Issue 78 Autumn 2019 £2.75
Campaign to get young Brits to holiday at home is stepped up
VisitEngland has launched the next phase of its campaign to get more young Brits to take a short break at home with a series of new short films and images. The new content targets young people with experiences and activities typically taken during a gap year that can be condensed into what VisitEngland has termed a ‘Microgap,’ described as “the best bits of a gap year in a few days in the UK.” The series of five 10-second clips and 10 images urge young Brits to ‘Go Wild,’ ‘Learn More,’ ‘Switch Off’ and ‘Give Back’ and are displayed on digital billboards at sites across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Longer 30-second clips are also being used across online channels including social media, digital display and ‘on demand’ television adverts during the six week campaign that runs until the end of October. VisitEngland statistics show that 16-to-34 year olds had the lowest growth across all age groups for taking holidays at home during the last decade, 2008 to 2018. VisitBritain/VisitEngland director of marketing, Clare Mullin, said: “We want more young Brits to get out and experience the amazing destinations and activities on our doorstep whether learning how to paddle-board in London, switching off in a log cabin in the Cairngorms in Scotland or tackling cliff camping in Anglesey, Wales, trying your hand at street art in Manchester or contemplating the wonder of nature at the Dark Hedges, Ballymoney in Northern Ireland. “By working with destinations and tourism businesses our Microgap campaign is igniting the passion for domestic travel in young people right now and building a habit that will last a lifetime, boosting growth from tourism and spreading its economic benefits across more of the year.” The #MyMicrogap campaign, now in its second year, follows research by VisitEngland into the travel habits
Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor will join the cast of Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal for its festive panto production. The dance professional replaces the previously announced former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who has joined this year’s Strictly line-up as a late addition after Jamie Laing had to withdraw due to injury – and is therefore now unable to appear at St Helens this Christmas. Robin waltzes into St Helens Theatre Royal to join the cast in Aladdin, which runs from December 7 to January 12.
Major refurbishment at popular city hotel of young Brits which showed that less than a quarter (24 per cent) of 18-to-34 year olds were likely to take a career break to travel in the next three years. The idea of ‘microgapping’ however appealed to almost two-thirds (64 per cent) with more than half (57 per cent) likely to take a microgap during the next three years. Research showed that young people keen on taking a microgap wanted the same self-development opportunities typical of a gap-year. Top activities and experiences sought were wellbeing and relaxation, visiting iconic landmarks, trying local food and drink and seeing nature and wildlife. The campaign is run by VisitEngland in partnership with the tourism organisations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. #MyMicrogap, part of the UK Government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign, is expected to generate an additional £50million in domestic tourism spend for the economy.
IT HAS been the scene of glittering award ceremonies and celebrityfilled charity fundraisers for many years and the Clyde Suite at Glasgow Marriott Hotel has now undergone a major refurbishment. At the heart of Glasgow’s social scene for over 34 years, the Clyde Suite has now benefitted from significant investment to upgrade the event space and adjoining bar area. New lighting, decoration and floor coverings have revitalised the iconic space which has welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests throughout its history. Chris McGuinness, General Manager of Glasgow Marriott Hotel, said: “The Clyde Suite is one of Glasgow’s most popular venues with almost 150,000 people attending functions over the past two years alone. “We know the function room holds special memories for many Glaswegians however, we also recognise the importance of continuing to invest in the hotel and look forward to many more people enjoying events in the Clyde Suite.”
One of the key dates in the events calendar for the hotel is for the Bridgeton Burns Club, the biggest Burns club in the world. The hotel has been the venue for the traditional Burns Supper every year since it opened in 1985. The venue has also hosted the annual Quarriers Noel Lunch for more than a decade. Since the completion of the refurbishment, the hotel has seen an increase in bookings for ladies’ lunches and corporate and business events with many dates already confirmed for 2020. Chris McGuinness added: “We have seen a shift in the social calendar over recent years with a greater demand for bespoke events as well as the more traditional dinners and corporate events that we are renowned for. “As part of the refurbishment, we have ensured that we have the flexibility to meet ever-changing needs and respond to the trend for experiential and memorable events whether it is a new car launch or street food style networking for up to 600 people.”