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Issue 63 Autumn 2015 £2.75
Tourism figures reach new first quarter record By Christina Eccles ENGLAND’S domestic tourism industry achieved a record breaking performance in the first quarter of the year, according to figures from the Great Britain Tourism Survey, published by VisitEngland. The findings show there were 28.7m trips recorded in England between January and April this year, which represents an 18 per cent increase year on year and is the highest number of trips recorded during the first quarter since the survey began in 2006. The survey also revealed: An 18 per cent increase in expenditure in total to almost £5b compared to 2014. The number of holidays taken in the first four months of 2015 increased by seven per cent – the best performance for holidays taken in England for this period since 2012. For the month of April, the number of domestic overnight trips increased for the fourth consecutive month, with a 10 per cent increase to 9m trips taken and a five per cent increase in spend to £1.5bn. This is the best April performance since 2012. The early months of the year were characterised by above average weather and a number of high profile
anniversaries including the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta and the 50th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s death. Major events also proved a major draw including the first ever Tour de Yorkshire in May, hundreds of family friendly Easter activities across the country in April and a host of music, food and walking festivals, which all contributed to high levels of confidence amongst businesses. Tourism minister Tracey Crouch said: “The growing numbers of people making the most of England's world-beating destinations is brilliant news for the industry and our economy as a whole. “We are committed to supporting the tourism industry, helping it to grow and creating jobs throughout the country. “I look forward to working with the industry to implement our new Five Point Plan to further strengthen tourism across the UK.” VisitEngland CEO James Berresford added: “The tourism industry’s confidence demonstrates the resilience of businesses who bounced back after the severe weather conditions that impacted destinations at the beginning of last year. “We know that England has a fantastic range of standout product and generates high levels of satisfaction for visitors.”
Strictly Come Dancing winner Pasha Kovalev is taking his latest dance spectacular on tour next year, calling at venues around the country. Audiences on his It’s All About You tour can expect an evening of music, dancing, energy, lights and sparkling costumes, with the show suitable for all the family. Pasha will be appearing at venues including Torquay’s Princess Theatre.
Try before you buy Britain LISTENING to the grandfather clock chime in Anne Hathaway’s cottage, take a leisurely stroll on the beach at Durdle Door, or enjoy the choir singing at Rosslyn Chapel are just some of the things international tourists can now do in Britain – before they even arrive. National tourism agency, VisitBritain, has commissioned a series of immersive 360 degree experiences giving overseas visitors an opportunity to step inside some of Britain’s most-loved attractions. As part of the Government’s GREAT tourism campaign, this activity aims to drive more international visitors out across the nations and regions
of Britain. Marketing director at VisitBritain Joss Croft said: “Not only will this immersive experience allow potential visitors to snoop around some of our greatest tourist attractions before they arrive, but it will inspire and motivate more travel across the country. “London is a huge global asset for Britain – a dynamic, cosmopolitan and well-connected city that visitors aspire to visit. Our challenge is to encourage visitors to add to their holiday experience by exploring even more during their short time here and making sure they know how easy it is to get around.”