, Macclesfield, SK11 0SJ. 10

DANIEL Craig has reprised his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond in the longest-running film franchise in motion picture history, in new film Quantum Of Solace, and the changing face of Britain today reflects the discerning sophistication of Bond’s world, where contemporary attractions, world class amenities and historic localities come together.

VisitBritain has partnered with the film to create the ultimate Bond experience and between their holiday itineraries and Quantum Of Solace worldwide audiences, millions of potential visitors from around the world will be inspired to come to our shores.

Tom Wright, chief executive of VisitBritain, believes this is the hook that can attract tourists in their numbers. He said: “James Bond remains one of Britain’s most readily identifiable and enduring characters and the original books by literary genius Ian Fleming, as well as the subsequent films, have helped draw the world’s attention to Britain, while James Bond has helped shape our fascination with the finer things in life.”

“Given the worldwide popularity of the James Bond franchise and anticipation for the film, we saw this as a fantastic opportunity to highlight all that Britain has to offer.

“With 40 per cent of potential visitors likely to visit places from films and TV, the partnership will help reach huge numbers of consumers and persuade them to come and experience Britain.”

Elliott Frisby, corporate pr manager, believes the James Bond experience they are offering shows

a new Britain. He said: “We have a new Bond now, a more contemporary Bond, and we feel this reflects the changing face of Britain.

“Bond is so quintessentially British as a character, and is essentially a British brand, but we want to move away from the concept that Britain is all about history and heritage.

“Although this is great we do now have a more contemporary side, good art galleries, fantastic cocktail bars, and the new Bond reflects that. Our experience appeals nationwide and internationally. It taps into the whole genre of MI6 and spies and people find the intrigue so appealing.

“We aim to show the Bond connections throughout the country, and offer people a slightly different take on Britain.

As official tourism and destination partner for the film VisitBritain will incorporate iconic logos, poster artwork and images from the film to promote the movie and Britain as the home of James Bond.

They have created a website for cinema-goers, film fans and potential visitors alike and offer a global sweepstake inviting them to ‘Live like Bond’ in Britain.

38 prize-winners and a guest will enjoy a three-night trip to Britain, a stay at London’s five-star, luxury Marriott Grovesnor House Park Lane Hotel and enjoy a number of James Bond style luxury experiences such as visits to Stoke Park, the Imperial War Museum, Harrods or a tour on a luxury Sunseeker yacht.

Memorabilia ‘a view to a thrill’ SOME of the most memorable items from the James Bond films are on display at the Ian Fleming exhibition at the Imperial War musuem.

Exhibits include his research notes for From Russia With Love, written in Istanbul, and a selection of annotated Bond manuscripts.

There’s also a desk and chair from Goldeneye, Fleming's Jamaican mansion where he wrote the Bond novels, and a Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver, presented to Fleming by the Colt company in 1964. But perhaps most fascinating of all are the exhibits and props from the films

themselves, including the sinister Rosa Klebb's deadly flick-knife shoes from From Russia With Love, a blood-stained shirt worn by latest Bond, Daniel Craig, from Casino Royale, and a popular draw for male Bond fans, the orange bikini worn

by Halle Berry in Die Another Day. There’s also the baddie’s golf shoes from Goldfinger, a yellow helmet worn by Drax's men in Moonraker, the cello pierced by a bullet from The Living Daylights, a spear-gun from Thunderball and the overcoat worn by Sean Connery in Dr No.

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

Audiences still wild for Mamma Mia! IT was on March 23, 1999 that the musical Mamma Mia! met its first and most crucial test when it was put in front of its first ever paying audience in London.

It was given the kind of welcome it has been getting ever since, every night, at every one of the many productions that have since followed.

But on that early spring evening in London, it was still a completely unknown quantity.

“We really had no idea how it was going to be received," reflects the producer Judy Craymer whose initial concept, exactly a decade earlier, had been to use existing ABBA songs within the format of a new, original musical. But happily, she remembers, “The audience went wild. They were literally out of their seats and singing and dancing in the aisles – and they still are. Every night.”

And now, they are doing so all around the world. It has become a global entertainment phenomenon; but it is one that works on a far more elemental basis, in which its creators have never lost sight of what they are seeking to achieve.

That is, the process of

personalising a familiar repertoire of particular ABBA songs in a fresh, vital and immediate way that simultaneously retains their pop integrity yet also does something more that is an essential requirement of good

musical theatre: to advance an appealing story and comment on it.

Mamma Mia! is the global phenomenon based on the songs of ABBA. Timeless songs such is Dancing Queen, I Have a Dream,

Voulez–Vous, and Take a Chance on Me, are ingeniously woven into an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited 20 years ago.

Mamma Mia! has now been seen by over 32 million people worldwide and there are currently more productions of Mamma Mia! playing around the world than any other musical.

A total of nine global productions (seven resident productions and two tours) are being seen by over 17,000 people every night!

Mamma Mia! has premiered in more cities worldwide faster than any other musical in history, opening in more than 180 major cities since the first production in London nearly 10 years ago.

Night after night audiences are having the time of their lives at this irresistible musical, isn’t it about time your clients’ did too?

To book your clients’ groups or F.I.T.s please call 0844 482 5103 (Discounts available at certain performances for groups of 10+ and 40+)

Stars turn Wicked for the day Stars of hit musical Wicked have taken part in an event which celebrates the show while raising money for charity.

Wicked Day took place in eight cities around the world with the London event in the Lindley Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls.The event featured a range of Wicked and Halloween themed events including competitions, performances, face-painting, fancy dress, workshops with members of the Wicked cast also joining in. All proceeds from charity auctions and cast signings will be donated to the charity Thrive in support of their Battersea Garden Project.

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Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical Carousel will transfer to the West End this month following a UK tour.

The musical, which stars opera singer Lesley Garrett will open in London at the Savoy theatre from November 22.

Carousel is the story of the love affair between Billy Bigelow, a smooth-talking carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a naïve young mill worker.

The score includes The Carousel Waltz, If I Loved You and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Lesley plays the role of Nettie and is joined by Jeremiah James as Billy and Alexandra Silber as Julie.

The UK tour commences later this month, calling at venues including the Churchill Theatre Bromley, The Edinburgh Festival Theatre and The Manchester Opera House.

Hackney panto is Mother Goose THIS year’s pantomime at London’s Hackney Empire will be Mother Goose.

The artistic team includes writer/director Susie McKenna, musical director/composer Steven Edis and set/costume designer Lotte Colette.

Once again legendary panto dame – Clive Rowe returns to the Empire to play the lead role.

Performances run from November 29 to January 10.

For the first time in four years, the Shaolin Monks have brought their unique show – Wheel of Life – to the UK. The monks are the ultimate masters of Kung Fu – Buddhist soldier monks who have refined defensive martial arts over a period of 15 centuries.

The show is touring eight UK venues before a three-week run at London’s Hackney Empire.

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

Free theatre tickets for the young

By Christina Eccles A MILLION free theatre tickets will be given out to young people under 26 years old to encourage them to experience live theatre.

The £2.5m programme – unveiled by culture secretary Andy Burnham – has been funded by Arts Council England and will be focused on 95 venues nationwide.

Each venue will offer a proportion of the tickets for arts productions on the same night every week for free to anyone who meets the age criteria with a goal of providing a million free tickets by March 2011.

Andy said: “Culture has the power to change lives. I’ve seen it myself so many times. A young person attending the theatre can find it an exhilarating experience, and be inspired to explore new horizons.

But sometimes people miss out on it because they fear it’s ‘not for them’. It’s time to change this perception.

“This investment means that a whole new audience will get the chance to enjoy the best our theatre has to offer. Theatres up and down the country will get the chance to work with us to provide a million free tickets to productions over the next two years. So it will be good for theatres who will see their audience broaden, and it will be good for actors who play at their best when performing to a full house.

“England’s theatre is among the best in the world, and it’s only right that it should be available to the widest audience possible.”

The scheme will operate principally at Arts Council England or local authority supported venues and each of them will bid for resources from a challenge fund.

If successful, they will also take part in launch events and a national marketing campaign will also be used to promote the scheme at the venues.

Legendary singer Jimmy Osmond will join the cast of hit musical Grease early next year. Making his West End debut, Jimmy will play Teen Angel for a limited season from January 19 to March 14 at The Piccadilly Theatre.

Jimmy said: “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to play in the West End and what better

show than Grease. It is fast, fun, energetic and full of talent and I am just thrilled to be playing Teen Angel.” Producer David Ian added: “Jimmy Osmond is truly a worldwide star and to have him starring in Grease, the UK's Number one musical, is as exciting as it gets for London's theatre fans.”

Former Steps singer Faye Tozer is starring in a musical based on the life of Eva Cassidy currently touring the country. Over the Rainbow is appearing at theatres nationwide including London’s Greenwich Theatre, Waterfront Hall in Belfast and Regents theatre, Christchurch.

Ballet company goes on tour ENGLISH National Ballet is to tour classic production The Sleeping Beauty – calling at Oxford, Bristol, Southampton, Manchester, Liverpool and London.

The Company will also perform the Royal Danish Ballet’s

production of MacMillan’s Manon – the first time English National Ballet has performed Manon in its history and the first time the production has toured the UK for over 20 years.

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DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

Francesca Jackson

Siobhan Dillon

Manilow musical on tour

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita is currently touring the UK – calling at venues including Leicester De Montfort Hall, Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre and Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

West End performer Louise Dearman plays Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, and joining her on stage in the role of Che is Seamus Cullen, popular finalist from the hit BBC TV programme Any Dream Will Do. The production features songs including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and Another Suitcase in Another Hall. Pictured: Seamus Cullen and Louise Dearman

A NEW musical celebrating the hits of Barry Manilow has embarked on a nationwide tour.

Can’t Smile Without You stars singer/songwriter Chesney Hawkes in the lead role of Tony and Siobhan Dillon – runner up in BBC show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? – as his

love interest Mandy.

Also in the cast is Francesca Jackson – a finalist from recent TV show I’d Do Anything.

The show includes over 30 of Barry’s hit songs such as Could it be Magic, Mandy and Can’t Smile Without You.

Star of the West End smash hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lee Mead, teamed up with Applause's sales and marketing manager, Adam Stott-Everett to help promote the company’s latest deals for group organisers and coach operators.

Offers include a top price ticket for Joseph and a two-course meal at Maxwell's restaurant in Covent Garden for £45 for 10 people or more and We Will Rock You tickets plus afternoon tea at the Montague on the Gardens from £29.50.

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Encore Tickets has two new members of staff – Deborah Plet, above left, and Lucy Bailey, above right. Deborah has been promoted from within Encore Tickets’ travel trade sales team to travel trade sales manager and has extensive knowledge

and experience in travel, hotel and ticket operations in many sectors of the travel industry.

Lucy – who has 15 years experience in the ticketing industry – has been promoted to group sales supervisor.

DESTINATIONYORK

York guide generates extra £26m

By Nicola Hyde A NEW visitors’ guide for York has generated an extra £26m in tourism revenue, according to research.

Visit York has calculated that the city – which has an annual tourism spend of £364m – won an even higher profile thanks to the visitors’ guide.

The research revealed that 40,074 visits to York were generated from the 2008 visitor guide, spending over £860,000 in day visits and £25.2m in staying visited. Almost half of people who requested a guide then went on to visit the city.

John Yeomans, chairman of Visit York, said: “It is fantastic to see such a great response to our annual visitor guide. The results of this research will allow Visit York to respond to the needs of the visitor market when designing the 2009 Visitor Guide and continue in its endeavour to promote York as one

of Europe’s top short break destinations.”

The study also showed that although some people did not visit York after receiving a guide, they do intend to within the next six months and this has a projected value of £14m in further tourism income.

It concuded hat York Minster is still the iconic ‘emblem of York’, and its use on the front cover of the 2008 Visitor Guide was seen as the city’s strongest selling point.

The historic architecture, termed the traditional jewels of York, which include The Shambles, the city walls and the National Railway Museum were deemed to be most important for inclusion when promoting the city through visual print.

Over 160,00 copies of York’s Visitor Guide 2008 have been printed and it is also available for download to potential clients in Europe, Scandinavia, Australasia, the USA and Canada.

Complete your trip with Complete York WE are the premier company in York for all your tourism needs, from education and business. To group and social events.

Whatever you’re planning it’s best to talk to us first. We can supply foreign speaking guides and couriers for an hour or a day, or longer. Theme tours are our speciality, Roman, Viking, executioner? No problem.

We also take care of conference talks or lectures and organise treasure hunts for team building and hen parties.

Take a look at our web site or give us a call to see what Complete York can do for you.

Tel: 07707 892747, e-mail info@completeyork.com, www.completeyork.com

Discover the secrets of the Rose garden DESIGNED under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren, Newby Hall, home to the Compton family, epitomises the Georgian ‘Age of Elegance’.

The award winning gardens created in the early 1920s boast one of Europe’s longest double herbaceous borders and are of interest to specialist and amateur gardeners alike. Visit in the Spring, Summer or Autumn and discover the secrets of the Rose Garden, The Water Garden and even a tropical garden. Newby also offers a thoughtfully designed adventure garden for children, with a miniature railway, island fort, boating and water play.

Details from 01423 322583 or visit www.newbyhall.com.

Explore at leisure with the York Pass YORK is the perfect all year round destination for a group visit, if it’s a leisurely trip or days packed with sightseeing, York offers it all.

Wonder at the magnificent gothic York Minster, soak up the atmosphere at some of the many festivals and street entertainment or relive history in some of the finest period houses.

Explore the maze of streets including The Shambles – one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. A stone’s throw from the Minster, in the former medieval swine-market is an area now known as the Swinegate Quarter, where unique shops.

Give your group the freedom to explore at leisure by prepurchasing a York Pass for each person. The York Pass gives great savings on sight seeing and after initial purchase gives free entry to over 30 attractions in and around York. We are able to offer groups discounts of up to 20 per cent. Please telephone 01904 554471 for more details.

To help make your visit go smoothly, give our specialist groups desk a call on 01904 550080.

We can assist with booking accommodation at competitive rates, advise about coach parking and find a restaurant to suit your needs.

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DESTINATIONYORK York’s Newgate Market is one of the city’s most popular Christmas attractions.

The market – which is open seven days a week – is seen as an ideal place to pick up last minute Christmas items.

Also, hidden in the market place is Henshelwoods Delicatessen – winners of the Good Egg Award and an Observer Food Monthly Award – which specialises in cheeses.

Castle Howard

Jorvik Viking Centre JORVIK Viking Centre guarantees an exciting day out for any group. The attraction opens the door on life in the Viking city of ‘Jorvik’ in AD975, as you travel through a reconstruction of the actual Viking-age streets, where archaeologists found original remains.

View over 800 artefacts discovered on site and learn more about Viking life in our three exciting exhibitions.

JORVIK offers a guaranteed entry time with pre-booking, as well as free familiarisation visits for group organisers, free admission for group leaders and coach drivers, and group discounts for groups of 15 or more.

Please call the reservations team on 01904 615505 or email groups@yorkat.co.uk, www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

Castle revisited

By Christina Eccles CASTLE Howard’s links with new film release Brideshead Revisited have been celebrated with a major exhibition at the York-based attraction.

The Brideshead Restored exhibition stretches over three onceabandoned rooms and shows how, after being ruined in a fire in 1940, they were restored and used as a space for the sets of the new film version of Brideshead Revisited.

The exhibition – located in the High South rooms – will give visitors a chance to look behind the scenes at the making of the film and see the sets up close.

Castle Howard’s owner The Hon. Simon Howard said: “When Brideshead Revisited was first broadcast on British television in 1981 it caused a sensation, and for years afterwards Castle Howard was identified with the fictional Brideshead Castle.

“With the release of a new film version in 2008 another generation of viewers will associate this house with the home of the Marchmain family.

“We were delighted that Castle Howard was one of the central players in the new film of Brideshead Revisited, and we hope that people enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes in our new exhibition.”

Welcome to the world of Park Inn PARK Inn, part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, is a fresh and innovative upcoming mid-market hotel brand – global in outlook, national in scale and local in operation.

The Park Inn York Hotel prides itself ‘on mastering the essentials’ delivering a great affordable hotel experience within its class and certainly following completion of our £5 million investment all our guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in comfortable, practical and most importantly clean and well maintained surroundings.

Our new bedrooms, offering private facilities, now promote full air conditioning, sound proofed double glazing, flat screen digital TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, dedicated works space and wifi accessibility. Many bedrooms overlook the river and are available at a small supplement. Also handy for groups is that we are able to offer single bedded rooms, without single supplements.

Our current promotion includes two nights’ accommodation, with breakfast, also dinner included on the first night for £202 based on two people sharing a standard twin/double room for two nights.

Visit our virtual tour at www.york.parkinn.co.uk.

For further information or to make a booking contact Catherine Heaton on 01904 459930

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DESTINATIONYORK

Bid to beat £50m Christmas boost

Mansion House in the snow

TOURISM bosses in York are gearing up for the festive season with a packed schedule of Christmas events to attract visitors to the city.

Last year, Christmas visitors to York enjoyed a range of attractions and spent about £50m – something which Visit York are keen to repeat this year.

The Christmas in York programme includes: I The popular St Nicholas Fayre – offering an array of markets across the city featuring gifts and crafts as well as the best in local farm produce.

I The new International Christmas Fayre – running for 14 days, the market promises to offer a global larder in Parliament Street.

I Festival of Angels – a winter wonderland experience of ice sculptures, snow, stalls and food and drink, bringing back the magic and excitement of childhood.

I The Ice Factor – an open air rink set in the historic surroundings of York’s Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower.

I Christmas with Jane Austen at Fairfax House – an annual exhibition using the evidence of family papers, diaries, household accounts and the writings of Jane Austen.

Chief executive of Visit York Gillian Cruddas said: “With much talk about the credit crunch and consumers tightening their belts we’re confident that more than ever before York is offering the very best Christmas festival, with lots of good value offers for our visitors and residents. It’s vital we do everything we can to ensure a successful festive season.”

The Christmas Market

Visit the heart of the city YORK Minster is the crowning glory of the City of York. A beacon of faith for seven centuries, the Minster is at the heart of the City; of Yorkshire; of the North of England.

A visit to York Minster is your moment in its long story. See the Minster's daily cycle of prayer and worship unfolding; take in the space and serenity; wonder at the scale and beauty of the medieval stone and glass.

While the city streets in the Minster’s shadow are filled with lights and busy shoppers, the great cathedral continues its vigil and invites those who visit to share once again in the timeless mystery of Christmas.

York Minster is a hive of activity in Advent and at Christmas. A great Advent Wreath of greenery and candles hangs from the lofty central tower above the centre of the Cathedral. A life-sized crib takes its place in the North Transept ready to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. A host of services and concerts brings thousands through the doors.

See www.yorkminster.org for services and events; charges apply for visits to York Minster.

Contact details: York Minster Deangate York YO1 7HH 01904 557200 www.yorkminster.org info@yorkminster.org

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DESTINATIONSOUTHWEST

John lobbies Bank of England on industry’s behalf

By Mary Ferguson

John Houston

Award winning ape rescue centre WELCOME to Monkey World – the awardwinning ape rescue centre.

Our 65-acre park is home to over 240 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys.

Many have been neglected or experienced cruelty.

Some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Here they can all enjoy the company of their own in a safe, natural environment.

Monkey World is home to the largest set of chimpanzees outside Africa and also provides a home for orangutans, gibbons, woolly monkeys, lemurs and stump-tailed macaques.

You’ll find Monkey World just minutes off the A31 near Wool.

Call 01929 462537 or visit www.monkeyworld.org for more information.

THE general manager of Abbotsbury Tourism has lobbied the Bank of England on behalf of the industry.

John Houston was asked to brief the Bank of England on current economic conditions and policy in relation to tourism in the county, and took the opportunity to raise concerns over the reduction in funding proposed for Visit Britain, the high level of VAT rates imposed on British tourist attractions, and the local concern about the difficulty of obtaining brown tourism signs for attractions in Dorset.

Abbotsbury Tourism is responsible for tourist attractions in the county including The Swannery, The Subtropical Gardens and Children’s Farm at Abbotsbury.

John met Andrew Sentance, a member of the monetary policy committee – the group which advises the Bank of England on interest rate decisions – at Southwell Business Park.

He told Destination UK: “I was

glad of the opportunity to make a few points on behalf of the tourism industry in general.

“I pointed out that we are particularly concerned about the reduction in funding from Visit Britain, as it’s very obviously a backwards step.

“I asked him how the treasury was justifying this approach to tourism and the gist of his reply was that the government has to make savings somewhere, and it seems it’s easier to make savings in tourism than it is in health or education. Tourism is an easy hit, and I don’t think that as an industry we should accept it”.

John also raised concerns about the high rate of VAT on UK tourist attractions compared to the rest of Europe.

He is now urging the industry to continue lobbying for tourism to be taken seriously, and to ‘keep plugging away’.

He added: “It’s going to be a long, long haul – perhaps even involving a change of government – but if it has been achieved in other countries, then why not in the UK?”

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust THE Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a leading conservation charity with a network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres in the UK. Our purpose is to save wetlands and their wildlife by raising awareness of the issues that affect their survival and by enhancing people’s lives through learning about and being closer to nature.

WWT Slimbridge is home to an astounding array of wildlife including the world’s largest collection of swans, flamingos, geese and ducks, many of which are rare or endangered. Expect to see amazing flocks of winter migrant birds, that can be viewed from the warmth of our heated observatory.

With reduced entry for groups of 12 or more and complimentary admission for organisers, Slimbridge has plenty more to offer our visitors: Year-round you can take a guided walk around the grounds, see the amphibians in Toad Hall, take to the water on our Canoe Safari to see nature really close up, or create a splash with the children in Welly Boot Land.

Seasonally you can tour the Duckery, don a disguise and join our young cranes at Crane School, or head out onto the Reserve for a Land Rover Safari – you may even see brown hares.

Tel: 01453 891900, wwt.org.uk/slimbridge 18

DESTINATIONSOUTH WEST ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Dynamic new partnership is launched VISITWILTSHIRE has been launched as the new tourism partnership for the geographical county of Wiltshire, covering the new Wiltshire unitary authority and the Borough of Swindon.

One of nine destination management organisations within the south west, VisitWiltshire is currently rolling out the first countywide membership scheme.

It will also be staging its first annual Tourism Forum in November.

Representatives from the County Council, District Councils and Swindon Borough Council, along with those from the private sector, National Trust, Business Link, South West Tourism and the SW Regional Development agency have been working to ensure a successful launch for the VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership.

The group has already obtained major Rural Renaissance Partnership funding which has enabled it to provide a new website, destination management system and the 2008 Ancient Modern brochure.

Other funding from South West Tourism has helped to identify a new branding for the county, as well as laying the foundations for the draft strategic plan.

Alun Williams, previously Head of Visitor Services at Salisbury Cathedral, took up the newly created post of Head of Partnership for VisitWiltshire in March of this year.

He said: “It has been a really exciting time witnessing the birth of this new, dynamic countywide tourism partnership.

“The staff working in the various local authorities have all contributed to the smooth

development of the organisation.

“VisitWiltshire is based on the concept of a true public/private sector partnership. It is our intention that in the future members cover their membership fee through the associated corporate purchasing scheme and other benefits. Although the tourism industry in the UK is very fragmented, partnerships such as VisitWiltshire can bring businesses together.

To help give those in Wiltshire a stronger voice, members are automatically linked into South West Tourism.”

For more information contact: VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership, 3 Rollestone Street, Salisbury SP1 1DX, 0845 6027323, info@visitwiltshire.co.uk www.visitwiltshire.co.uk.

Pictured left: Junior Rangers, a 20part web series based in Longleat, has topped 100,000 viewers. The five-minute shows put together by Joe and Annie Smith with help from their dad, Clive Smith, an experienced television cameraman, have been aired on the Longleat website and have regularly appeared in the top ten on the kids and family podcast section of iTunes.

New hotel A NEW luxury hotel is set to open at Bowood in May 2009.

Linking with the existing Bowood Golf and Country Club it is set amidst the beautiful 2,000 acres of grounds around Bowood House, home to the Marquis of Lansdowne since 1754.

Sam takes on media role VisitWiltshire has recently appointed Sam Marsh of Infinity Public Relations to handle its media communications.

Although VisitWiltshire expects to maintain its above the line

marketing activity, it also recognises the need for effective communications with media in order to help raise the general awareness of what for many is one of the best kept secrets in Britain.

Stonehenge is looking to build for the future STONEHENGE is probably Wiltshire's most famous landmark.

When plans for a new visitor centre collapsed in 2007, Margaret Hodge, then Minister of State for Tourism, encouraged English Heritage along with its partners, to come back with proposals for a new visitor centre which could be developed in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The results of the consultation which took place between July and October 2008 are expected later this year In October 2007 the Science Museum (Swindon) narrowly missed out on being in the last four

projects featured in a public vote for the Big Lottery Draw on television.

The site at Wroughton, just outside Swindon, is an Aladdin’s cave of stored items which the National Science Museum is unable to find space to display.

In the old RAF aircraft hangers there is the first ever hovercraft, the last Fleet Street printing press, a James Bond submersible and two of the three original premium bond draw computers.

New plans are currently under consideration as to how to make these exhibits more accessible to the public.

The Science Museum, Swindon, Aladdin's Cave

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DESTINATIONSOUTHWEST

£30m resort to target the high-end visitor

By Nicola Hyde

The resort is due for completion in December 2009

Plymouth Discovery Tours PLYMOUTH Discovery Tours provide a unique mixture of realtime discovery on our bus combined with a virtual reality recreation of our city’s colourful past and celebrate its fascinating and colourful historical past. Led by actors who bring the past to life, helped by our virtual guide Charlie, we are able to bring history to life for our visitors.

A homemade luxury packed lunch or high tea pack will be provided for every group booking promoting Devon Food.

View the trailer at http://www.sketchworkproductions.com/thediscoverytour.html

Details from ride@plymouthdiscoverytours.co.uk, www.plymouthdiscoveryevents.co.uk, 07743794234

Roman Baths

ONE of the finest thermal spas of the ancient world, built 2000 years ago around the country’s only hot springs. Fine Roman museum, audioguides in eight languages and computer animations bring the experience to life. A special audio tour for children and a ‘Bryson at the Baths’ audiotour available.

Costumed characters appear every afternoon 1.30-4.30pm. Visit on a summer evening and experience the Great Bath by torchlight until 10pm. Open daily: Jan-Feb 9.30-16.30; MarJun 9.00-17.00, July-Aug 9.00-21.00; SeptOct 9.00-17.00; Nov-Dec 9.30-16.30.

Admission: Adult £10.50, Child £6.80, Concs £9, Family £30.

Details from 01225 477785, romanbaths_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk, www.romanbaths.co.uk

Fashion Museum

A WORLD-CLASS collection of contemporary and historical dress. Located in the magnificent Georgian Assembly Rooms, the Museum has been recently re-displayed. Special displays during 2008/9 include: 17th century gloves, Dresses from History - Georgian and Victorian highlights from the collection, and Bill Gibb: A Personal Journey, until Oct 2009. Other highlights include the corsets and crinolines dressing-up area, where visitors can try on reproduction outfits.

Admission: adult £7, child £5, concs. £6, family £20. Joint saver ticket available with Roman Baths.

Details from 01225 477173, fashion_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk. www.fashionmuseum.co.uk 20

A NEW £30m destination hotel resort is being built near St. Austell to appeal to more high-end tourists.

The Cornwall Hotel, Spa and Estate is due for completion in December 2009 and will be set in 43 acres of historic wood and parkland near the Eden Project on the southern Cornish coast.

A nineteenth century country house is to be converted into a 65bedroom boutique hotel, complete with fine dining restaurant and family bistro. Fifty-six new luxury bedrooms with balconies will be arranged in the woodland slopes behind the house.

Nineteenth century stables are to be converted into a spa and 60 two and three double-bedroom detached woodland homes will be on offer.

Richard Whitehouse of CMR Leisure, said: “The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate is a very exciting concept, and we are extremely proud of what we are creating. We

have ensured that our development plans will respect and sensitively complement the outstanding flora, fauna and setting of the estate – and the integrity of its buildings.

“Conservation is at the very heart of our proposals.

“The estate’s historic setting and natural beauty is our greatest asset.

“It has been the inspiration for the architecture and interiors, and it is a very important part of what The Cornwall will be able to offer to its guests.”

The Cornwall has been designed by award-winning architects AWW. It will be run on behalf of Bristolbased developers and owners, CMR Leisure, by the independent hotel group Bespoke Hotels – which has a portfolio that includes: London’s premier private members’ club Home House; Fredrick’s Hotel, Restaurant and Spa in Berkshire; and the four-AA-Rosette Pinewood Hotel in Buckinghamshire.

Visit Britain’s tallest spire

BE inspired by the peace and beauty of one of Britain’s finest medieval cathedrals, Salisbury Cathedral offers a warm welcome to all who visit.

Set within eight acres of lawn and surrounded by the historic buildings and museums within the spectacular Cathedral Close, the Cathedral is unique in being built almost entirely in one architectural style, Early English Gothic and Britain’s tallest spire (123m) was added a generation later.

Explore the roof spaces on a tower tour, climbing 332 steps to the base of the spire, and admire the magnificent views across Salisbury.

Inside this iconic building, discover the finest preserved original Magna Carta (1215), Europe’s oldest working clock (1386) and most recently a stunning new font designed by William Pye, Britain’s most distinguished water sculptor, and consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Cathedral’s 750th anniversary service.

What’s more on 19 November, sculptor Emily Young brings her ‘Angel Heads’ exhibition (which runs until late January 2009) to the Cathedral. Seven and a half large stone Archangel heads will be installed in the Trinity Chapel and Cloisters.

For more information contact: visitor services, 33 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ, call: 01722 555120, e-mail: visitors@salcath.co.uk or visit: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

DESTINATIONSOUTHWEST Tourism officers in Wiltshire are pushing the area to attract more Chinese visitors.

Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership are participating in a new campaign.

The GO! China 2008 programme will see Salisbury and south Wiltshire promoted at exhibitions such as China International Travel Mart in Shanghai in November, in China Holidays’ ‘Hello Britain’ guide, on Tourism South East’s Chinese website and highlighted in material distributed in Beijing.

Bryn Jones, tourism manager said: “We are really pleased to

be able to be a partner in this new campaign. China is a strong emerging tourism market, and Salisbury and south Wiltshire has a high profile in the country as Stonehenge is well known and recognised by the Chinese as a British icon.

“We already produce a mini guide to our attractions in simplified Chinese which is available online on our website and at our tourist information centres in Salisbury, and hope to welcome more Chinese groups and individuals to our medieval city in the years to come.”

Explore the World Heritage site of Stonehenge

STEEPED in myth and legend, with a history dating back over 5,000 years, it's easy to see why more groups are putting Salisbury and Stonehenge on their must see destination wish list.

Explore the World Heritage site of Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Longleat and Stourhead or discover the wide range of lovely stately homes, beautiful gardens, lively farm parks and award-winning museums.

The range of quality accommodation, with independent shops, great places to eat and a year round events programme make Salisbury and Stonehenge perfect for group visits.

Details from 01722 434521, email visitorinfo@salisbury.gov.uk or go to the website www.visitsalisbury.com

New attraction to open in 2009

Take a walk along the attractive harbour

Details from 01985 844328, groups@longleat.co.uk, www.longleat.co.uk.

Contact the group sales team Heather or Jill on 01803 400600 or email hdearman@tlh.co.uk.

AS featured on BBC’s Animal Park, Longleat offers the experience of a lifetime in this wonderland of attractions.

Recently voted as one of the top 500 ‘Superbrands’ by the UK public (the only stately home plus safari park to have been included), Longleat is just getting better and better.

2008 saw the introduction of a new Winter VIP package to Longleat House for groups and bookings are now being taken.

A new attraction Animal Adventure will open, summer 2009. Groups of 12+ persons receive a 30 per cent discount off standard rates.

SET in the heart of Torquay on the glorious English Riviera, TLH Leisure Resort is a unique venue for group holidays, within a few minutes’ walk of Torquay’s sea front and close to the attractive harbour and town centre.

Quality hotel accommodation combines with the added enjoyment of top class on-site leisure facilities, plus nightly entertainment throughout the year.

Groups visiting in 2009 can choose from a number of popular package ideas featuring a drinks inclusive breaks, West Country Celebration, the Great British House-party and Eurocruise.

Walk in the footsteps of kings Discover the depths of GROUPS of any size are welcomed to the wonderful 17th century Lulworth Castle set in extensive parkland.

Here you can walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, explore the grounds and enjoy the stunning views across the World Heritage Jurassic Coast from the Castle Tower and lawn.

A visit to the castle includes access to the chapel, animal farm, indoor children’s activity room, adventure playground, courtyard shop and licensed stable café.

Ample free parking. Call for free familiarisation visit. Free entry and meal for coach drivers. Discounts for ten plus.

Details from Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QS. Tel: 0845 450 1054, www.lulworth.com, enquires@lulworth.com

the Mediterranean

TAKE an unforgettable journey through six remarkable zones full of H2ooOoOoo! Visit the fascinating local shorelines and teeming Atlantic coastal waters, before discovering the depths of the Mediterranean in Britain’s deepest tank.

Wonder at the diversity of the ocean’s strangest creatures and marvel at the stunning beauty of the Coral Reef.

Try your hand at Mini Sub-Mission in the Aquatheatre where you can race remotely operated vehicles through the underwater assault course.

Informative daily interactive presentations cover everything from shark shows to rockpool rambles.

For more information visit: www.national-aquarium.co.uk, e-mail: enquiries@national-aquarium.co.uk or call 01752 600301.

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DESTINATIONEXCURSIONS 2009 PREVIEW

Travel show offering new opportunities

Telephone 020 3238 0022, www.ripleyslondon.com

GROUP travel show Excursions 2009 will start the new year with a bang with its exhibition at Alexandra Palace in London.

The one-day show takes place on January 17 and around 150 exhibitors from across the UK – but with emphasis on London, the south and east of England and Yorkshire – are expected to take part in the free entry show. There should also be a small selection from mainland Europe.

Visitors will receive personal, on the spot advice from exhibitors with first hand knowledge of their destination or attraction enabling them to make an informed choice and plan their future outings with confidence.

Group travel organisers seeking fresh ideas for days out and short breaks will find details from a huge variety of attractions, destinations and tour operators.

Exhibitors will include castles, museums, wild animal parks and zoos, botanical gardens, historic

View the sights of London from the Tower Bridge

Exbury Gardens to promote new events at Excursions

Last year’s show proved very popular with visitors

London’s biggest new attraction

WELCOME to the world of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London’s Biggest New Attraction.

Situated in the heart of the West End at 1 Piccadilly Circus, the attraction houses over 800 authentic, original and unbelievable exhibits spread over five floors, from a four-metre long model of Tower Bridge made out of matchsticks and an upside-down tea party to the world’s tallest man and a Mini Cooper encrusted with 1,000,000 Swarovski crystals.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! presents a unique mixture of entertainment, education and fun for the entire family - appealing to anyone with a basic sense of curiosity.

TOWER Bridge Exhibition allows visitors to witness stunning views of London from inside the two high level walkways 42 metres above the Thames.

Once inside, read about the significance of the incredible views, take photographs and learn about the history of this world famous landmark, built in 1894.

You then travel down to see the original lifting machinery in the Victorian Engine Rooms complete with sounds and smells that help transport you back in time to when Tower Bridge first opened. You will also experience a virtual Bridge lift, providing you with a unique view of the bridge raising.

0207 940 3980, james.sansom@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.towerbridge.org.uk

houses, art galleries and steam train and riverboat operators as well as heritage destinations, theatre agencies and tour operators that offer group packages and tailormade tours.

Amongst the early bookers for 2009 are Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, Maritime Greenwich, Suffolk Tourism Partnership, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and Simply Groups.

Joint organiser Fran Downton, travel trade manager from Tourism South East said: “Excursions is continuing to grow in popularity by both exhibitors and visitors alike.

The 2009 show promises to offer new and unmissable opportunities for group travel organisers planning their days out and short beaks next year.”

Excursions is organised by Tourism South East and Group Travel Organiser magazine, supported by Visit London, East of England Tourism and the Yorkshire Tourist Board Board.

AWARD winning Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway in the New Forest will be promoting new attractions and events at Excursions.

The Gardens season commences on 7 March with an unveiling of an extension of Exbury’s Engine Shed.

All visitors will be invited to tour the shed, which houses a collection of railway posters and memorabilia, and Exbury’s other locomotives and Eddy the Diesel.

New events include a series of Primrose and Camellia Walks and a Tea Festival on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

For more information contact: Nigel Philpott on 02380 891203, e-mail: nigel.philpott@exbury.co.uk or visit www.exbury.co.uk.

Walking and pottery painting new for 2009 HOTEL Westport is secluded in seven acres of beautiful woodland in the heart of Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland current holders of Ireland’s Tidiest Town award.

Located by the sea, this traditional Irish town is where you’ll discover a uniquely friendly, comfortable and stylish hotel, abounding in warmth and relaxation. Renowned for activity breaks, golden holidays/Over 55’s (one free night DBB included), golf, murder mystery, family, bridge, indoor bowling and new for 2009 walking and pottery painting.

Hotel Westport has 129 bedrooms, including suites and premier rooms.

Group Discounts Available. Call us today on Lo-Call 0870 876 5432 22

DESTINATIONEXCURSIONS 2009 PREVIEW

Free familiarisation trips for operators COACH and tour operators bringing their key clients for a day out at Excursions 2009 are being offered a free familiarisation trip to a top attraction on the way.

Accommodation can also probably be arranged, provided the show organisers have sufficient notice.

On arrival at Excursions everyone in a coach party will receive a VIP welcome with complimentary tea from London Cuppa.

Feedback has shown that coach operators who expose their

clients to the wide selection of attractions and destinations exhibiting at the show receive a surprising amount of new business as a result.

Silver Star brought two coaches full of group organisers from mid and North Wales to Excursions 2008. Group leader Gavin Owen said: “We were delighted to see so many of our group organisers come back on the coach with new ideas; we also received several enquiries on the way back. It was an experience enjoyed by all and we will be back in 2009.”

Visitors to last year’s show

Coach travel offer for organisers GROUP travel organisers planning to visit Excursions 2009 from outside London will be offered free coach travel with pick-ups from twenty-one major towns as well as selected central London main line railway stations.

The free coach travel is being offered by members of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK’s Coach Marque quality scheme. Coaches will plan to arrive at Excursions around 11.30am with departures for the homeward journey at 3.30pm.

For 2009 three of the routes have been changed to tie-in with popular pick-up points. The first from the west will now start at Swindon and stop at Newbury, Reading and

Slough, while the second will begin in the east from Herne Bay travelling to Alexandra Palace via Canterbury, Chatham and Bexley.

The third new route will depart from Folkestone in the South East of England stopping at Maidstone and Swanley. Additional services will set off from Hastings and Portsmouth on the South Coast stopping at Eastbourne, Brighton, Southampton and Basingstoke.

Visitors from the east of the capital will also be able to join a route from Ipswich via Colchester, Chelmsford and Romford. The seventh coach will serve London’s main line stations at Waterloo, Charing Cross, Victoria, Paddington, Marylebone and Euston/King’s Cross.

Leeds Castle LEEDS Castle, its gardens and various attractions situated in 500 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, just one hour from London, offers easy access from the motorway network for both its day visitors and conference delegates.

Described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, with almost 1,000 years of history and an all year-round programme of events, there are substantial discounts for visiting groups and a value-for money ‘Key to the Castle’ ticket which is valid for repeat visits for 12 months.

With over 25 years of experience working with the travel trade Leeds Castle is also a renowned conference and banqueting venue with accommodation in the castle itself.

For further information, contact Leeds Castle on 01622 765400 or visit the website www.leeds-castle.com

Myddelton House Gardens

THE gardens surround Myddelton House, once the ancestral home of the Parker-Bowles family and now the headquarters of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, are a tranquil and beautiful place despite being within easy reach of the A10 and M25.

Their creator, EA Bowles was a passionate collector and breeder of plants. His greatest love was bulbs, especially crocus. The gardens boast bulbs, some of rare varieties, in flower at every season of the year. There is a prize winning collection of Iris, a 100 year old wisteria and exotic plants blooming alongside cottage garden flowers in every bed.

Their quality was acknowledged with a Green Flag, the national standard for parks and green spaces, in 2008.

A large carp lake surrounded by elegant plantings and unusual trees form the centre piece of the gardens and most visitors take a break on one of the benches to enjoy the view.

Guided tours led by the senior gardener can arranged so that visitors can learn more about the gardens and their fascinating history.

There is dedicated coach parking on site, a picnic area and plants for sale.

For further information please call 01992 702 200 Myddelton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield Middlesex, EN2 9HG

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