Destination UK (September)

Issue 24 September 2008 £2.75

Call for tourism support

Rival London attractions in legal battle

By Nicola Hyde THE operators of London Dungeon have started legal proceedings against a rival attraction accusing it of copying its format and misleading customers.

Merlin Entertainments has issued proceedings in the High Court against the nearby London Bridge Experience which it claims is poaching customers from the Dungeon queue and misleading them into thinking it is the same attraction.

David Sharpe, Merlin’s divisional director, London, said: “While we believe in fair competition, the type of illegal activity we have seen from the London Bridge Experience is totally unacceptable, and is not something we will tolerate. Our proposal for a consensual resolution having been rejected, we have no alternative but to put a stop to this behaviour through formal legal channels in order to protect the London Dungeon brand.”

Merlin claims that while the historical period covered by the London Bridge Experience is different to the Dungeon, its marketing and promotional materials is not. A spokesman added: “Merlin has considerable evidence that some visitors have been confused into thinking that the two attractions are related or even the

same, something which is potentially extremely damaging to the London Dungeon brand.”

The £2m London Bridge Experience, built using Hollywoodstyle special effects, has attracted 40,000 visitors since it opened in February. Owners Danny and Lee Scriven deny the allegations and claim Merlin has laid down some rules which would be impossible to follow – which include not promoting their own attraction within 200 metres of the Dungeon.

Danny said: “We are very disappointed to find ourselves at the mercy of the Merlin Group. Ever since we opened they have made repeated demands to us to restrict our activities because the London Bridge Experience is located close to their London Dungeon attraction.

We have a great haunted attraction ourselves and we will fight on.”

The brothers claim the battle – which has been going on since April – has also seen them ordered to stop using words or pictures such as ghosts, ghouls and the effect of blood dripping from wording, or from using costumed actors interacting with visitors. Merlin deny the 200metre ruling, insisting they have only ever asked the London Bridge Experience staff to stay away from the Dungeon queue.

Travel writer Bill Bryson has launched a new website for County Durham Tourism Partnership.Developed for visitors to the county, the site is designed to be a ‘virtual window’ into Durham, using technology to bring attractions and heritage to life.

THE government is failing to provide UK tourism with the support it needs, according to a controversial report on tourism.

The Tourism Report said it was concerned tourism was being treated as an ‘afterthought’ and that the government should improve the way it represented the industry.

It said: “The committee is concerned by the lack of confidence that the tourism industry appears to have in DCMS, which has been widely criticised for not adequately representing the industry across government. We are also discouraged that responsibility for tourism has been so frequently transferred between departmental ministers – seven ministers since June 1997 – creating an impression that tourism is viewed by the government as an afterthought. We would like to see more consistent evidence that tourism is becoming a mainstream issue in government.”

The report made several recommendations which included: government reconsider its decision to cut VisitBritain’s funding; raising the quality of accommodation and adjusting visa regulations.

DESTINATIONNEWS

Industry should do more for environmental issues THE industry should do more to meet the public’s demand for environmental sustainability, according to a report.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Tourism Report said although progress has been made in this area, there are still more steps to be taken.

It said: “We are encouraged by the growing profile of environmental issues in the tourism sector. However, while significant progress has been made in recent years, there is clearly still scope for the industry to become more environmentally sustainable. The public is beginning to demand a better performance from tourism businesses on “green” issues,

and we encourage the industry to respond to this demand.”

Transport is a major consideration as many people travel to and from a destination by car or plane – with 86 per cent of UK staying visitors arriving at their destination by car.

However the report does recognise some areas where there have been positive moves to combat this – including the Welsh Assembly’s efforts to encourage those visitors who arrive by car to explore Wales by public transport or bike once they have arrived.

It also makes recommendations for rural tourism businesses where the only viable means of transport is by car.

The report added: “We

recognise that it is not always possible to provide sustainable travel options to tourist attractions, particularly when the attractions are remote or do not attract large numbers of visitors.

“However, where opportunities do exist, we encourage the public and private sectors to work in partnership to reduce the reliance on the car and the pressure this places upon the local environment.

“In places such as Hadrian's Wall Country, where there is a concentrated group of tourist attractions, it is financially viable for a bus service to operate.

Similarly, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site in Derbyshire benefits from a railway line along its entire length.”

Take young travellers seriously

By Mary Ferguson

Celebrity chef James Martin will be hosting the AA Centenary Awards 2008, celebrating one hundred years of quality and service in the hospitality industry. The event will honour hotels, restaurants and individuals, with categories including Hotel Of The Year. Pub Of The Year and Hotel Group Of The Year.

THE tourism industry has been warned to take young travellers seriously or miss out on a growing sector.

Dick Porter, chairman of the British Education Travel Association (BETA), claims young travellers are bigger business than mainstream tourists, and told Destination UK that the industry needs to ‘up its game’ if it is to make the most of it.

He said: “The traditional perception of the backpacker is very much gone – today’s youth is very consumer orientated and is prepared to spend more.

“The UK is welcoming a lot more wealthy travellers. many who are young and whose ideas of ‘roughing it’ are just not the same as they used to be.

“If the industry wants a share of this market it needs to stop the complacency, up it’s game and start taking young travellers seriously.”

Dick claims that today’s young travellers stay longer and spend

more overall than mainstream tourists, with the average spend per trip increasing by 40 per cent in just five years.

According to statistics, in 2006 visitors to the UK to study spent an average of £1742 per visit, and stayed longer, compared with just £527 for business travellers and £470 for general holiday visitors.

In the same year, 16 to 34 yearold visitors spent an average of £565 per visit, more than 35 to 54 year-olds at under £500.

“Another big shift is that 15 years ago, people were taking one or two trips a year, but now young people especially are taking six or seven – and many of them are now domestic. We are seeing a lot more regional visits from the young.”

Dick added: “The new youth market has high expectations, and the industry needs to respond to that – for example many ‘old’ hostels are improving their products to include higher quality catering and facilities. There has to be an understanding that the youth market has upgraded itself.”

Entertainment news in Centrestage starting on Page 13 Bosses hope laughter will draw tourists Page 10

Pennine Yorkshire

Page 21

Leisure resorts Northern Ireland

Page 16-17 Page 18-20

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

Exhibition to cover new trends and developments Advertiser’s announcement WORLD Travel Market is gearing up for another successful show to be hosted in November.

The business-to-business exhibition for the international travel and tourism industry brings together suppliers, buyers and travel agents.

There will be a comprehensive educational programme which will cover new trends and developments, to help businesses cash in on emerging markets.

A number of new exhibitors have signed up to participate. Fiji

returns to exhibit within the Pacific Islands and Bhutan will be exhibiting within the Asian region for the first time. There are a number of new companies within the UK and Ireland including Cutty Sark, Folio Hotels, Sevenstar Aviation, Wandrian and Westex Ltd. Joining the European region to exhibit this year is Azerbaijan.

A comprehensive conference and seminar programme on a variety of subjects including technology, the state of the global economy and responsible tourism runs across three days beginning Tuesday 11 November.

WTM Global Economic Forum – Thursday 13 November The WTM Global Economic Forum provides senior travel and tourism executives with an indepth look at the state of the global economy moving forward for 2009-2010.

The Business Case for Responsible Tourism – Thursday 13 November An extension of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day, this conference investigates the financial profitability for practicing responsible tourism within an

organisation and follows two tracks; hoteliers and tour operators.

Technology and Online Travel – Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 November This remains one of the fastest growing sectors at WTM and promises to be an even bigger draw this year. The Eye for Travel conferences and technology Seminars will showcase the most recent advances in the digital world and focus on the latest online travel trends.

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Euro strength brings influx of tourists

By Christina Eccles

Tourism minister Margaret Hodge goes 'back to the floor' at Spinnaker Tower

Tourism minister sent to Tower TOURISM minister Margaret Hodge went back to the floor at one of the UK's premier visitor attractions – the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

She spent a few hours being shown how the attraction is run with Juliana Delaney, deputy chief executive of Continuum, the operating company for the Spinnaker Tower.

The tower, which is at the centre of the £38m Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour redevelopment project, has received over one million visitors since opening in

October 2005.

She completed her visit with leafleting the waterfront area surrounding the tower to help promote the attraction to the nearby tourists.

She said: "The Spinnaker Tower continues to be a great success story and symbolises the first rate tourism offer in the UK. It was great to meet many of the people whose hard work means the tower flourishes and helps to attract thousands of visitors to the South Coast each year."

THE strength of the euro is encouraging more European tourists to holiday in Britain, according to leisure and travel retailer lastminute.com.

The favourable exchange rate for Europeans visiting the UK has led to an increase of more than 20 per cent in visitor numbers for the months of July, August and September, according to figures from lastminute.com’s continental businesses. One euro is now worth almost 80p compared to around only 66p last year.

The company has seen a big increase in the number of German tourists visiting the UK and in particular Edinburgh where German bookings to the city have almost doubled compared to this time last year.

French visitors have also increased by nearly 10 per cent with the airports of Cardiff, Southampton, Birmingham and

Manchester all showing increases in French passengers.

Visitors from Italy have risen by 11 per cent with popular spots for Italians including London and Dublin. London is also a popular destination fo Spanish tourists, with nine out of 10 visiting the capital.

The research also revealed that more Brits will be holidaying at home this summer with UK domestic holidays bookings on lastminute.com up by 14 per cent. lastminute.com UK managing director John Bevan said: “The UK’s popularity this summer is amazing.

The UK appears to be the place to be for all of Europe’s nationalities.

“Traditionally an expensive destination for European tourists, the UK’s in-resort price competitiveness has improved dramatically due to the fall of the pound against the euro. This has played a major part in the UK’s increased popularity amongst European tourists.”

Visa decision could hit inbound tourism

By Christina Eccles

The Park Royal hotel in Stretton, near Warrington, has been given the prestigious award of Excellence in Business Tourism at the Visit Chester and Cheshire Awards.

The four star hotel, part of the QHotels group, beat off stiff competition from finalists Chester Grosvenor, De Vere Carden Park, Moorside Grange Hotel and Trafford Hall.

Jacquie Hanson, general manager said: “This award is a recognition of the hard work and dedication

of the team.

“We are delighted to be recognised for our business facilities, an area that we and the QHotels Group considers to be of growing importance.”

The hotel will now have the opportunity to represent the county at the Northwest Regional Tourism Awards in October, which recognises excellence within the tourism industry and rewards both group and individual achievements over the past year.

INBOUND tourism from some key emerging markets could be badly affected by the government’s decision to scrap a visa waiver agreement for 11 countries, according to an organisation.

The Home Office and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) have revealed plans to re-introduce visas for 11 countries which currently have visa waiver agreements with the UK government.

But – according to UKInbound – Brazil, Malaysia and South Africa which have been allocated as key emerging markets could be put off visiting the UK due to the extra costs.

Chief executive Stephen Dowd

said: “Whilst supporting the concept of strong and secure borders for the United Kingdom we are, like many other organisations, deeply concerned that these measures, just like the chaotic introduction of biometric visas, are an ill conceived overreaction by UKBA prompted by the desire of the Home Office to be seen to be tough on illegal immigration irrespective of the damage to trading links with these countries of which tourism is just one of many.

"This important change was made without consultation with the tourism industry and announced on the very day that the latest House of Commons Select Committee report on tourism was published.”

Cheshire’s charm to be showcased in Japan CHESHIRE is to be showcased in Japan after a group of Japanese journalists were shown the area’s highlights.

The tour – organised by tourism board Visit Chester and Cheshire – profiled pubs, hotels, attractions and rural landscapes over a five day visit which stopped at Tatton 4

Park, Ness Gardens, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, the Alvanley Arms, Cholmondeley Castle, Nunsmere Hall Hotel, the Cock o’Barton inn, and the Cotton Hotel and Spa. VCC chief executive Chris Brown said: “Our partners have helped to underline all that’s best about

Cheshire and the writers were clearly impressed with what was on offer. Japanese people are particularly enthusiastic about British stately homes and gardens.

Our Year of Gardens 08 events, combined with the tremendous choice and quality of our food and drink, accommodation and retail

experiences, make Cheshire an attractive choice for these markets.”

The impact on Chester-Cheshire’s visitor economy from overseas visitors is growing year by year.

Estimates suggest more than 360,000 overseas visits a year generating in excess of £114m.

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East Midlands bid to attract Scandinavians

By Nicola Hyde A £60,000 marketing campaign has been launched to encourage Scandinavian visitors to the East Midlands.

East Midlands Tourism, East Midlands Airport and VisitBritain are running the campaign until Spring 2009 to capitalise on the introduction of new routes by lowcost Scandinavian carrier, Sterling Airline.

Tourists from Sweden, Norway and Denmark will be offered holidays on key themes like history and heritage, motoring, canal boating and golf.

Dedicated language websites offering themed itineraries and competitions will be supported with online advertising and tailored newsletters informing Scandinavian visitors about special offers, events and places to stay.

Ruth Hyde, tourism director of East Midlands Development Agency, said: “For the first time visitors from Scandinavia have direct access to the East Midlands with the three routes from Oslo, Stockholm and

Copenhagen.

“This provides us with a great opportunity to grow the region’s visitor economy, attracting even more staying visitors from overseas.

The key themes that have been chosen reflect consumer interests in the Scandinavian market and are also designed to show the breadth of experiences that await potential visitors to the region.”

East Midlands Tourism, East Midlands Airport and VisitBritain have each contributed £20,000 with additional support from Sterling including links through to the campaign websites and free seats to support media and promotional activity.

Tom Wright, chief executive of national tourism agency, VisitBritain, added: “Visits from Scandinavia have rocketed by 40 per cent in the last five years alone with nearly two million now made to the UK, spending £792m here. With a huge variety of city break destinations, heritage attractions and inspiring landscapes, the East Midlands is well placed to attract these visitors.”

Dominic Stokes of Sheffield City Hall and Emma France of YST

Battle for tourism award YORKSHIRE South Tourism will be going head to head with partnership venue Sheffield City Hall in this year’s White Rose Awards.

They are competing for the Business Tourism Award of the Year category, at the ceremony taking place in September at The Spa in Bridlington.

The awards, which recognise and reward excellence in tourism across Yorkshire, are in their 19th year and will see seven Yorkshire South venues be nominated across the different categories.

David Andrews, chief executive of Yorkshire Tourist Board, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries this year and it has been very difficult to shortlist the finalist.

“The value of winning a prestigious White Rose Award is recognised by the region’s tourism businesses and we thank everyone that entered.

“We now wish the very best of luck to those that have been shortlisted and look forward to the glittering award ceremony.”

Chief executive appointed UKINBOUND has appointed Mary Rance as chief executive.

The former CBI regional director and operational manager has taken over the post from Stephen Dowd.

She said: “I am delighted to be joining UKinbound at this significant and challenging time for inbound tourism. With the growing economic, environmental and regulatory pressures faced by the industry, I will strive to ensure that the agenda and profile of UKinbound remain at the forefront of Government thinking.”

UKinbound chairman Philip Green said: “The recruitment panel met some very talented candidates and we believe Mary has the qualities we are looking for at this time. She brings with her excellent all round experience in lobbying, networking

Mary Rance and membership management. We are sure Mary is the right person to lead the association.”

Holiday company reported increased sales and bookings PONTIN’S has announced its future summer bookings and year to date sales have increased, with bookings for the rest of the summer also up 10 per cent.

Pontin’s was acquired in March this year by Oceans Parcs, an investment company headed by Graham Parr, for £46m.

Graham said: “In this day and age, with constant rising costs, this is

clearly a demonstration that more and more people are choosing to revitalise the great British holiday.

“It is also pleasing to note how many regular customers are coming back to our sites year on year and how many new customers are visiting us and planning to visit us to join in the great British summer party.”

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Nostalgia turns tide for UK beaches

By Mary Ferguson HALF of those going on holiday this summer will be staying in the UK, it has been claimed.

Research by LateRooms.com shows that rising living costs and the ongoing effects of the credit crunch have influenced 51 per cent of holiday-goers to stay in the UK this summer.

The survey also revealed that 75 per cent of Brits say nostalgia is their main reason for visiting UK beaches, and say they try to return to the places they were taken to as children.

According to the website, more obscure UK beach destinations are increasing in popularity and attracting new visitors, with the list of top beach destinations topped by Torquay, followed by St. Ives. The tenth most popular beach resort is Skegness.

Over half of holiday-makers said they had decided to stay in the UK

because of the strong Euro, which is giving little return on the pound.

And almost a third wanted to shun carbon-heavy flights in favour of closer destinations.

Kathy Gwinnett of LateRooms.com said: “It’s great that British beach holidays are enjoying a renaissance and that some of the less obvious resorts, such as Weymouth and Torquay, are getting rediscovered by a younger generation.

“We all remember the fun of going to the seaside as kids and with the credit crunch, high living costs and the strength of the Euro, there’s no better time to dig out that bucket and spade and stay at home for your holidays.”

To celebrate the British beach renaissance, LateRooms.com created the world’s first sand hotel on Weymouth beach, allowing British holiday-makers to not only claim the best spot on the beach but never have to leave

The giant sand hotel on Weymouth beach it.

The hotel was built by sand sculptor Mark Anderson and

designed to look like a giant sand castle, with both a twin and double bedroom.

Seaside resorts come back in to fashion THE traditional British seaside holiday is being revived as families look for ways to beat the credit crunch.

Research from insurance and

Expert panel is unveiled

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AN expert panel has been announced for the Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show which takes place at Birmingham NEC in September.

The experts are confirmed as: Sandie Dawe, strategy and communications director, VisitBritain; Andy Harmer, business development director, Association of Cruise Experts; Kevin Brown , vice chairman, Guild of British Coach Operators; Mike Newman, marketing and recruitment manager, Group Travel Organisers Association; Sean Tipton, press officer, Association of British Travel Agents.

Organiser Emma Cash said: “The panel session gives visitors the opportunity to pick some of the best brains in the group leisure and travel trade industry, promoting an open forum for discussion from the stage, incorporating a wide range of experience and knowledge. It proved very popular last year and we’re very grateful for our experts continuing to support our show.”

investment group LV= has revealed that seven out of ten parents are concerned about their personal financial situation, and more than half of all adults

are opting to stay in the UK for their holidays this year.

Families could save up to 38 per cent more than going to

European destinations such as Greece, Majorca, the Algarve and Italy, suggesting beaches across the UK could be busier than ever.

Hoteliers blast boom claims

By Mary Ferguson BRIDLINGTON hoteliers have blasted claims that the credit crunch will result in a boom in domestic tourism.

The East Yorkshire town of Bridlington has traditionally been a tourism hotspot, but Glenn Holmes, president of the town's hotel and guest house association, said there are still plenty of spare beds this year.

He told Destination UK: “It’s been a very slow start to the season. There are reports everywhere that the downturn in the economy will mean more people taking their holidays in the UK, but we’ve seen no evidence of that here. I believe a lot of it is just media hype.”

Glenn said that despite there being no rush of business, bookings are slightly up on last year. But he cites better weather and the opening of Bridlington Spa for better figures – not the credit crunch.

He has also noticed visitors booking shorter breaks – three or four days instead of the usual week.

And people tend to leave their decision to go on holiday down to the last minute – depending on the

A beach in Bridlington weather – resulting in a drop in advance bookings.

“People will wait and when there has been a couple of days of sunshine, they will decide to visit the coast for a short break.

“Because of this change, we rely very much on repeat business and encourage the hotels in the association to do all they can to attract people back.

“We make sure we bend over

backwards for people and recently had a couple stay that enjoyed their time so much, they came back a few weeks later.

“That’s what Bridlington needs.”

Glenn added: “Even though there are not that many people using the hotels, I’ve definitely noticed a lot of people around town which suggests tourists are coming here for day trips – there is definitely still a buzz about Bridlington.”

Eco tourism site reports sales growth A WEBSITE which promotes eco tourism is reporting sales growth of 37 per cent for the last six months.

Responsibletravel.com said England has risen from 14th position to knock Thailand off the number one most booked country spot – with a

sales growth of 95 per cent.

Manager director Justin Francis said: “The responsible travel and tourism market is slowly becoming better established.

“Increasing numbers of consumers want to know how holidays are

made, by whom and with what consequences for the environment and local people.”

He believes the key to the growth is that tourists increasingly want locally distinctive holiday experiences rather than cloned resorts.

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£10m investment set to benefit seaside towns

By Christina Eccles THREE of England’s seaside towns are to benefit from £10m of investment thanks to the government’s Sea Change grants.

The project aims to boost regeneration in coastal areas through investment and the grants awarded to Blackpool, Dover and Torbay are the first to be awarded in a three year programme worth £45m.

Blackpool will receive £4m to create a 20,000 capacity outdoor performance space to showcase cultural events on the central seafront and the streetscape from the Tower to the Headland will be redesigned and enhanced.

Culture and tourism minister Margaret Hodge said: “The Sea Change scheme is all about kick starting regeneration through cultural investment in our seaside communities, helping to preserve their heritage and encouraging new and exciting projects. I’m delighted these fantastic plans for Blackpool, Torbay and Dover are now going ahead.

Not only will they encourage new visitors to the area but they will also help support and enrich the community.

“These three large grants are the first

in this programme and I hope they will inspire other coastal resorts to dream up similar innovative and creative plans.”

Plans for a possible cable car at a heritage site in Dover from the Western Dock to the Castle will also be developed after just over £3.8m was awarded to the city. Improvements around the historic castle, including updating the secret wartime tunnels, will allow new presentations of its history and heritage. The Bleriot Monument, which commemorates the first cross channel flight will also be refurbished.

Torbay will receive a grant of just over £2.2m being awarded to develop two projects in the English Riviera Geopark.

Artistic regeneration is at the heart of the plans with the creation of ten new studios as well as gallery space and a refurbished visitor centre.

This also means people will have better access to the heritage and natural environment of the landscape of Berry Head on the Edge, which is home to a Napoleonic fort and the largest guillemot colony on the Channel coast.

A celebrity waxworks was installed at a tourist information centre to help celebrate Barbara Windsor’s 71st birthday.

The waxworks were on loan from Madame Tussauds to the Britain and London Visitor Centre, Britain’s flagship tourist information centre.

The display ran for two weeks and was free of charge to promote the Best of British exhibition – showcasing waxworks of

some of Britain's most loved icons.

Jaco Coetzee, Britain and London Visitor Centre manager said: “British celebrities are renowned all around the world and I’m delighted that the Barbara Windsor waxwork will be able to celebrate the real lady’s 71st birthday with visitors to the centre.”

Pictured: BLVC staff member Maria Illes and ‘Babs’.

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DESTINATIONSCOTLAND

Scotland learns the lingo to attract Russians

VisitScotland is hoping to attract more Russian tourists with the launch of its new website

VISITSCOTLAND is aiming to attract more visitors from Russia by launching its first-ever Russian language website.

The website, www.conventionscotland.com/ru, has been developed by the business tourism unit to attract more Russian business tourists to Scotland.

The website offers Russian meeting and event organisers everything they need to know about business tourism possibilities in Scotland.

Russia is an expanding market for leisure and business tourism, with the number of passengers leaving Domodedovo Airport in Moscow increasing by 22 per cent last year.

Flights from Russia to Europe also rose by 17 per cent last year.

Business travel is the most popular reason to travel to the UK with VisitBritain reporting 42 per cent of all Russians visiting come on business.

Head of VisitScotland’s business tourism unit Caroline Packman said: “We have existing strong links with

Russia and are continuing to build on this. The new Russian language website will showcase the best venues, suppliers and event providers Scotland has to offer and give buyers an insight into the diverse range of facilities we have for meetings, incentive travel and corporate hospitality.

“There are many reasons why Scotland is the destination of choice for meeting planners such as state of the art conference centres, unique venues surrounded by dramatic scenery and the warmth of Scottish hospitality. Getting to Scotland has never been easier with connecting flights from Russia through London, Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam.”

VisitScotland will also host a Scottish workshop and evening reception in Moscow and St Petersburg later this year.

Russian meeting and event organisers, as well as leisure operators, will have a chance to meet with 20 representatives from Scotland’s best hotels, venues and service providers.

Tourism industry facing ‘significant challenge’

By Mary Ferguson THE Scottish tourism industry faces a ‘significant challenge’ to achieve its target of 50 per cent growth by 2015, it has been claimed.

In a report to the Scottish Parliament by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, members blame economic circumstances and lack of awareness amongst the industry for making it hard to realise the ambition.

The report was the result of an inquiry into the feasibility of meeting the Scottish Government’s ambition for a 50 per cent increase in revenue from tourism by 2015.

A spokesman said: “It is clear to the committee that meeting the ambition will be a challenge.

“This was the case at the very outset when the target was set in 2006 and since that date, the economic circumstances facing the tourism industry have changed markedly – and the operating environment has toughened significantly.”

VisitScotland indicated that the total value of tourism to Scotland actually decreased by around two per cent in 2006, representing a significant fall off from the previous growth year of 2001 onwards.

To achieve 50 per cent growth, an

average annual growth rate of around four per cent is needed.

The report identifies one of the problems as a low awareness and buy-in of the target.

In their feedback to the committee, a number of tourism businesses and hotel chains claimed the target is not known or understood by businesses, with some blaming VisitScotland for a lack of communication.

A spokesman from Smart City Hostels said: “We don’t believe that the 50 per cent growth target is well known or understood by businesses, nor what they need to do to contribute or be involved.

Businesses just ‘get on with their job’, without reference to the target.

“With some limited exceptions, we don’t find industry communication

by VisitScotland coherent or consistent.”

The committee believe that in addition to setting a target, it is important to be able to respond flexibly as different conditions are faced.

The report added: “This means being able to take remedial action and also respond tactically to changing economic circumstances or trends in tourism over the coming decade.”

Bus trip is just the ticket for whisky lovers

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Scotland’s first ever Whisky Bus has been set up to give visitors a taste of the Highlands.

VISITORS to Glasgow looking to get a taste of the Highlands are now able to take advantage of Scotland’s first ever Whisky Bus. The bus will take visitors on a whisky themed experience to the Glengoyne Distillery with a daily door-to-door service from six of Glasgow’s largest hotels and George Square.

An onboard Glengoyne Whisky expert will host each journey, bringing the distillery to life with stories from its 175-year past, from Rob Roy to whisky smuggling.

Brand heritage manager for Glengoyne Stuart Hendry said:

“With the rising popularity in internet holiday planning over the past few years, there has been a growing trend towards independent travel.

“This has resulted in more visitors than ever before arriving by car. This new trend, combined with increasing international awareness of drink driving, proved a peculiar problem for the distillery and one that The Whisky Bus solves perfectly.”

As well as appealing to tourists, it is hoped that locals and whisky loving day-trippers will take advantage of the bus.

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Tourism bosses hope laughter will draw tourists

A number of the UK’s most popular music festivals have recognised the tourism draw of comedy by including comedians at their events. Festivals including Glastonbury and The Big Chill have dedicated comedy areas while stars, including Noel Fielding, of TV comedy The Mighty Boosh (pictured) even hosted their own event at The Hop Farm in Kent.

DOMESTIC tourists are being encouraged to explore destinations linked to England’s comedic history, thanks to a campaign launched by Enjoy England.

Comedy England – a campaign which runs until next January – explores England’s greatest comedy related attractions and locations and has a dedicated website featuring a map of more than 150 of these.

The map pinpoints birthplaces and landmarks of well known comedians, locations featured in sitcoms and details of comedy related events. Users are also able to watch clips of comedy moments online and discover where to find them.

Locations on the map include: I Torquay – the location for Fawlty Towers I Holmfirth in Yorkshire – location of Last of the Summer Wine I Billericay in Essex – famed for Gavin and Stacey I Turville in Buckinghamshire – famous for the Vicar of Dibley I The Laurel and Hardy Museum

in Ulverston Enjoy England’s general manager for England marketing at VisitBritain Laurence Bresh said: “England is renowned for producing some of the best comedy in the world and our sense of humour is a trait that the English are famous for. Comedy is an integral part of our heritage and culture and the Comedy England campaign will encourage visitors to explore some of the regions, locations and attractions which have contributed to this and further increase the 100 million trips that Brits take in their own country every year.”

The campaign also reveals some of the lesser known links to comedy in England including how Matt Lucas found inspiration for the Little Britain character Vicky Pollard while filming in Bristol or how the monument grave of 18th century actor and comedian John Kane faces west rather than east because he wanted to face the audience, not the stage.

Each region also links to local comedy heroes for example Lenny Henry in Birmingham and Peter Kay in the North West.

Norfolk’s newest Visitor attraction, Cromer’s Amazona Zoo, has officially opened.

The zoo, which specialises in South American animals, has been developed by Ken Sims, owner of Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens near Great Yarmouth.

The zoo which is open every day until October, is home to over 80 different species.

Mobile phones will keep tourists up to date

By Nicola Hyde FIVE tourists boards that cover the North West have signed up to a deal that will see tourist information sent to visitors’ mobile phones.

The project – led by Visit Chester and Cheshire – includes coverage in Merseyside, Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

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Visitors can register for the Travel Buddy service to receive local activities, events, restaurants, clubs and weather forecast details on their mobile.

Jason Rivolta, commercial director, said: “The UK strategy to offer Travel Buddy to visitors and residents right across the UK is going well. We are delighted to be working with the five tourist boards in the Northwest. A marketing

campaign is being rolled out to increase the numbers using the service which will start to generate revenues and allow the tourist boards use of the SMS ‘Broadcast System’ for direct marketing.”

James Berresford, director of tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), added: “Visitor information is evolving and visitors are becoming

more discerning; it is vitally important that we put relevant and timely information at the fingertips of our visitors if we want to maximise their time in the region and the economic benefits that they bring.”

Travel Buddy now has proprietary content for over 1,200 destinations as well as a mobile translator in 11 different languages.

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

Jobs to be axed after cut in agency funding

By Christina Eccles TOURISM agency Visit Britain has announced swathing job cuts after a cut in government funding.

The government has revealed that funds will be cut from £49.9m in 2007–08, to £40.9m in 2010–11, despite VisitBritain exceeding its return on investment target set by DCMS. Now, staff posts in London will be reduced by 40 per cent (to about 135), with staff in overseas offices cut by 25 per cent (to about 145.)

Chief executive Tom Wright said: “This restructure is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the national tourism organisation, taking into account the devolution of tourism over the last few years.”

UKInbound has condemned the redundancies revealing worries the decision will impact greatly on VisitBritain’s abilities to promote the UK. Chief executive Stephen Dowd said: “Having already shed over 120 posts within the last two years

these latest cuts will seriously undermine VisitBritain’s ability to deliver its core functions; let alone the additional demands of promoting the UK during the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

“This announcement can only demoralise an organisation that has been restructured four times in just five years by a Government that is unable, or unwilling, to appreciate the value and importance of inbound tourism to the UK economy.”

The cut back was also condemned

by Bob Cotton, chairman of the Tourism Alliance who said the decision was ‘extremely disappointing’, especially as the industry is still being consulted on the British Framework Review.

He added: “To undertake this restructuring before the results of this review are known pre-empts any conclusions which the review might reach. One can only assume that VisitBritain has been forced into yet another round of redundancies as a direct result of the government’s inability to take tourism seriously.”

The Environment Agency is reducing the licence fee for all new holiday hire boats on the River Thames, which will save hire businesses around £200 for each boat.

The announcement comes after a poor season last year and it is hoped that the reduction will help businesses increase the quality of their boats and attract more holiday makers and day trippers. The river also has three new boat businesses, including two hire boat companies and a holiday ownership boat business, as well as five existing boating

companies upgrading their fleets with eight new boats.

Chris Clark of Kris cruisers, based at Datchet, has updated his fleet with a new motor cruiser and new electric day boat and believes the reduced licence fee is good news for the business. He said: “Customers today want high quality boats with modern interior furnishings, decent facilities and a good amount of space. This year’s reduced licence fee is good news and will help us to give customers what they really want.”

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24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

The British penchant for all things spooky is being reflected in the upturn of haunted trips and tours. Lyndsey Smith reports.

Ghostly goings-on capture the public’s imagination WITH a host of events in ‘notoriously haunted’ locations, it appears the public are determined to tap into their gruesome side, according to Visit Britain spokesman Elliot Frisby.

The lead up to Halloween has seen events arranged such as a nine-day ghost festival at Oxford Castle and a Ghostly Gaslight Halloween event at Blists Hill victorian town, Shropshire.

Elliot said: “Programmes such as Most Haunted provide a driving interest and have certainly increased the popularity of haunted tours.

“They are popular family breaks and you tend to find a lot of places sell themselves through a haunted connection, of having a ghost.

“It’s part of our culture with all the history and heritage we have in this country. We are always fascinated with finding out about the past.”

Increasing popularity is shown through the rise in the number of pre-booked visitors at Oxford Castle this year, an increase of over 300 per cent. The attraction has gone from nearly 4,000 prebooked visits last year to nearly 13,000.

Emily Hirons, visitor centre manager, said: "Paranormal events are becoming increasingly popular and more mainstream, capturing the imagination of

ordinary people.

“Since we appeared on Most Haunted, visitors have realised there's more to the castle than meets the eye and our ghost fest will hopefully uncover some of the secrets.”

The festival is organised by Fright Nights, UK ghost hunting specialists, and Martin Jeffrey, events director added: “We initially ran an online magazine about the paranormal and people began contacting us regarding ghosthunting and a friend of mine suggested we set up a company.

“I thought no one would be interested in sitting in a cold, damp house overnight but we went ahead and held our first one on Halloween 1999.

“It was a success so we formed the Fright Nights company and at the time there was really no other company in the country or the world that organised ghost hunts.

“When we started we were organising 25 - 30 events per year and now we organise around 35 a month such as been the upturn in their popularity.

“A lot of people believe the interest is down to shows like Most Haunted and Living TV’s push of the paranormal but a lot don’t realise the Millennium had a big impact on people’s spiritual beliefs and the year 2000 was exceptionally busy for us.

“We are serving an area where

Cells at Oxford castle we are filling people’s spiritual void and although the British interest is picqued due to

Pictures: Mark Bassett sceptism other countries such as Germany and the Baltic countries widely accept that ghosts exist.”

Manor house hosts solstice ritual

By Lyndsey Smith

Oxford Castle is cashing in on fright breaks.

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A GEORGIAN manor house, claiming to be haunted, hosted its first solstice weekend over the summer.

Tour company, Fright Nights, hosted the event with former Most Haunted medium, David Wells, at Milton Hill House in Oxfordshire.

A solstice ritual took place inside the grounds and there was an opportunity for visitors to be introduced to Wicca, a Pagan witchcraft tradition and Qabalah, an aspect of Jewish mysticism.

Guests took part in a “Meeting Of The Dawn” ritual to welcome the day and watch the sunrise, as well as group meditation and workshops designed to help them understand more about the world and show them how to use magical tools and create their own wand.

Martin Jeffrey, director of Fright Nights added: “We were delighted to host our first Solstice weekend with David.

“It was full of activity and designed to be a personal experience where guests were surrounded by people with similar beliefs and it is a bonus Milton Hill House is notoriously haunted.”

Milton is renowned for its paranormal activity and has a dark and varied history, with the property playing host to a number of royal visitors such as Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia and King William III. Over the years many have heard unexplained footsteps and doors opening. Others have smelt strong lavender perfume in empty corridors and many have claimed to have heard the sound of children in the middle of the night.

Supported by

Crunch fails to halt West End boom

By Christina Eccles WEST End theatre is still experiencing a boom despite fears over the credit crunch, new figures have revealed.

According to theatre tickets specialist discounttheatre.com, bookings for popular shows increased by 20 per cent in May and June, showing a shift in theatregoers looking online to get the best deals on their seats.

Discount Theatre marketing director Chris Ryan said: "Our figures are in-line with the holiday industry in showing that people are so fed up with the doom mongers that they are determined to have a good time.

“But they still want a bargain. The average customer is a lot more price savvy now and they know that top theatre tickets for a hit West End show don't have to cost £60 – and they needn't spend a lot of money on dinner either.”

Chris also said in order to

increase sales, the company has created special offers for those customers looking for a bargain including free tickets when you buy a night in a four star hotel.

Chris added: “This is a good example of how to leverage strong links within the travel industry to provide short break deals that would be unthinkable for many other London Theatre Tickets web sites.

"By making a few smart moves people can come and see shows like Woman in Black – and stay in the black.”

The industry is hoping to repeat the success of last year as West End theatre was more popular in 2007 than ever before. SOLT’s annual report revealed that attendances were a record-breaking 13.6m – a rise of 1.25m visits to plays, musicals, opera and dance in the capital.

As an industry the economic impact of West End theatre is over £1.8 billion.

Industry 100th marked by series

Hollywood star Josh Hartnett will make his West End debut later this month in Rain Man. Josh will play Charlie Babbitt in the play – which opens at the Apollo Theatre – and will be joined on stage by Olivier nominated actor Adam Godley as his autistic brother Raymond.

Writer Dan Gordon and director David Grindley have re-imagined the multi Oscar Award winning 1988 film for the stage, resetting this story in the present day.

Performances run until December.

BBC News marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of the West End theatre industry with a special series of TV and radio reports.

The BBC Theatre Day featured a range of interviews and features venturing backstage with top shows and quizzing industry figures including new SOLT President Nica Burns.

Nica said: “We are 100 years old and in rude health with record-breaking attendances to some of the best theatre in the world.

“We create fabulous entertainment, we’re doing it better than ever, and that’s why so many people from both the UK and overseas love the West End.”

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

Holiday On Ice – the most visited show ever according to Guinness World Records – has announced a new UK tour. The show has been seen by 320m visitors in its 65-year history and the new show – Mystery – includes Olympic standard, international skaters performing dazzling routines on and above the ice, with bold, aerial acrobatics, remarkable lifts and lively group ensembles, highlighted with beautiful lighting and dramatic back drops. The show will call at venues including Brighton Centre and Cardiff International Arena.

Marti Pellow

Trio of shows marks a first for Aberdeen ABERDEEN Performing Arts has launched its What’s On brochure for the new season, featuring productions at APA’s three city venues – His Majesty’s Theatre, The Music Hall and The Lemon Tree.

Shows include The Witches of Eastwick starring Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow and Cabaret with I’d Do Anything finalist Samantha Barks and Wayne Sleep.

Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive Duncan Hendry said: “This is a first for Aberdeen – all three venues in one brochure – and

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the line-up for the coming season must be one of the strongest we have ever had.

“This is the first time we have had a brochure that promotes shows at His Majesty’s, The Music Hall and The Lemon Tree and we feel this is an exciting new development that will allow our customers to see at a glance what is on offer.

“We have some fantastic productions at our venues over the coming months and I’m sure there will be something of interest for almost everyone.”

UKINBOUND celebrated the importance of musical theatre in tourism at its annual summer ball, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

The industry partied in style at the musical-themed event with Aiofe Mulholland – star of the Sound of Music – who thanked guests for their support of the London’s west end theatre productions. The event was sponsored by the Really Useful Theatre Company, Dewynters Tourism and Barceló Hotel and Resorts.

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

RSC set to tour with Romeo and Juliet production THE Royal Shakespeare Company will tour Romeo and Juliet in October and November before it transfers to The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Featuring a company of 23 actors and a seven-piece live band on stage, this new staging of Shakespeare's story of two teenagers torn apart by their families' vendetta, reunites awardwinning director, Neil Bartlett, and designer, Kandis Cook – the creative team behind the 2007 sellout production of Twelfth Night.

Neil said: “I'm very excited to be going back to the RSC – and to be working with a company of thirty performers. I'm going to tell Shakespeare's story on a bare stage, but with costumes from the Italy of the 1940's and 50's – think

of early Fellini and Visconti movies.

For the story to catch fire, the company has to be able to move as fast as the emotions of the lovers do, and the world of the play has to be harsh, Catholic, sexy, violent so the beautiful, hot-blooded poetry is going to be punctuated by the flash of knives, and the sound of an Italian street band, playing live on stage with the actors. Our tour takes us to some really fine theatres and I'm especially excited by the fact that this particular play always draws a crowd – both of young people who've never seen a Shakespeare play before, and of people who know and love it as one of the best stories ever written about how the world can conspire to destroy all that is brightest and most beautiful.”

Timothy’s first Regent’s Park season underway I’d Do Anything star Rachel Tucker has landed a role in hit West End musical We Will Rock You. Rachel takes over the part of the sassy rebel Meat in Queen and Ben Elton’s hit musical from mid-September.

Rachel said: “It is a dream part.

We Will Rock You is one of my favourite shows. I first saw it

when I was a student at the Royal Academy and loved it. I am beside myself with excitement. I just can’t believe it.”

We Will Rock You is now playing its seventh year in London with productions across the world.

Over six million people have seen the show at the Dominion Theatre.

TIMOTHY Sheader’s first season as artistic director at the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park is now underway.

Following the production of The Boy Friend in 2006, and Lady Be Good in 2007, the 2008 season’s musical will be Gigi.

Written by Lerner and Loewe, famed for their widely known

musical My Fair Lady, Gigi has not been seen in London for over 20 years and will mark a return to the London stage for Millicent Martin and Topol.

The popular Sunday concerts series will also continue in 2008 and includes acts Daniel Kitson, Jimmy Carr and Seth Lakeman.

Singer Jane McDonald has started a UK tour, calling at theatres including Torquay’s Princess Theatre.

In the 10 years since she first came to public recognition, on BBC documentary series The Cruise, she has sold hundreds of thousands of albums and performed for royalty. She is also a regular on ITV's Loose Women.

Jane said: “I seem to have played out much of my life in front of thousands of people and I feel very lucky to have been given such a rare opportunity.

What’s happened in my life has been a dream come true. And best of all variety is coming back in a big way. Look at Saturday night TV. Variety dominates. I'm quite trendy now."

Doctor Who actor stars in new RSC production A NEW RSC production of Hamlet has opened starring Doctor Who actor David Tennant.

The play at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon runs until November.

RSC chief associate director Gregory Doran said: “Hamlet is a play that waits for the right actor to come along.

“This Hamlet will be to some

extent who David is.

“You have to have an actor who can be, as Ophelia describes him, ‘the poet, the soldier, the scholar’.

“He has to be someone who is charismatic and can be brutal and coarse, and can be witty and moving and can physically take on the demands of the part.

“I believe that David’s skills fill all these criteria.”

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DESTINATIONHOLIDAY PARKS

Parks operator acquires two new sites for £15m TWO holiday parks have been acquired at a cost of £15m by the largest holiday parks operator in the south of England.

Park Holidays UK, based in Hastings, East Sussex, has bought two parks in Dawlish Warren, Devon, with a funding package from The Royal Bank of Scotland.

The operator already has 25 parks in Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Suffolk and the new additions – the adjoined Golden Sands and Peppermint Holiday Parks – have a mix of lodges, caravans, chalets and touring and camping facilities.

Tony Clish, Park Holidays UK’s commercial director said: “We are delighted that these two prestigious parks are to become part of the Park Holidays UK group.

“With current trading at both parks ahead of last year’s levels – as is the case for the group as a whole – we anticipate a successful season.

Our thanks go to Jon and the team for their dedicated support – it’s great to have such enthusiastic banking partners helping us drive the business forward.”

Park Holidays intends to develop the businesses further by offering high quality caravan holiday homes for sale – either for their own use or through Park Holidays’ managed letting service.

Jon Skeet, director, Portfolio Management, RBS Corporate and Structured Finance, added: “We were delighted to fund these latest acquisitions. RBS has a relationship going back 25 years with Park Holidays, and it is impressive to look back on the

ParkHolidays Al Loch (Park Holidays), Jon Skeet (RBS), Jeff Sills (Park Holidays) Tony Clish (Park Holidays) & Sarah Moody (RBS) terrific growth it has achieved in that time. This is just the latest in number of funding packages RBS has provided to support the company’s growth ambitions. We

look forward to many more successful years ahead.”

The company has acquired six holiday parks in Devon since May 2006.

Acts from popular TV show Britain’s Got Talent headlined at Butlins this Summer. The line-up included Signature, Nemesis, Andrew Muir, Strike, Kate and Gin, Hoop La La, Irresistible and Jeremy Lynch.

Five-star park opens spa complex Text idea wins award

By Nicola Hyde

BUTLINS has won an award for a project which allows guests to text message staff working at the holiday parks.

It has been given Best Use of Technology in a Hospitality and Leisure Environment award at the European Retail Solutions Awards.

Butlins receives about 1.5m guests per year, and more than 80 per cent now use text messaging to report any issues they may have.

Allan Lambert, head of retail sales at Bourne Leisure said: “Customer satisfaction is a number one priority for us here at Butlins. By communicating directly with our guests, resolving their issues and answering their enquiries efficiently, we can ensure happier guests at our Resorts and remain the number one choice for UK holidays.”

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HAVEN’S five star Rockley Park in Dorset has opened a multi-million spa complex with jacuzzi, sauna and steam room facilities.

Rockley Park also now offers guests the Platinum Caravan experience, which has flat screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, heating throughout, private parking,

double glazing and fridges.

Gas and electricity, bed linen and towels are already included.

It now has wireless internet access available across the whole park.

Allan Lambert, head of retail sales, said: “The new luxury spa adds great value to Rockley Park and has been launched to meet

the increasing demands of our customers for luxury touches to their holidays such as spa treatments.

“Our Platinum caravans have been rolled out to Rockley Park for a similar reason and offers agents the perfect opportunity to gain even more commission by up-selling to the platinum range.”

Holiday firm reveals sell-out month

By Claire Lodge HOSEASONS has revealed that it was fully booked in August with the month being a sell-out.

Holidays in cottages and holiday parks in the most popular areas of Devon and Cornwall always sell out for the school summer holidays,

but this year other areas such as Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wight and parts of Wales also sold out fast.

The surge in UK holiday bookings is believed to be down to the strength of the Euro and wider economic uncertainties.

Chief executive Richard Carrick

said: “We have found that more customers than ever before want to jump in a car with the family and avoid the hassle and increased costs of an overseas break.

“This isn't solely an economic issue however, a growing number of holidaymakers are also rediscovering the joys of a UK break.”

DESTINATIONNORTHERN IRELAND

Coach firm takes tourists around Ireland IRISH Coaches can be seen travelling around the North of Ireland laden with tourists from Canada, USA,UK, Japan and European visitors.

Part of the 32CC group is local Northern Ireland coach operators Classic Coaches in Co.Down and Lynch Coaches Co.Tyrone share in some of this work.

The NI operators also handle their own local and inbound tours within the province from other parts of the UK with deluxe coaches from small to large and of the highest standards Hello Ireland Tours – a subsidiary within the 32CC group package and program Northern Ireland for all categories of Group Travel.

Details from 00-353-1-8788894/98, www.32ccgroup.ie, www.irishcoaches.ie or www.helloireland.com

Belfast overnight visitor figures up by 18 per cent THE number of overnight visitors to Belfast has increased by 18 per cent in the last year, new figures have revealed.

The latest figures released by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau from the tourism monitor conducted by Belfast City Council also revealed the number of visitors coming into the city last year reached an all time high at 6.9m, bringing an estimated £313.3m of tourism revenue into the local economy.

Chairman of the City Council`s development committee Coun Michael Browne said: “It is wonderful to see that visitors from all over the world are enjoying the vibrancy of a city that boasts top class hotels and visitor accommodation, outstanding shopping and a range of products and festivals that offer something for everyone.

“We at Belfast City Council are delighted to see that these figures are continuing to rise year on year and we are very hopeful for the future development of the tourism industry here.”

Belfast Visitor and Convention

Bureau chief executive, Gerry Lennon also said the growth in inbound tourism was very positive.

He added: “It is very encouraging to see such steady growth in inbound tourism, particularly in the number of out of state visitors staying for at least one night in Belfast.

“The figures show that almost seven million people came to Belfast in 2007 which is remarkable, particularly when you consider that in the last three years we have seen an increase of 38 per cent in overnight stays, with out of state overnight visitors increasing by 43 per cent during that period.

“This is an exciting time for Belfast as we will soon be launching a new brand identity that will provide a strong focus for the continued marketing of the city and its tourism and hospitality sector to an international audience.

“We have already seen large volumes of visitors and enquiries in the first half of 2008 and with a new Belfast brand driving the marketing of the city into 2009, we are confident of passing the seven million mark this year.”

County Down landscape has plenty to offer MAJESTIC sweeping landscapes, fine country houses, surprising treasures and always a warm welcome await you in this diverse and captivating region. Travel to Co. Down and you’ll discover the delightful 18th century mansion Castle Ward, an architecturally curious mixture of classical and gothic styles set against a breath taking backdrop of beautiful parklands and the wild and wonderful Strangford Lough.

Visitors can enjoy winding woodland and lakeside walks to take in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Close by, Rowallane Garden provides garden lovers with genuine inspiration with its dazzling array of exotic plants and stunning displays of shrubs, spring bulbs and wildflower meadows. There is also a notable Rock Garden to explore that has been recently restored to its original splendour. Over in Co. Fermanagh, you’ll find a warm welcome, some particularly fine interiors and a glimpse into life below stairs at Florence Court, the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen. Make time to wander through the outstanding grounds and see the unusual outbuildings, including a sawmill, an ice-house and summer house. Take a look around the gloriously rich Regency interiors of nearby Castle Coole, including a tour of the newly opened basement, before taking a refreshing walk around the picturesque wooded landscape park that surrounds the house.

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Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/traveltrade. Call the property you want to visit or regional office on 028 9751 0721

DESTINATIONNORTHERN IRELAND

Indian journalists visit Northern Ireland LEADING journalists from India have visited Northern Ireland, invited by Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Their visit included a tour of Belfast, afternoon tea at the Merchant Hotel as well as shopping

at Victoria Square.

They also enjoyed a walking tour on the walls in historic Londonderry as well as a visit to the Carrick-aRede Rope Bridge and the Giant’s Causeway.

Jim Paul, Tourism Ireland’s head

of new and developing markets, said: “Media visits such as these are extremely important to help build awareness of Northern Ireland among potential holiday makers in India.

“This visit will result in extensive and positive publicity for Northern Ireland across a range of different publications.”

Tourism Ireland research has shown that the key reasons why visitors from new & developing markets such as India wish to visit the island of Ireland are the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the scenery and the

cultural and heritage experiences on offer.

Jim added: “The Indian market offers exciting possibilities for tourism to Northern Ireland, and to the island of Ireland, in the medium to long term.

“The World Tourism Organisation has forecast that the Asia-Pacific region will be one of the fastest growing regions for outbound travel.

“Growth in travel from long-haul markets such as India will reshape the global tourism landscape, with significant implications for tourism to the island of Ireland.”

Ireland’s oldest surviving subscription library FOUNDED in 1788 the library is located in Belfast’s thriving city centre. It is renowned for its unparalleled Irish and Local Studies Collection which sit alongside the most recent bestsellers and classics in the extensive general lending collection.

The library also hosts a calendar of events ranging from exhibitions, theatre and music to readings and lectures. With a coffee shop and gift shop, the Linen Hall Library is a desirable destination for literature lovers, scholars, researchers, tourists and the general public.

Indian journalists enjoy afternoon tea at Belfast’s Merchant Hotel

Contact details: Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North, Belfast on +44 028 9032 1707, email k.collins@linenhall.com or visit www.linenhall.com

Northern Ireland Tourist Board draft corporate plan 2008-2011 OVER the past decade Northern Ireland tourism has experienced continuous growth.

Revenue generated by tourism has almost doubled since the mid 1990s and 2.1 million visitors came to Northern Ireland in 2007.

Despite the economic downturn, the potential for tourism growth remains very positive and, by 2011, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board aims to increase visitor numbers to 2.5 million and tourism revenue to £520 million.

Achievement of these targets, set out in NITB’s recently-launched Draft Corporate Plan 2008-2011, is dependent upon our ability to create a unique destination through the development of the five Signature Projects; to deliver a top quality, world class visitor experience; and to attract not only more visitors from the Republic of Ireland, but to increase Northern Ireland’s share of visitors to the island of Ireland.

For further information log on to www.nitb.com/draftcorporateplan2008to2011

For more information on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board contact Orla McNeaney or Elaine Craig on 028 9044 1645 or email them at o.mcneaney@nitb.com or e.craig@nitb.com

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DESTINATIONNORTHERN IRELAND Irish airline Aer Arann have launched a ‘love plane’ service for couples who visit the country to get married. Costing around £250 per person, the service caters for the hundreds of couples who tie the knot in Ireland every year.

Colin Lewis, head of sales and marketing, said: “The sky’s the limit for couples who want to make sure that they and their wedding guests make it to the reception on time.”

Barometer shows successful 2008

By Christina Eccles NORTHERN Ireland’s tourism industry is so far having a successful 2008 despite challenging economic conditions, new figures have revealed.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Tourism Barometer – a survey of over 400 tourism businesses – showed a strong hotel sector with growth from the Republic of Ireland and domestic Northern Ireland markets as well as overseas with the self catering sector also experiencing overseas

demand. Activity providers such as golf courses, cycling and walking companies also reported growth as did car hire and coach companies and visitor attractions.

With the exception of B&B establishments, whose owners expect no change, all other accommodation sectors were optimistic regarding the prospects for business for the period mid June to the end of September, with expectations of growth strongest from the hotel and caravanning and camping sector.

Golf club managers and

proprietors of walking and cycling establishments forecast growth.

Coach operators, car hire companies and visitor attractions are optimistic while cruising and equestrian establishments predict a further softening of demand.

NITB chief executive Alan Clarke said: “The favourable exchange rate in respect of the euro, and the improving image of Northern Ireland, have undoubtedly led to a strong performance so far this year.

However, tourism businesses are clearly not complacent and recognise that they must take

account of changing conditions across a variety of markets. The most successful businesses will be those who can adapt in the face of the challenging economic climate.”

The report concludes there is clear evidence tourism enterprises are operating in a more challenging business climate than was the case in 2007. The increasing cost of energy, local authority service charges, unfavourable exchange rates and inflation were all mentioned as causes for concern, with rising energy costs causing most concern.

Museums offer a rich flavour of Northern Ireland NORTHERN Ireland also offers a rich and captivating history. There is much to explore in this intriguing region and one of the best ways to get a flavour of this is through Northern Ireland’s many wonderful museums. National Museums Northern Ireland, which includes the Ulster Museum, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park, W5 and Armagh County Museum, offer some of Northern Ireland’s leading cultural, educational and tourism destinations.

The Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh, County Tyrone) and Ulster Folk & Transport Museum (Cultra, County Down) are multi awardwinning living history museums. The Ulster American Folk Park, which hosts one of Europe’s largest Bluegrass Festivals each year, is currently Northern Ireland’s Visitor Attraction of the Year.

National Museums Northern Ireland also include the Ulster Museum which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound rejuvenation. Reopening in 2009, the Ulster Museum’s redevelopment is one of the most important cultural regeneration projects ever undertaken in Northern Ireland.

Armagh County Museum is set in Armagh City’s beautiful mall and is a wonderful way to discover the past of this unique cathedral city.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park and Ulster Museum are also spectacular venues for corporate events including meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

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For further information on National Museums Northern Ireland visit www.nmni.com, 028 90428 428, businesstourism@nmni.com

DESTINATIONPENNINE YORKSHIRE

Adam has big plans for The Malt A NEW restaurant and bar has opened in the Yorkshire village of Burley in Wharfedale, with plans to add more accommodation and become a quality offering for tourists.

The Malt has stood for over 100 years, and after changing hands numerous times recently, a local businessman has taken the reins – and is determined to do things differently.

Adam Lewis, who also runs The Yard pub in Ilkely and a bar in Malton, said: “There is so much history to the place that it would be insensitive of us to ignore it.

“It’s a stunning building and being a local myself, I had driven past so many times thinking ‘if only I could get my hands on that’ and now I have, it’s a dream come true.”

One of the changes that Adam has made is keeping the bar and restaurant areas very separate – appealing to two different sets of

people and creating areas with different identities.

There is also a private dining room which seats up to 12, and a large function room on the second floor, with a capacity for up to 150 people.

“The building has been here over 100 years and has a real presence – people know of it all over the country.

“So we didn’t want to make too many drastic changes, but what we’ve done is give the building a heart and a soul – when I came in it was just a vast empty space with no atmosphere.”

And Adam’s plans for The Malt aren’t over yet. A 1904 advertisement stated there were spacious bedrooms as well as the choice wines and spirits on offer.

So, in keeping with tradition, phase two will see The Malt become a restaurant with luxurious rooms.

Tourist board announces finalists YORKSHIRE Tourist Board has announced the finalists for the 2008 White Rose Awards following a record number of entries.

The winners of the 17 categories will be crowned at a glittering awards ceremony to be held at Bridlington Spa on 25 September, and will be put forward as Yorkshire’s nominations for the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2009.

Yorkshire South Tourism will be going head to head with partnership

venue Sheffield City Hall for the Business Tourism Award of the Year category. Nominees for other categories include the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby, Harewood House in Leeds, Far Grange Holiday Park in Skipsea and the Jorvik Viking Festival in York.

Last year’s hosts and winners of the Business Tourism Award – Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham – have this year been shortlisted for the Visitor Attraction Of The Year award.

The Barn at Holmfirth THE Barn at Holmfirth has three bedrooms which consist of one double bedroom with luxury en-suite; a twin and a bunk room. All are fitted with country cottage style bedding and furniture and have central heating.

The upstairs is completed by a luxury family bathroom, with power shower and a luxurious double-ended bath with sky light above for the romantics who enjoy star gazing whilst bathing. Downstairs is a very large and open plan living/dining area, laid with oak flooring throughout. This leads into a very well equipped kitchen, giving you a total home from home feel.

Details from www.thebarnatholmfirth.co.uk, Adrian Cunliffe, adrian@thebarnatholmfirth.co.uk, 07766 278 689.

Experience the countryside HEIRLOOM carriage driving tours offer breath-taking, panoramic views of the Yorkshire Pennine hills. Experience a gentle drive out into the beautiful countryside or a fast and exhilarating ride across the rugged and rustic tracks of the moors.

One hour’s drive is only £40 per person including free pub lunch and is perfect as a team building activity for any number of people.

For anyone wanting an extra touch, we also offer a 10 per cent discount for booking both a carriage driving course and a stay at our family owned B&B.

Excellent group rates are available – please ask for details For further information, www.heirloomcarriagedriving, e-mail info@heirloomcarriagedriving.co.uk

Adam Lewis

A great place for all ages PONDEROSA is a non-profit making organisation and houses an abundance of rare breed animals.

On site facilities include restaurant, ice cream parlour, gift shop and play areas. All facilities are wheel chair and push chair friendly.

Ponderosa is set in its own grounds with beautiful gardens and lakes. Seating is situated around the grounds and provide the perfect place to sit and take in the stunning gardens. Ponderosa is a great place for all ages and abilities to visit. We are open 10 - 4pm every day.

Excellent group rates are available for all.

For further details, please call 01924 235276, e-mail ponderosa.farm@btinternet.com or visit the website – www.ponderosacentre.org.

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT WITH all that's on offer in Pennine Yorkshire, the most difficult part of arranging your group visit is fitting everything in. Fill your shopping bags in the high street stores, galleries and mill shops; explore the locations made famous by the television series Last of the Summer Wine and uncover the area's history in museums and attractions.

Pick up a bargain at Yorkshire’s award-winning Dewsbury Market and don't miss the Yorkshire Mill Mile.

Stops along this marathon stretch with ample parking for coaches include The Mill, Batley, the UK’s largest retail mill, and Redbrick Mill, a beautiful converted Victorian weaving mill that’s now home to a collection of lifestyle stores.

Groups looking for a heritage visit can explore Brontë connections at the Red House Museum and Oakwell Hall. Built in 1583, Oakwell Hall appeared as ‘Fieldhead’ in Charlotte’s novel Shirley, and is now surrounded by period gardens and an awardwinning Country Park. Alternatively, groups can visit Longley Old Hall, one of Sir Simon Jenkins 'Thousand Best Houses', or the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in

Oakwell Hall, Birstall

Redbrick Mill, Batley England at Standedge in Marsden.

For pure nostalgia, step into the wellie boots of the Last of the Summer Wine characters on the vintage tour bus tour in Holmfirth – groups will see first hand where filming takes place.

For further information or to request a group travel brochure call 01484 221686 or email tourism@kirklees.gov.uk

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24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

Learning from the Chinese experience

by Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance BEHIND the spectacular opening ceremony and the almost bottomless funding that the Chinese Government has poured into the Beijing Olympics, there are numerous reports emerging that the expected boom in tourism that China expected has failed to materialise.

The predictions that half a million people would travel to the see the Games are now being revised down to 3-400,000 as hotels in the city cut their rates to generate sales and airlines such as BA and Virgin report that seats are still available on most flights.

Even the Beijing Tourism Administration has been forced to admit that tourism numbers to the city are down 20 percent compared to the same time last year – although there are reports within the industry that the real figure could be almost double this.

This is bad news for the city’s hotel sector which has ballooned from 506 hotels in 2001 to almost 850 today in expectation

of the bonanza that awaited.

Commentators are busy putting forward a number of explanations to account for the lack of visitors.

These range from increased security making it difficult to obtaining a visa to enter China, the lack of tickets being made available outside the country to the Sichuan earthquake and speculation about the impact of pollution in the city deterring nervous visitors.

Yet the fact that the supposed bonanza has not materialised shouldn’t come as a surprise.

This has been the experience of many host countries. Take for example Greece, which had a tourism downturn of almost 15 per cent in 2004. Even Barcelona, which is held to be a shining example of how the Olympics can boost tourism, was unable to match the average global tourism growth rate in 1992.

Even last month in their inquiry into tourism, the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee investigated the notion that the Olympics provide a boost for tourism. They concluded that there was little evidence that the

Games themselves could boost tourism. However, they also noted that the Games provided a considerable opportunity for the host country to use the media attention to gain unprecedented expose in overseas markets which could be used as a foundation for future growth, especially in emerging markets which have less knowledge of the host destination.

And this is the critical factor – it is easy for a host destination to get lulled into the belief that simply hosting the Games is enough to ensure a tourism legacy. It’s the same type of thinking that Mac and Betamax had in taking on Windows and VHS – simply having a better product does not mean that you will win the battle for consumers’ money.

We have a great tourism product in London and the Olympics but that really isn’t going to account for much unless we are able to convince people overseas that this is the product that they want to buy.

You don’t see Coca-cola or Nike executives sitting round and

Kurt Janson saying “we have a world leading brand so let’s not bother about doing any marketing this year”.

Yet this is exactly what the UK Government is doing. It is “happy” to spend over £9b on the product but has reduced the marketing budget of VisitBritain under the impression that the Games will market themselves. As the Chinese are finding out – this is not the way it works.

Olympic medallist to speak at EVENTUK EVENTUK will be held at Birmingham NEC from September 16 to 17.

World Mixed Doubles champion and Silver Olympic medallist from Athens.

It boasts a seminar programme with over 20 free sessions taking place. Topics include: improving your career in events; credit crunch survival; how to obtain a piece of the 2012 Olympics pie; delivering on equal opportunities and marketing trends and creativity.

Gail plans to retire after Beijing to concentrate on a career in the media and motivational speaking.

Keynote speeches will be made over the two days. Speakers will be Olympic medallist Gail Emms who is the current badminton

The other speaker will be Maarten Vanneste, event guru, who founded Meeting Support.

His talk will cover topics like revolutionising the meetings industry, present and future technology and how to transform events.

The Berkeley Skirmish – the new two-day medieval event at Berkeley Castle – attracted 6,000 visitors to its first weekend. The event run by Plantagenet Events in association with Skirmish Magazine was such a success that from next year, the admission price will allow access

to Berkeley Castle.

Tim Davies, marketing manager, said “We have been extremely pleased to hear so much positive feedback from the Skirmish which has been very well received. We look forward very much to developing the event, and building it up in coming years.”

Programme proves popular WARNER Leisure Hotels has revealed it has sold 5,000 Experience Breaks this year.

The programme offers over 600 different options across 13 properties, and the most popular have been dancing breaks like the Simply Ballroom Experience, trips to sporting events including the Grand National or Racing at Goodwood and York as well as special trips on The Orient Express and Mini Cooper Treasure Hunts.

The most popular locations have been Gunton Hall in Suffolk, 22

Cricket St Thomas in Somerset and Sinah Warren in Hampshire, which have each received 13 per cent of customers.

Allan Lambert, head of retail sales at Bourne Leisure, said: “The Experience Breaks programme offers a wide range of culture and heritage breaks with experts that are really able to bring the experience alive, from antiques to art, country houses, castles and more. We hope that travel agents will continue to sell these popular breaks and reap the commission rewards.”