Destination UK Spring 2015

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Issue 61 Spring 2015 £2.75

County’s 2014 Tour de France legacy revealed

By Josh Timlin YORKSHIRE'S Tour de France legacy has started to show, according to figures.

Newly-released figures for the first nine months of 2014 revealed a bumper period for the county – a time which saw the region host the annual race’s magnificent Grand Depart.

The event, in July, saw the world’s eyes fall on the county. An estimated five million people lined the race’s route which was the culmination of four years of planning and created some of the most evocative images in the Tour’s 111-year history, including thousands of people attending notable climbs on the Yorkshire Dales’ Buttertubs Pass and the ascent of Holme Moss on the hills overlooking Holmfirth.

From January to September overseas visits to Yorkshire went up by 12 per cent to 1.08m and these tourists spent a total of £465m. The strongest growth in visits came from Australia, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and USA. Holiday visits in particular, across the first nine months of 2014, saw a significant jump of 32 per cent and the amount spent by tourists while holidaying went up a massive 70 per cent. Strong holiday visit growth came from France, Italy, Netherlands,

Ireland, Spain and USA. Patricia Yates, director of strategy and communications at VisitBritain, said: “Inbound tourism is one of Britain’s most successful export industries, generating jobs and growth across Britain.

“Yorkshire plays a valuable role in that success and the legacy of its excellent hosting of the Tour de France is clear to see. Yorkshire's tourism has a strong future and the region will also feature heavily in our new 2015 Countryside is GREAT campaign.”

Tourism minister Helen Grant added: “Yorkshire is playing a big part in helping to drive Britain’s record tourism boom. Last year’s Tour de France Grand Depart showcased the best of this wonderful region to the world and now it is about keeping up that momentum.

“It is why we have launched a £10m fund to help strengthen tourism in the north and why the Nick Clegg and myself have met key stakeholders in Sheffield, including Welcome to Yorkshire's Gary Verity, to discuss what more can be done to help further growth in the region.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, who led the winning bid to bring the Tour de France to the county, said that the county’s profile has “never been higher” following last year’s success.

Spending smashes records in all regions

EMMY and Golden Globe award-winning actor Damian Lewis will return to the West End stage to star in a major new revival of David Mamet’s play American Buffalo. Directed by Daniel Evans, the production will open at Wyndham’s Theatre on April 16, for a limited run until June 27. Damian said: “David Mamet is one of our greatest living playwrights and I’m thrilled to be performing in his brilliant American Buffalo.”

For more theatre news, see our Centre Stage section, starting on page 9.

NEW analysis from VisitBritain has revealed more international tourists are starting to travel across the country than ever before.

According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, in the first nine months of 2014, overseas tourist spending reached new records in Wales (£303m), Scotland (£1.5b), London (£8.9b), East of England (£693m), North West (£849m) and the South East (£1.7b).

Figures also showed that compared to the same period in 2013, from January to September 2014, overseas visits grew at a faster rate to Wales (14 per cent), Scotland (12 per cent) and Yorkshire (12 per cent) than they did to London (six per cent).

Tourism minister Helen Grant added “Britain has so much to offer tourists and it’s fantastic that more of them are exploring the country and helping to drive growth outside of London.

“I want overseas visitors to experience the very best of Britain and with a record £22b expected to be spent this year the tourism sector is well placed to keep up this momentum, as part of the Government's long-term economic plan.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Organisation aims to boost Indian visits with new locations map

By Josh Timlin INDIAN visitors to Scotland are being encouraged to dance in the footsteps of their favourite Bollywood stars.

Ahead of its forthcoming 2015 sales mission to India, VisitScotland has researched and created a special online map, Bollywood Scotland, which highlights dozens of Scottish locations that provide stunning backdrops for some of Bollywood’s best-loved stars and most iconic musical sequences.

The map, along with a marketing toolkit, will be made available to the Indian travel trade, while consumers can also access it directly via visitscotland.com/bollywood.

Producers of Bollywood films, which are famous for their extravagant song and dance routines, have been flocking to Scotland since 1998, filming on location in places such as Edinburgh Castle, Tantallon Castle, Glasgow’s George Square and Glencoe.

A host of megastars, including former Miss World Aishwarya Rai,

Contacts EDITORIAL Judith Halkerston group editor 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Christina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Josh Timlin reporter 01226 734715 Olivia Taylor reporter ot@scriptmedia.co.uk

PRODUCTION Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn – graphic designer lb@scriptmedia.co.uk Scott Firth – graphic designer sf@scriptmedia.co.uk

Bollywood Scotland highlights dozens of locations that provide stunning backdrops.

ADVERTISING

Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, have shot scenes in Scotland with Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culzean Castle and Traquair House among many locations to have appeared on the big screen in both India and around the world.

Vineet Lal, VisitScotland’s senior marketing manager, said: “Romantic Scotland and the age-old romance

Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605

of Bollywood are the perfect match.

“Film-makers have an enduring love affair with our cities, castles, lochs and glens making Scotland the perfect stage for their dreamy love songs and elaborate dance numbers.

“This map will give prospective Indian visitors yet another reason to visit Scotland and step into the magical world of Bollywood.”

CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@scriptmedia.co.uk Web: www.destination.uk.com

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: ce@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

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DESTINATIONBOBI PREVIEW

Heritage tourism and independent hotels to take centre stage

Political parties to highlight future plans at BOBI A SPECIAL Tourism Question Time will take place as part of Best of Britain and Ireland 2015, where leading political figures will come together to discuss the future of UK tourism.

Sports and tourism minister Helen Grant; Lord Lee, Liberal Democrat peer and chair of the Tourism All Party Parliamentary Group and William Cash, UKIP Tourism and Heritage spokesman have all confirmed their participation at the session, taking place on March 11 in the show’s Seminar Theatre.

The panel discussion, to be chaired by Bernard Donoghue, chair of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, will give each party the opportunity to outline their support and plans for the future of the

domestic tourism industry – one that is worth £127b to the UK economy.

Event director Simon Greenbury said: “With just two months before the general election, our show provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best that the UK and Ireland has to offer.

“The timing of the show gives the UK’s key political parties the chance to champion their views and to outline their policies for the industry’s future development if successful in forming a government.

“It is a must attend, free event for anyone who has an interest in the domestic tourism sector and the development of their businesses, whether an exhibitor or visitor.”

HERITAGE tourism and independent hotels will take centre stage at BOBI, in dedicated areas sponsored by Hudson’s Media.

The Britain’s Heritage area highlights the importance heritage tourism plays in the British economy, accounting for over £26b, giving historical houses, gardens and attractions the opportunity to exhibit at the event, while Hotel Lobby is dedicated to the UK and Ireland’s growing independent hotel sector.

Publisher at Hudson’s Media Sarah Greenwood said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor a dedicated heritage and hotels area at Best of Britain and Ireland 2015.

“This will allow many of the independent heritage attractions and our Signpost hoteliers to meet tour

operators face-to-face at this important tourism event for the first time.

“The variety of independent attractions and hotels are what make Britain outstanding as a destination and so many regions beyond London and Edinburgh are just waiting to be discovered.”

Event Director Simon Greenbury added: “One of the key objectives of Best of Britain and Ireland is to be at the forefront of industry trends and to represent tourism areas that are seeing continued growth.

“These two feature areas do exactly that.

“We are confident that they will prove a popular draw for visitors looking for new experiences to offer their clients.”

Buccleuch among exhibitors BUCCLEUCH will be among the exhibitors at BOBI, set to showcase its group travel offering to visitors at the show.

Buccleuch’s Estates include three leading visitor destinations – Boughton House in Northamptonshire, Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries

and Galloway and Bowhill House and Country Estate in Selkirk.

All three properties are also home to the internationally renowned Buccleuch Collection, regarded as the largest private art collection, except that of the Royal Collection.

Cadbury World is choc-full of fun

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POPULAR with visitors of all ages, Cadbury World is the perfect destination for a day out with a difference.

Based in the historic village of Bournville just outside Birmingham city centre, visitors can explore the magic and making of Cadbury chocolate through the attraction’s 14 zones.

Visitors can travel back over 1,000 years through the Aztec Jungle and watch a chocolatier in action in the popular Chocolate Making zone, before taking a seat on the magical Cadabra ride and meeting the infamous drumming gorilla in Advertising Avenue.

The attraction is also home to the 4D Chocolate Adventure zone, an interactive cinema experience giving visitors the opportunity to dive into a

pot of melted Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, ride the Crunchie Rollercoaster and take to the skies with the Caramel Bunny in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship.

With lots more on offer, including the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop, Cadbury World is the perfect destination for a chocolate-themed day trip.

Special discounted entry rates for groups of 15 or more apply with free coach parking, admission and a complimentary meal for one driver also included.

Organisers of groups of 20 or more will also receive free admission for the group organiser.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0844 880 7667.

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Three-year campaign launched to increase international visitors

By Josh Timlin THREE British beauty spots will soon be competing with the world’s best in a campaign to boost the countryside’s tourism.

The North York Moors, the Scottish Highlands and the Pembrokeshire coast will go up against the likes of the Bavarian Alps and the Grand Canyon as VisitBritain looks to grow international visits.

The campaign will position Britain’s countryside as a place to enjoy modern culture, top quality food and world class accommodation in a beautiful landscape, with the story told by third party enthusiasts.

VisitBritain, who have launched the three-year ‘Countryside is GREAT’ campaign, are aiming to generate extra visitor spend of £70 million which would see the creation of 1,296 new jobs by 2018.

Britain’s natural beauty has been overlooked compared to other international destinations, currently ranked an overall 20th out of 50 countries for being ‘rich in natural beauty’ in the 2014 Anholt-Gfk Nation Brand Index.

The regions featuring in the first year of the campaign are the Scottish Highlands, Peak District, Cotswolds, Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, North Wales, Warwickshire, Lake District and Yorkshire.

The first year of Countryside is GREAT will focus on visitors from the USA and Germany.

A 2013 multi-country study commissioned by VisitBritain shows that beautiful natural landscapes are a very strong motivator for Americans and Germans when choosing holiday destinations – the most important out of 40 attributes

“Britain has stunning national parks and world heritage sites to rival our competitors but they are currently being overlooked by many of our overseas visitors.” for German respondents and the second most important for Americans.

To deliver this campaign VisitBritain has joined forces with The National Parks, The Forestry Commission, The Canal and River Trust and Hertz Cars, as well as DCMS, DEFRA and the national tourist boards.

Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: “We want to encourage our international visitors to experience more of Britain and enjoying the beautiful landscape is one of the key drivers for holiday choice.

“Britain has stunning national parks and world heritage sites to rival our competitors but they are currently being overlooked by many of our overseas visitors.

“Whether it is enjoying a luxury boutique hotel, a sea plane experience or a cookery course, we want to package and sell our countryside to potential tourists so they can envisage the type of experiences they would enjoy in these areas.

“Our ambition for the campaign is to generate an extra £70 million in international visitor spend over three years.”

Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire.

Georgian house appears on silver screen again A LAVISH Buckinghamshire house is gracing the silver screen once again.

Hedsor House – the award-winning corporate events, wedding and filming venue – was one of the UK locations chosen for Mortdecai, which stars Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum and Paul Bettany.

Taking a break from part of the movie’s schedule at Pinewood Studios, the A-listers filmed scenes at the magnificent Georgian country house where its boudoir and bridal

suite were transformed into key sets.

Jason Wheeler, supervising location manager on Mordecai, said: “Hedsor House is a fabulous location.

Architecturally and visually it was exactly what we were looking for but, also on a practical level, it is a private, film-friendly venue close to both Pinewood Studios and London.

“The team are highly experienced and understand the requirements of a demanding feature film and always do whatever is needed to support the production.”

Four award successes for retreat TYLNEY Hall Hotel and Gardens has won the ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ award in the 2014 North Hampshire Inspire Awards.

The luxury hotel was chosen by judges who were impressed with the variety of different ways it contributed to the community and the environment including their pollution prevention, waste management and purchasing policies. The award is Tylney Hall Hotel’s fourth win in 2014, along with other accolades including LateRooms Facebook Fans’ Hotel of the Year, OpenTable’s 2014 ‘Diner’s Choice’ list and TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2014.

General manager Mark Robinson said: “We are all absolutely delighted to be presented with this fantastic award – it means so much to all of us here at the hotel.”

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DESTINATIONTOURISM SOCIETY

The next generation

By Tim Manson MTS MTMI AS I come to celebrate 40 years working in the visitor economy, considerable changes to the sector have made me consider how it will operate in the coming decades.

With cuts in public expenditure continuing, how will the next generation of destination managers learn their trade – and where will the resources for the next evolution of our destinations come from? Will the private sector recognise the need for place marketing?

Destinations evolve over a period of time; who would have envisaged when I started at Clydebank College in 1974 that Glasgow would grow into the destination city it has become?

My career then took me to London, York, Nottingham, Hull, Liverpool, Llandudno and Birmingham. These are all destinations that have regenerated and blossomed over the last 30 years.

The visitor economy has made a major impact on the prosperity of each of these cities or destinations.

It has been key to their economic development – through the building of new hotels, investment in attractions to enable them to remain relevant to today’s market, or latterly, a focus on events and

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festivals to broaden their season and appeal.

The outcome has been to attract more visitors, increased spend and – most importantly – a rise in employment across all areas of this industry.

Birmingham has attracted a consistent rise in visitor numbers, with 34 million coming to the city in 2013 – a 12 per cent rise from 2006.

They spent £5.34billion in the city, an increase of £60million on 2012, creating an additional 2,100 jobs for the city and its surrounding region.

The needs of time-poor visitors, increasingly able and willing to take short breaks, also puts the onus on us to combine and manage information that has traditionally come from separate sources.

Visitors want to customise their visit, giving them a unique experience to meet their needs.

The tools to gather and process the information tourists require have been developed, but the will for Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), travel authorities, event organisers and accommodation providers to work collaboratively, when none has full control over the process and output, can remain elusive at times.

If destination management does not have the remit to work across

Tim Manson MTS these areas, the thinking will remain fragmented.

Another benefit the visitor economy provides to a destination is that of place maker. We as destination managers and marketers are able to assist our colleagues on the quality of life agenda, inward investment, and in many cases are called to offer expertise because we have to see the wider picture for a location.

We are the professionals who have the overview of the visitor journey, from their first website touch, booking, arrival and orientation. We shape their in-destination experience and encourage them to share post-visit memories with friends and future visitors.

It is crucial for our young professionals to have a place where they can learn about partnership working, achieve an understanding of the organisations that deliver these projects, and have opportunities to learn the skills of place-making, project management or regeneration.

Destination managers are also

Brindley Place, Birmingham.

well-placed to ask the right questions. The strategic decisionmaking process of a DMO can help its local authority and other stakeholders to ensure that they are shaping a destination’s future to meet demand accurately.

In Birmingham, the accommodation occupancy and revpar statistics we provide demonstrates to the hotel industry what categories of rooms we have sufficient of, and where we need to focus developers’ attention.

Using research is key to informing our decisions. We share our experiences and are open to learning from our peers.

The Tourism Society, Tourism Management Institute and the Destination Management Forum are testimony to this, with England and Great Britain amongst the world’s top destinations.

Here in Birmingham we are seeing the culmination of years of planning and partnership work as 2015 builds on the success in 2014.

We have 12 major organisations celebrating anniversaries, five new developments opening and 11 redevelopments about to welcome the public. Birmingham will be hosting 10 international sporting fixtures and over 60 cultural events and festivals.

We have developed our destinations – and their economies – through working in partnership, listening to our customers and remaining focused on our visions.

As a result, I believe the role of the destination manager is here to stay.

It is by forging new partnerships and strengthening our existing connections that we must find the resources, whether public or private, to deliver.

Tim Manson is a Tourism Society Board Member; Director, Marketing Birmingham; Director, Tourism Management Institute; NonExecutive Director Geese Theatre Company.

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Yorkshire to host inaugural cycling event in May

By Josh Timlin THE route of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire cycling race has been announced.

Details of the three-day event which covers 320 miles - was announced by Team Sky pro Ben Swift and Brian Robinson, the first British man to win a stage of the Tour de France.

The race comes just a year after the world’s eyes fell on the area's beautiful rolling hills and breathtaking countryside when Yorkshire staged the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in July.

Stage one on May 1 will start in the seaside town of Bridlington and finish further up the coast in Scarborough. The riders, from all over the world, will pass through spectacular coastal scenery and the iconic North Yorkshire Moors.

From the start line the riders will head along the Flamborough Head coast before veering through Dalby Forest and towards Pickering.

They will then journey back to the coast at Whitby, and then south to Robin Hood’s Bay with the ultimate race to the finish line on the seafront at Scarborough.

The last section of this stage will be particularly tough, especially the climb out of Robin Hood’s Bay, which is 1.5km long and has an average gradient of 10.3 per cent.

Stage two on May 2 is one for the sprinters and will see the race start outside the imposing Selby Abbey.

The route takes the peloton towards Market Weighton, through North Newbald and on to Beverley, where they will turn north to Malton and Stamford Bridge.

Spectators will have the chance to see a circuit of York and organisers are hoping for a dramatic finish in the town, which of course witnessed incredible scenes during last summer’s Grand Depart.

The final day, starting in Wakefield, will see riders travel south to Barnsley before heading to Holmfirth where they pick up the Grand Depart’s route in reverse, racing to Ripponden before riding the iconic Cragg Vale, which in the Tour de France was the country's longest continual climb and now becomes the longest continual descent.

The riders will then make their way to Hebden Bridge, Oxenhope and through the famous cobbled streets of Haworth before making their way to what is expected to be a hugely popular finish line at Roundhay Park in Leeds.

Thierry Gouvenou, who designed the route, said: “Yorkshire offers so much with its huge variety of landscapes. For this first edition we have three quite different stages, each with their own challenges.

“This first edition will suit a strong all-round rider. In the following years we will change the routes, taking in new places and offering something new each time.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: “The Tour de Yorkshire will bring back many of the world’s top cycling teams.

“This is a free event to watch so there is an opportunity for everyone in the county to be part of it in one way or another.”

The race will be shown on live television in the UK and across Europe.

Continuum Attractions gears up for Chinese tourists CHINA is first on the agenda for Continuum Attractions, whose seven visitor experiences are getting ready for the projected influx of Chinese tourists in 2015.

Continuum attraction Spinnaker Tower recently welcomed Chinese ambassador for the United Kingdom, Liu Xiaoming, to Portsmouth as three Chinese warships arrived in the dockyard.

Sarah Webb, general manager of the Spinnaker Tower, said: “Inbound tourism from China is becoming incredibly important to Britain’s economy and it was a pleasure to demonstrate to the ambassador how China ready the Spinnaker Tower is.”

Meanwhile 200 miles north, Continuum's York Chocolate Story was commended ‘the most popular attraction for Chinese tourists’ by April Yang, VisitYork’s new Chinese tourism recruit.

Excursions 2015 attracted almost 1,250 visitors.

One-day travel exhibition pulls in massive crowds A TRAVEL exhibition has been proclaimed a great success with nearly 1,250 visitors packing into the Alexandra Palace.

Following the Excursions show’s successful move into the larger space last year, many had not attended the exhibition before and were genuinely keen to discover what exhibitors had to offer.

The one-day group travel show attracted 306 tourism businesses including attractions, destinations, accommodation providers and tour operators.

There was also a significant increase in European exhibitors from France, Belgium, Ireland and for the

first time.

Delighted with the show’s ongoing success, Excursions 2015 coorganiser Joanne Channon said: “We were very pleased to welcome such a large number of quality visitors at the show.

“Many took advantage of the exclusive show-only offers and our new London product familiarisation trip for coach and tour operators was a great success.

“Exhibitors were also able to make important new business contacts and even take bookings during the day. We look forward to welcoming both visitors and exhibitors back in 2016.”

More than £20million in extra spending has been generated since the launch of The World Away.

Peak District reaps rewards

Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth.

Photo credit: Graham Prentice – Fotolia.com

MARKETING campaigns to persuade more tourists to book a short break or longer stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire are reaping the rewards.

More than £20million in extra spending has been generated and 381 jobs have been created since official tourist board Visit Peak District and Derbyshire launched its latest major marketing push, The World Away.

Almost half of the people surveyed said successive broadcast, online and print promotions since 2012 had made them more likely to consider the area for a holiday or short break.

Research carried out on behalf of VisitEngland reveals that the upsurge in interest in the Peak District and Derbyshire has been achieved thanks to Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s share in a

£19.8million pot of money from the government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Businesses across the area and beyond are being urged to make the campaign even more successful by sharing the organisation’s multiplatform content on their websites and social media.

Jo Dilley, destination management organisation director, said: ”We are delighted that our involvement is paying such high dividends for the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“This year we are concentrating on online activity to further boost the numbers of people we can reach, which is enabling us to publish more than four million advertisements. We are confident this will drive even more people to our website so they can discover the huge variety of things they can do and see in the area.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Tourism sector reports a strong festive period

More than half of the 3.5m adult visits were directly associated with the annual Illuminations.

Blackpool enjoys upsurge in visitors, research finds

By Olivia Taylor BLACKPOOL has enjoyed one of its best tourism seasons for many years, a visitor research study has confirmed.

After a upsurge in visitor numbers and overnight stays during the peak summer season, the latest independent Omnibus research shows that the resort saw further growth in September and October with over 1m adult visits in each of the two months.

It means that, for 2014 as a whole, Blackpool experienced an increase of more than 300,000 adult visits – from 9.8m in 2013 to 10.1m in 2014.

The latest research covering the September to December period confirms the enduring appeal of the

Illuminations – with over half of the 3.5m adult visits directly associated with the annual Lights show.

Visitor satisfaction levels in the autumn period rose to a record level of 95 per cent compared to 88 per cent in the same period the previous year.

Councillor Graham Cain, cabinet member for tourism and leisure said: “The latest research confirms that this has been one of the best tourism seasons for many a year.

“Much of that is due to the investment we have made in a highquality events programme, the summer-long run of Mamma Mia!, the Illuminations and, of course, the Blackpool's Back destination marketing campaign which has showcased the resort to thousands of new visitors.”

Scottish golf tourism trio join forces with the PGA

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MORE than 700 American golf professionals have become national ambassadors for Scotland.

The major coup comes after VisitScotland, Gleneagles and Machrihanish Dunes all signed up to support the innovative PGA Magazine Ambassador Programme.

With PGA professionals in America playing an increasingly influential role in the travel destinations of golfers and club members, the scheme will see the ambassadors promote Scotland as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.

The scheme was announced at the renowned PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, which is attended by more than 40,000 golf industry representatives including PGA professionals, travel and tour operators and media.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: “The PGA of America members are invaluable in helping to grow the game across the United States but they are also playing an increasingly important role in influencing the travel

dispositions for golfing tourists.

“VisitScotland is delighted to support the PGA alongside our partners. This is a fantastic way to further promote Scotland as the home of golf to an audience of golfers across the United States and alongside the terrific pictures that will be beamed around the world from our strong portfolio of events in 2015.”

Golf tourism, worth £220million to Scotland annually, supports 4,400 jobs and attracts 220,000 visitors to the country every year.

Brian Folino, executive vice president of PGA Magazine, added: “All of our ambassadors are active in escorting, influencing or booking golf travel for their members and is comprised of mostly private clubs throughout the US. We will be highlighting golf in Scotland across our print and digital outlets and will also be informing and educating our 700-plus ambassadors about the sport here, which will lead to higher interest to book golf trips in the coming months and years ahead.”

THE results of VisitEngland’s latest tourism survey has shown that the sector had a strong Christmas period.

Increased bookings were noted for people visiting relatives and more short trips were taken over the festive period compared to last year.

Half of all accommodation providers in England and 62 per cent of attractions received more visitors this Christmas than in 2013.

VisitEngland’s survey also shows that nearly nine out of ten accommodation providers (88 per cent) and 93 per cent of attractions were satisfied with their business performance throughout the festive period.

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: “The year ended strongly for many and that has been a confidence booster for much of

the industry as we go into 2015.

“Short breaks are the biggest growth area of tourism and have increased by five million over last decade.

“We now take around 30 million short trips in England each year, worth some £5.6 billion to the economy.

“Our research shows those tourism businesses that have geared themselves up for this market have done well over Christmas.

“Looking ahead, the sector is feeling confident about the unusually high number of milestone events this year such as Rugby World Cup 2015, the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta and 50 years since the death of Winston Churchill which will undoubtedly drive domestic tourism this year.”

St Pancras International is set to change the way consumers interact with the station as it becomes the first UK train station to launch its own app. The new free app gives users a chance to delve into the history of the Grade One listed building, pick up facts about the area and even hear about special retail offers before anyone else based on their preferences. The first of its kind, the StP App brings together the station’s history, architecture and design as well as information on the art that is so synonymous with the building.

New exhibition announced at popular York attraction A POPULAR attraction in York has announced a new exhibition for spring 2015.

York’s Chocolate Story will launch ‘Brilliant Brands: York Chocolate Through the Ages’ on May 4, where visitors can delve into the history of the city’s most famous brands.

While other British cities were built on steel, coal or wool, York’s fame and fortune has rested on chocolate for almost 300 years.

World famous brands including KitKat, Aero and Terry’s Chocolate Orange all originated from the historic destination.

Visitors will be able to take a journey through York’s much-loved confectionary – from the 1800s to the modern day – and discover

which world famous chocolate bar was once called Chocolate Crisp, and which multi-coloured treats were formerly known as Chocolate Beans. The exhibition will showcase a unique collection of packaging and artefacts, never before seen together.

Nikki Jacobs, general manager, said: “The sense of nostalgia throughout the tour is often the highlight for our guests.

“We wanted to expand on that feeling by showcasing the nation’s favourite chocolate brands and their packaging through time.

“The exhibition is sentimental and visually appealing for all ages, as they recollect their favourite sweet treats from days gone by.”

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DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

Happy Birthday Jersey Boys!

On March 18 2015, Jersey Boys will celebrate its seventh birthday.

This hugely popular musical continues to be a key seller for short break specialist SuperBreak, who package up overnight accommodation in hotels all across London with a range of tickets to see the show.

In 2014, Jersey Boys was the operator’s second best selling show with sales reaching a total of over £1m.

Graham Balmforth, national sales manager at Superbreak, said: “Jersey Boys continues to go from strength to strength and it is fantastic that it is about to celebrate seven years in the West End.

“During this time it has been seen by more than three million people and I have no doubt that this will just continue to grow.”

SuperBreak has packages available that cost from £99 per person.

Jersey Boys chronicles the journey of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi from the streets of New Jersey to becoming one of the biggest bands of all time, being inducted in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

In the early days the Four Seasons were a far cry from the clean cut image that they grew into. Haunted by debt, petty crime and violence the band struggled through the beginnings of their career.

With personal relationships straining and the mafia keeping a watchful eye over them, the band were under constant pressure to reach success and pay back their debts.

Jersey Boys features many of the bands huge hits, recognisable across generations.

Songs such as Beggin’, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Sherry, and Big Girls Don’t Cry keep the audience spellbound.

For more information on SuperBreak visit www.superbreak.com/agents

Graham Balmforth

News from around the theatres ...

By David Thomas

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To rehearsal studios in Southwark to see a couple of numbers from Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.

I loved the show when I saw it on Broadway – and hated the traditional New York chorus that always accompanies prospective transfers: “You’ll never find a strong enough cast in the UK.” Oh yeah? Judging from what we saw in Southwark, the West End cast, led by Katie Brayben and Alan Morrissey, will knock spots off their New York counterparts – just as the London casts of Hairspray, Jersey Boys, and Memphis The Musical (to name but three) have in the past.

Like with Jersey Boys, younger UK theatre-goers might not have heard of Carole King, but they will certainly know her through her classic songs such as: “You’ve Got A Friend”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?”, “It’s Too

late?”

And I confidently predict that when Beautiful opens in the UK later this month (at the Aldwych Theatre on the February 24) Carole King will be as widely, and rightly, known here as she is in the US. One unique twist to the transatlantic transfer season this year is The Audience by Peter Morgan. Dame Helen Mirren will be starring in the show on Broadway from February, while Dame Kristin Scot Thomas will be starring in the same role at London’s Apollo Theatre from May 5.

The West End press night timing is particularly apt (two days before the General Election) as the play is comprised of a series of fictionalised meetings between Queen Elizabeth II and the various Prime Ministers across her reign. It is also, I must add, one of the finest and funniest productions to grace the West End stage in many years.

Few shows, if any, can equal the

David Thomas musical Kinky Boots for boomeranging across the Atlantic.

Based on the hilarious real-life story of a struggling Northampton

shoe factory that diversifies into drag-queen footwear, the 2005 movie was transformed into a smash hit Broadway show (with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper) which won six Tonys, including Best Musical ... and now this week it has just been announced that the show will open at London’s Adelphi Theatre this coming September.

Last but by no means least, this year is the centenary year of one of America’s biggest exports: Francis Albert Sinatra.

65 years ago, Ol’ Blue Eyes’ performed his first UK concert at the London Palladium – and this July to October the London Palladium hosts a phenomenal new multi-media show Sinatra – ‘The Man And His Music which combines state-of-theart technology, never-before-seen performance footage, a live orchestra, singers and dancers, to celebrate the life and times of New Jersey’s favourite son.

Start spreadin’ the news!

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DESTINATIONCENTRE STAGE

Carousel to tour again OPERA North’s hit production of the classic American musical, Carousel is returning to UK stages for a new tour.

Set in a tight-knit fishing community on the New England shoreline, Carousel revolves around the ill-fated affair between the charismatic but troubled Billy Bigelow and a young mill-worker, Julie Jordan.

When they fall in love, little do they realise that Billy’s rebellious

ways will end in tragedy. Billy is given a chance to make good, but is it too little too late, or will a lucky star save him and those he loves?

UK venues for the tour of Carousel in 2015 include Leeds Grand Theatre, Theatre Royal Norwich and Edinburgh Festival Theatre, before the production travels to the Republic of Ireland for further performances in Dublin.

Emily Barber, Michael Benz, Philip Cumbus, Imogen Doel, Michele Dotrice and Richard O’Callaghan will join David Suchet – in the role of Lady Bracknell – in Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest later this year. Directed by Adrian Noble, the new production will open at the Vaudeville Theatre on July 1, with previews from June 24.

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Previews for the multi award-winning musical at the Adelphi Theatre will begin on August 21.

Kinky Boots set to open in September Celebrating its 13th sensational year in London, Stomp is still the West End’s unstoppable smash-hit. Rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance come together in the multi-award winning stage sensation that continues to astonish audiences across the globe. Eight performers use everything from Zippo lighters, plastic bags, bin lids and even the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feel good beat. With fresh new routines and mind-blowing new moves, expect to be amazed. ‘Pure Stage Magic’ – Sunday Telegraph, ‘Entrancing, Exhilarating...Terrific’ – Independent.

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THE UK premiere of Kinky Boots, the feel-good multi award-winning musical, will open in the West End on September 15 at the Adelphi Theatre, with previews from August 21.

With a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical, and the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie

Price who has reluctantly inherited his father’s Northampton shoe factory. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save the family business from bankruptcy, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola.

A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind, you can change the world.

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DESTINATIONCENTRE STAGE

The Lion King now in its 16th year at Lyceum DISNEY’S award-winning musical The Lion King is now in its 16th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre.

Brilliantly re-imagined for the stage

by Julie Taymor, The Lion King is set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains to the evocative rhythms of Africa.

This spectacular production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music to tell the timeless story of Simba and his epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands. A true global phenomenon, the dazzle of The Lion King defies all expectation and classification.

Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to The Lion King, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement.

The Lion King was the first musical she directed in the commercial theatre, and Taymor made Broadway

history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical.

This internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by over 75m people across six continents.

Nine productions are running concurrently around the globe: In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and on tour around the UK, The Lion King can currently be seen in New York, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Brisbane and on tours of North America and Japan. Future productions are set to open in Mexico City and Shanghai Disney Resort.

Tickets are available at a group discount on selected performances for groups of 15 or more, and start at £29.50. Full price tickets are also available for groups at weekends.

Tickets for group bookers are currently on sale until December 17 2015.

For further information please visit: www.thelionking.co.uk

Sunny Afternoon has announced a further extension to its West End run until October 24.

Photo credit: Kevin Cummins

Sunny Afternoon extends booking period again CRITICS and audiences are raving about the West End’s New ‘Great British Musical’ (The Times).

The Kinks exploded onto the 60’s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation. But how did that happen, where exactly did they come from and what happened next?

With music and lyrics by Ray Davies, a new book by Joe Penhall and direction by Edward Hall, Sunny Afternoon depicts the rise to stardom of The Kinks.

Set against the backdrop of a

Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 50s and riotous 60s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands and the irresistible music that influenced generations.

This “exhilarating, hugely enjoyable new musical” (Financial Times) features many of the band’s hits, including: You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, All Day And All Of The Night, Lola, Sunny Afternoon and many more.

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DESTINATIONNEWS

‘In with the Lemurs’ exhibit opens at ZSL London Zoo

Daffodils at Wiltshire attraction, Longleat.

New trail celebrates 800th anniversary of Magna Carta CELEBRATING the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, VisitWiltshire have launched a new Magna Carta trail which includes a visit to see the finest preserved of four original 1215 Magna Cartas, displayed in a spectacular medieval setting with a new exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral.

Only 20 minutes from Salisbury, the trail takes you to the famous World Heritage Site – Stonehenge – before travelling to Trowbridge, home of one of the 25 barons.

There will be an exciting range of Magna Carta-related events and activities which will be taking place around Wiltshire throughout the year.

Whilst in the area… located in the Cathedral Close within the shadow of the magnificent Cathedral, Arundells is a hidden gem, where visitors can tour the home of former Prime Minster, Sir Edward Heath and find out more about the man who was an amazing musician, sailor and

LEAP into spring with ZSL London Zoo’s new In with the Lemurs exhibit.

Opening spring 2015, the interactive exhibit will allow visitors to get closer than ever before to ZSL London Zoo’s ring-tailed Lemurs.

The brand new enclosure, which boasts no barriers between visitors and our family of lemurs, will introduce groups to sights and sounds of lemur life in Madagascar.

Find out how our lemurs use their tails for communication, balancing and stink fighting, watch them sunbathing and learn more about the plight of these incredible animals in the wild.

With fantastic group discounts, free entry plus a £5 meal voucher for coach drivers, and one free adult ticket for every 10 paying children, ZSL London Zoo is a great choice for your next group day out.

You can also upgrade your visit to include a fascinating education session with our discovery and learning officers.

The interactive exhibit will allow visitors to get closer than ever before to ring-tailed Lemurs.

art collector.

A new joint ticket with the Cathedral is available for groups of 10 or more.

Wiltshire has many charming market towns such as Bradford on Avon with its independent shops, colourful markets and plenty places to eat and drink; plus Devizes, home to Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre and the informative Wiltshire Museum, making these ideal coach stop off points.

There is also all year-round entertainment throughout the county including arts and cultural festivals and events.

The Wiltshire countryside alters with the changing seasons and that’s what makes you feel so connected not just to nature but to time itself. Wiltshire is timeless wonders, timeless pleasures and timeless places.

For further information visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk The Right Hon. Margaret Thatcher, oil on canvas by Henry Mee, 1992 WOA 3634 (detail).

Spring art tours at the Houses of Parliament

Castle Howard will be transformed with stunning floral arrangements filling every room, with bursts of colour and fragrance, when its Flower Festival returns this summer, from Thursday June 25 to Sunday 28. The in-house florist, gardens’ team and a number of local flower clubs will take inspiration from the ornate interiors of Yorkshire’s finest stately home, to produce vivid displays which will appeal to all tastes, from traditional arrangements to more modern interpretations. Special offers in the gift shops and garden centre as well as an array of market stalls make this the perfect time for your group to visit Castle Howard.

Special rates apply for pre-booked groups of 12 or more. Contact 14 groups@castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648621 to book.

IN the weeks before the general election, the Houses of Parliament will be running a couple of special art and architecture tours on selected Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays this April.

The Contemporary Portraiture in Portcullis House tour reveals a new exhibition, Women in Parliament which highlights a number of firsts.

The exhibition features portraits of Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister, and Betty Boothroyd, the first female speaker in the House of Commons, as well as a bust of Nancy Astor, the first female MP to take her seat in the Commons.

Royalty and Splendour in the House of Lords showcases the

artistry of leading Victorians including Charles Barry, Augustus Pugin, Daniel Maclise and William Dyce.

This early evening tour can be rounded off in style with a glass of champagne in the Palace of Westminster.

Parliament’s regular audio and guided tours through the Commons, Lords and medieval Westminster Hall are available on weekdays between March 31 and May 6 and Saturdays through to the end of July.

Group rates for groups of 10 or more are offered on all tours.

Call 020 7219 4114 or see www.parliament.uk/visiting for more details.

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