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Issue 60 Winter 2014 £2.75
£10m pledge welcomed by organisations By Josh Timlin TOURISM bodies have welcomed a funding boost to develop a new strategy to capitalise on the north of England’s successful events in 2014. VisitEngland and VisitBritain have backed the government’s £10million pledge, which has come from its Regional Growth Fund (RGF). Previous RGF funding saw VisitEngland secure £19.8m to implement a three-year ‘Growing Tourism Locally’ project back in 2012. To date this has generated £527m in additional tourism spend and has also created 9,800 extra jobs. James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, said: “We will be working closely with our sponsor department DCMS, our local partners and the private sector to devise and implement the strategy to launch next year. “VisitEngland is committed to supporting all areas of the country to ensure that the country's entire tourism thrives. We will continue to work closely with partners throughout the country to build on the success of recent activity.” Public opinion and awareness of the destination rocketed after Yorkshire hosted the biggest Grand Depart in the history of the Tour de
France in July. A post-Tour study, carried out by ResearchBods, showed that a quarter of the country now wants to visit the north having seen its beauty on television across the world. Yorkshire has recorded its strongest half-year performance since 2008, with the Tour de France effects still to be fully seen. From January to June, the county welcomed 607,000 international visitors – already an uplift of seven per cent even before the Tour visitors are counted. The amount spent during the six-month period was £225m. Sally Balcombe, chief executive at VisitBritain, added: “We welcome the announcement of £10million from the Regional Growth Fund to support the development of a coordinated tourism strategy to promote the north of England. “We stand ready to use our global network and links with international customers and travel trade to be a delivery partner. “This money will enable northern tourist destinations to build on their recent success. Visitors spent 16 per cent more in the north in 2013 than in the previous year, so we encourage more international visitors to explore and enjoy all that this region has to offer.”
New suite is a treat for sweet lovers
Fraser Suites Glasgow’s birthday celebrations are in full swing as they celebrate a decade of luxury, style and service. Since opening, the venue has seen a number of major changes including an extensive seven figure refurbishment programme, unveiled in 2013. Regional general manager Heather McNamee said: “It’s hard to believe Fraser Suites Glasgow has been here for 10 years. We’ve really made our mark on our Merchant City surroundings, and over the last decade the team has gone from strength to strength creating a venue that is synonymous with luxury, quality and style.”
SWEET lovers can now spend the night surrounded by their favourite nostalgic treats following the launch of Gulliver's Warrington Hotel’s first ever Swizzels Sweetie Suite. Gulliver's has been working with Swizzels on a number of special projects designed to enhance families' theme park experience – and the Sweetie Suite is the latest project to be unveiled to the public. Jam-packed with confectionery-themed touches, the suite includes exclusive Swizzels printed wallpaper, Love Hearts bedspread and cushions, pastel draping and curtains, with plenty of extra surprises for families who check in for a weekend. Gulliver’s Warrington resort manager Mel Burrows-Carr said: “What could be sweeter than a cosy family night in surrounded by everyone's favourite treats from Swizzels? “It’s the perfect setting to explore our theme park, SplashZone, Nerf Zone and Burtonwood Heritage Centre. Plenty to keep the whole family entertained.” This summer, Gulliver's Hotel received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence award for outstanding traveller reviews and a consistent 4/5 rating on the website.