01
28/11/14
09:52
Page 1
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.
02
28/11/14
10:06
Page 1
03
28/11/14
09:50
Page 1
DESTINATIONNEWS
Tourism campaign launched in York By Josh Timlin CELEBRITY chefs such as James Martin, Andrew Pern and Antonio Carluccio are not the only ones in the know about the beauty and gastronomic paradise of North Yorkshire. Now an exciting new tourism campaign promoting York as the perfect touring base has been launched as part of a partnership spearheaded by Visit York, Ryedale District Council and the Howardian Hills. This new initiative will encourage anyone considering a short break in York to book a twocentre stay in York and Ryedale. In addition to York’s world class attractions, shops and restaurants, Visit York’s ‘Beyond York’ marketing campaign will promote the stunning scenery in the Howardian Hills, nearby historic market towns such as Helmsley, Malton, Pickering and North Yorkshire’s traditional villages, as well as the area’s wealth of country pubs, attractions, quality accommodation and local festivals. Ryedale – which already attracts five million visitors annually – has top attractions including Flamingo Land, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and Castle Howard. The area also boasts two Michelin star restaurants – the Star Inn at Harome and Black
Swan at Oldstead. Campaign tactics will include feature pages on Visit York's website with itinerary ideas for how to get around North Yorkshire, driver guiding and a new proactive social media campaign using #yorkandbeyond. The two-pronged campaign will also encourage visitors to Ryedale to include a day in York as part of their countryside stay. Kate McMullen, head of Visit York, said: "Once visitors arrive into York they often tell us two or three days is just not enough time to see everything. “Castle Howard, for example, is often on their list of places to visit and Yorkshire’s gastronomy is gaining world-wide attention. “This new promotion will help us to raise awareness of the breathtaking scenery right on our doorstep, building on the legacy of the Tour de France and encouraging our visitors to stay longer and explore more.” Coun Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, added: “We are excited to join with Visit York and the Howardian Hills on this new project. “Ryedale is a perfect touring base to explore the surrounding landscape and its tranquil scenery complements the splendour of York perfectly.”
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
Visit Scotland has appointed Charlie Smith as director of marketing to take forward the promotion of Scotland domestically and internationally. He comes to the national tourism organisation following 15 successful years working across marketing, sales and product management for large businesses such as BT, Orange, Vodafone, the Royal Bank of Scotland and most recently OVO Energy. He said: “There are few opportunities that give you the chance to work in your home city and market your homeland – not many brands or products can top that for me.”
Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn – graphic designer lb@scriptmedia.co.uk Scott Firth – graphic designer sf@scriptmedia.co.uk ADVERTISING Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605 CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@scriptmedia.co.uk Web: www.destination.uk.com
The ultimate Wedgwood experience – over 250 years in the making MAJOR redevelopments are currently underway at the Wedgwood estate, as the 240 acre site is transformed and a new world class visitor experience called the World of Wedgwood is created. The new World of Wedgwood, opening in April 2015, will offer a reinvented interactive factory tour, creative studios, inspiring flagship concept store, stylish Wedgwood tearooms, and a restaurant championing locally sourced produce. All of these elements will be fully
integrated with the world-class Wedgwood Museum. In addition there will be children’s play areas, woodland walks and a programme of activities and events on offer, as well as incentives and facilities for groups and, of course, plenty of free coach parking. The current Wedgwood Visitor Centre will close to customers from December 24 through until April 2015. Contact Julie Gibson on 01782 282694 or visit www.wedgwoodvisitorcentre.com
3
04
28/11/14
09:59
Page 1
DESTINATIONNEWS
Instagram’s big names enjoy Isle of Man trip
Shaun the Sheep is moving to a new attraction in Land’s End.
Kids’ favourites set to appear at new attraction By Josh Timlin
POPULAR children’s favourites such as Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit are moving to a new tourist attraction in Land’s End. A joint venture has been agreed between Aardman Animations and Heritage Great Britain to create the £500,000 tourist attraction at the Cornish landmark. The ‘Shaun the Sheep Experience’, presented by Aardman, will see the famous Land’s End signpost rebranded ‘Lamb’s End’ with original sets, models and characters from the BAFTA award-winning production. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Mossy Bottom Farm, discover the sheer mayhem of the Naughty Pig’s Sty and try to cure Shirley the Sheep’s hiccups. There will also be an opportunity for people to star in a real Shaun the Sheep scene using green screen technology and to meet other characters from the Aardman family including Wallace and Gromit and Morph.
Allan Leech, CEO of Heritage Great Britain, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing a world class attraction to Land’s End and to work with the legendary Aardman studio. “The plans look stunning and we are confident the experience will become a must-visit attraction for tourists to the landmark site. “We have a track record of running successful tourist attractions from John O’Groats and Land’s End to Snowdon Mountain Railway in North Wales and Lightwater Valley in Yorkshire.” David Sproxton CBE, co-founder of Aardman, added: “The increasing popularity and success of branded attractions makes this partnership a natural fit for both parties. “With more than half a million visitors to Land’s End every year, we recognise that there is an opportunity to help deliver a unique attraction to such a famous landmark.” The new attraction is due to open in February 2015, following the release of Shaun the Sheep The Movie.
Hotel wins Facebook award
4
THE Cranleigh Boutique has been announced as the winner in the Best Use of Facebook category at the 2014 UK Social Media Awards, held at the Emirates Stadium in London. The winners in all 18 categories were unveiled at the gala ceremony, held to celebrate the very best in social media communications across the UK and recognising the companies and individuals leading the way through their innovation and creativity.
Owner Stephen Hargreaves said: “We are still in disbelief at having won this award, particularly against massive corporations such as Aldi and Evian. “At the end of the day, we are a small family run hotel in the Lake District, so to be able to compete and win at this level is really fantastic. “It also demonstrates the strength of Cumbrian business and we are delighted to be able to represent the county in such a way.”
TOP users of a popular social media site visited the Isle of Man for a weekend of photography. Following on from the success of the inaugural Isle of Man Instagram get together in July 2013, some of the site's biggest users have returned for a second time to photograph its wildlife, panoramas, towns and people in all their glory. With just under 1.5 million followers between them, Finn Beales, Jiri Siftar, Dan Rubin and Adrienne Pitts are four of the most influential personalities on Instagram. The photographers spent two days exploring the island from countryside to coastline, posting a selection of stunning images to document their journey. Between them, their pictures received over 205,000 likes and a total of 1,630 comments.
The Isle of Man InstaMeet is a tourism initiative from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to promote the island directly to consumers through social media. The four photographers uploaded their images using #isleofman, meaning anyone searching the hashtag will come across the inspirational images easily. Dan said: “I was part of last year’s Isle of Man InstaMeet and couldn’t wait to return to the island for a second year running. It is a photographer’s delight with huge varieties of landscape, stunning seaside vistas and eye-catching townscapes packed into a small and easily accessible area.” To see the images from the trip visit instagram.com and search for #isleofman.
William the chapel cat – a familiar face to thousands of visitors to Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian – has accepted a five-star VisitScotland award on behalf of the world-famous attraction. The historic chapel, which featured in the bestselling book and blockbuster film version of The Da Vinci Code, has become the fifth recipient of the award, following the completion of a £9m conservation project. Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust Ian Gardner said: “This is fantastic recognition for the many years of hard work that have gone into making Rosslyn Chapel an amazing place to visit.”
Green light for hotel’s major expansion plans THE Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village has received the go-ahead for its £500,000 expansion plans. Carole Pilling, senior accommodation manager at the multi-award-winning destination confirmed that after recently receiving planning permission, initial ground works to extend the spa and enhance its offering have now commenced. The hotel, which scooped the ‘best luxury experience’ gong at the prestigious Tourism Awards last year, has recently been crowned as Lancashire's best hotel. Although it will remain open throughout its transformation, the resort – which opened in 2011 – will
overhaul its dining, spa and wellness facilities thanks to the investment. Phase one of the transformation will include the building of an allnew dining facility called The Orangery, which will be open to day visitors, overnight guests and also local diners, hosting up to 60 at any one time. Carole said: “It is important that we continue to enhance what we already offer to our very loyal and dedicated clientele. “We never want to rest on our laurels and feel very fortunate to be able to provide better dining facilities including all-new menus, improved spa and relaxation areas and a dedicated wellness centre.”
05
28/11/14
09:57
Page 1
DESTINATIONNEWS
Picture credit: VisitEngland courtesy of UK Parliament
Picture credit: VisitEngland courtesy of UK Parliament
2015: A big year at the Houses of Parliament 2015 promises to be a memorable year at the Houses of Parliament. In addition to the General Election in May, two significant anniversaries on the theme of ‘Parliament in the Making’ are being commemorated; 800 years since the sealing of Magna Carta (1215) and 750 years since Simon de Montfort’s first parliament (1265). Medieval Westminster Hall will host a colourful large banner exhibition
between 20 January and late November 2015. Nine artists have been commissioned to create 18 banners marking an eventful 800 year history. Parliament now offers more opening dates than ever and several tour combinations. In addition to the established opening in the summer and every Saturday, tours will run on most weekdays in the February half term
week and then at Easter and throughout April during the Dissolution period in the run-up to the General Election. Visitors can take one of the awardwinning guided tours or have the flexibility of an audio tour. Both tours include the Royal Gallery, Lords Chamber, Central Lobby, Commons Chamber, St Stephen’s Hall as well as Westminster Hall. Afternoon Tea in one of the
riverside rooms of the House of Commons is the perfect way to relax afterwards. The tempting seasonal menu combines traditional with a modern twist. Bookings can be made directly with Parliament’s in-house bookings team. In a year of anniversaries 2015 is the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) the Houses of Parliament.
5
06
28/11/14
09:58
Page 1
DESTINATIONNEWS
Buyers weekend to coincide with Beautiful South Group Travel Fair GROUP buyers looking to discover Hampshire are being offered the opportunity to sample what the county has to offer groups first-hand on an overnight familiarisation (Friday 13 - Saturday 14 February) run in conjunction with Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Group Travel Fair being hosted at The Ageas Bowl. Just £55 per person, the informative Friday itinerary includes a guided walk through Sir Harold Hiller’s beautiful Winter Garden brought alive by over 650 plant species. After a light lunch the afternoon will be spent at The
6
Museum of Army Flying with a taster tour showcasing the best of aviation history, as well as a visit to The Great Hall, home to King Arthur's Round Table, in the heart of Winchester City. The evening will follow with a two course dinner and a falconry show filled with a stunning array of resident birds of prey at the Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover. Guests will then stay overnight at the four-star Holiday Inn Winchester on a B&B basis and can take full advantage of the hotel facilities and amenities. Saturday’s itinerary begins with a
visit to The Ageas Bowl, Beautiful South Group Travel Fair; an opportunity for buyers to speak to representatives from over 50 attractions and destinations face to face about their individual requirements and gather leaflets, guides and brochures ready for their 2015/2016 itinerary planning sessions. After the fair, guests will head to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport where ex submariner guides will lead them around the HMS Alliance and retell stories from their adventures under the sea. The final stop on the familiarisation
trip will be 170 meters high in the viewing gallery of Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Visitors will enjoy panoramic views across the city and the Solent, before getting their feet firmly back on the ground and enjoying tea and cake in the Waterside Cafe. To book a place priced at £55 per person (£25 single supplement) contact the TSE Group Travel Team on 02380 625516. The weekend is supported by Visit Hampshire with Coach Travel courtesy of Lucketts Travel. For more visit www.visitsoutheastengland.com/ grouptravelfairs.
07
28/11/14
09:58
Page 1
DESTINATIONNEWS
Bold new brand and identity for show
Copse of Betula utilis var. jacquemontii at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire. ©National Trust Images/MMGI/Marianne Majerus
Discover a winter wonderland with the National Trust ONE of the best things about winter is venturing outdoors on a crisp winter’s day to explore frosty landscapes and discover winter wildlife. From exotic colour to spectacular landscapes that seem to look their best with a sprinkle of seasonal frost, the National Trust cares for some great places worth exploring during the cold winter months. Spend time with your group, see things from a new perspective and make sure you get a winter warmer and a tasty treat at one of our cafes after a refreshing walk. The Winter Garden at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire bursts with life at this time of year. Designed specifically with plants that give winter colour and fragrance, it is a beautiful sight to be enjoyed by winter visitors. There are plenty of scenic delights to discover with statues and columns scattered across the atmospheric grounds that look extra special in the frost and snow. On the winding walk discover bright yellow and red dogwoods and the polished bark of the Tibetan Cherry. Enjoy the scent of winter flowering
honeysuckle floating in the breeze and look out for the Himalayan Silver Grove, with their slender white trunks. Just after New Year make sure you look out for the displays of thousands of snowdrops that dot over the landscape. The Dunham Massey winter garden is the largest of its kind in the UK and is a great place to explore with your group. The seven-acre garden is home to over 700 different plant species and a further 1,600 shrubs providing plenty of distractions from the cold – from striking white-stemmed silver birches and bright dogwood barks to colourful berries and flowers. During the First World War, this Georgian house, set in a magnificent deer-park, was transformed into a Stamford Military Hospital, becoming a sanctuary from the trenches for almost 300 soldiers. The gardens became a relaxing place to spend time outdoors recuperating. In February, look out for thousands of snowdrops which carpet the garden and the striking colours of the blue winter iris.
THE Best of Britain and Ireland show has revealed a bold new brand and visual identity, following its recent purchase by event organiser Diversified Communications UK. The new branding will feature on all marketing collateral for both exhibitor and visitor campaigns, as well as the event’s redesigned website. It will also be reflected in the presentation on the exhibition floor, which will include the same colour scheme and bold branding. Also new to the 2015 event will be the launch of an international
hosted buyer programme, which will bring key buyers from countries such as France, Germany, Italy and the US to the show. Head of design at Diversified Communications UK, Roger Denyer, said: “With ambitious plans to grow the show, we felt that the branding of Best of Britain and Ireland needed to closer reflect the everchanging British and Irish domestic tourism and meetings markets. “The event is more than just another b2b trade show, it's an aspirational and dynamic show – the annual focal event for the industry to meet and do business.”
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury among world’s best cities in 2015 VISIT Wiltshire has revealed that Salisbury is one of the top cities in the world for travellers next year, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015. The yearbook predicts the world’s hottest trends, destinations and experiences for the year ahead, highlighting the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit in 2015. Salisbury features seventh on the city list, above Vienna and Toronto, while Washington, DC takes top spot. VisitWiltshire’s CEO David Andrews
said: “We are delighted Lonely Planet has recognised Salisbury as one of the Top 10 Cities in the World to visit. “We are extremely proud of Salisbury’s history and heritage such as Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta, as well as our arts and culture, shopping, food and drink and nightlife. “Salisbury is also a great base for visitors to experience popular attractions further afield such as Stonehenge, Avebury and our White Horses.”
Soap tour to be extended
Snowdrops and witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) in the Winter Garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. ©National Trust Images/Jonathan Buckley
CORONATION Street the Tour will stay open for a magical Christmas and beyond into 2015, operator Continuum Leading Attractions has announced. The tour, at the soap’s old Quay Street site will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the festive season, complete with snow covered roof tops, a stunning Christmas tree on the cobbles, Christmas carols and other festive treats and surprises. In 2015, there will also be some new additions, both in the studio exhibition – with set elements brought over from Coronation Street’s new home in Media City –
and out on the Street itself, with areas opened up to the public for the first time. Chief executive of Continuum Leading Attractions Juliana Delaney said: “I am thrilled to announce we have been able to extend the opening of the attraction. “The feedback we have received so far has been phenomenal and I’m so pleased those who have yet to experience the tour will now have the chance to. “The extension paves the way for us to make some exciting changes to the attraction and give past and present visitors a chance to see something new.”
7
08
28/11/14
10:00
Page 1
DESTINATIONNEWS
The Busby Hotel re-opens in East Renfrewshire By Josh Timlin
Enjoy a chocolate adventure on a visit to Cadbury World 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 uncover a world of chocolate delights, explore the magic and making of Cadbury chocolate and learn about the history of the Cadbury brand through the attraction’s fourteen zones. There’s so much for visitors to see and do; from hearing about the fascinating story of Cadbury chocolate and meeting the infamous drumming gorilla to experiencing the feeling of diving into a pot of melted Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate in the attraction’s brand new ‘4D Chocolate Adventure’ zone. Featuring a 4D cinema, visitors
can experience what it’s like to ride the Crunchie Rollercoaster and take to the skies in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship piloted by the Caramel Bunny. Elsewhere in the attraction, guests can travel back over 1,000 years with a visit to the Aztec Jungle zone to discover the origins of the cocoa bean, before jumping on board the magical Cadabra ride. Visitors also have the chance to walk through a full scale replica of Bull Street where John Cadbury opened his first shop in 1824. With lots more on offer, including the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop, as well as the Cadbury Café and African Adventure play area, Cadbury World is the perfect destination for a chocolate-themed day trip.
ONE of Scotland's most historic hotels has re-opened after a £2.5 million restoration. The Busby Hotel, in East Renfrewshire, is the sixth property to join the expanding portfolio of family-owned and operated Manorview Hotel and Leisure Group. The 29-bedroom property, complete with bar, restaurant and two function suites, has undergone a complete transformation to the highest standard over the last ten months. The Busby is already making a significant contribution to the local economy, employing of 70 people and the acquiring the services of a number of Scottish-based suppliers. The hotel is also one of the first hotels in the central belt of Scotland to be ‘WorldHost Accredited’, an internationally recognised customer service training programme which all front-of-house team members have successfully undertaken. The stylish decor and state-of-theart equipment throughout, which includes the likes of Bose sound systems and Porcelanosa bathroom suites, look set to make The Busby
Hotel a top destination venue. Carters, the 140-cover bar and restaurant, serves up a relaxed and informal dining experience, offering a menu of freshly prepared dishes using the best local produce. Steve Graham, managing director of Manorview Hotel and Leisure Group, said: “The Busby is our most ambitious project to date. While past developments have undergone phased refurbishment, this is the first time we have completely renovated the entire property at the same time. “It has been a huge task undertaken over the past ten months to get the project in on time and budget, but we are thrilled with the results. “The Busby was one of Glasgow’s most iconic hotels and we have worked hard to put the heart back into this hotel. “Attention to detail is paramount, with every element of the hotel considered to ensure the highest standards have been met. We are looking forward to welcoming our customers and the hotel reclaiming its title as one of East Renfrewshire’s most popular venues.”
Woburn Safari Park has announced the birth of a baby elephant to the park’s 20-year-old Asian elephant, Damini. After a 22-month pregnancy, the long awaited female calf was welcomed into the world by her mother and father, 20-year-old Raja.
Viewing platform wins award
8
ICONIC London attraction The View from The Shard was named London Cultural Attraction of the Year at the fifth annual London Lifestyle Awards. The viewing platform at the top of Western Europe’s tallest building gained the most public votes for the category sponsored by Gulf Air, beating finalists The London Eye, Victoria and Albert Museum and
London Zoo. Marketing director Anna Domingo said: “We are delighted to have received this award, especially as it is chosen by Londoners. “Our team continue to work tirelessly to offer premium, exciting and innovative experiences from our unique perspective 800ft above the city, and have lots more planned for 2015.”
09
28/11/14
10:07
Page 1
10
28/11/14
10:01
Page 1
DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical – comes to London JAM-packed with hits from start to finish, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the amazing real-life story of one of the greatest songwriters of all time and arrives hot from Broadway where it is the toast of the town. It opens at London’s Aldwych Theatre in February 2015 and short break operator SuperBreak has packages on sale that include overnight accommodation and tickets to see the show. Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is the untold story of her journey from school girl to superstar; from her relationship with husband and songwriting partner Gerry Goffin, their close friendship and playful rivalry
with fellow song-writing duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to her remarkable rise to stardom. Along the way, she became one of the most successful solo acts in music history, and wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Actress and singer-songwriter Katie Brayben will play the title role of Carole King. She is currently playing Princess Diana in King Charles III at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Glynis Barber returns to the West End stage to play Genie Klein, Carole King’s mother. On television she is best known for playing Harriet Makepeace in Dempsey and Makepeace. Multi award-winning Carole King fought her way into the record
industry as a teenager and sold her first hit, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, when she was just seventeen. By the time she was 20 she was writing number ones for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, including The Drifters, The Shirelles, Aretha Franklin and The Monkees. In a first for a female singer/songwriter, King’s album Tapestry won all three of the 1971 key Grammy Awards—record, song and album of the year. The same year King also won the Grammy for Best Female Vocalist. With more than 25 million records sold, Tapestry remained the bestselling album by a female artist for a quarter of a century.
More than 400 of her compositions have been recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles and six Grammy awards. Graham Balmforth, national sales manager at SuperBreak commented: “We are all really excited about the arrival of this show. Carole King is a music legend and I’m sure the show will be a huge hit with all types of customers.” Prices lead in at £137.50pp including one night at the three star President Hotel on a b/b basis with a top priced ticket to the show.
For more information on SuperBreak visit www.superbreak.com/agents
News from around the theatres ... By David Thomas – October 25
10
To the Victoria Palace Theatre for a special performance of Billy Elliot The Musical, which was streamed live around the UK (and around the world). The screening topped the UK and Ireland cinema box office – a first for an ‘event cinema’ release – and there were more than a few live-streaming eyes, my own included, as Liam Mower (who took the lead on the show’s First Night back in 2005) returned to play the adult ‘Older Billy’ and 25 current and former Billy Elliots took to the stage for an electrifying Billy Elliot “mash-up” finale. I will NEVER forget the way Liam’s arms rippled like wings in the Swan Lake scene. Then, a couple of Sundays later, to the Lyceum Theatre for the 15th anniversary production of the London production of Disney’s The Lion King, the same week it was announced that globally the show had generated MORE box office
earnings than ANY other production in any medium, EVER, with worldwide takings of $6.2billion (Avatar, the highest grossing film ever, has only taken $2.8billion). Watching the rapt expressions on the faces of the audience, it was easy to imagine the show playing for another 15 years, or 50, and entrancing theatregoers for many generations to come. But don’t think for one moment that that it is only the established musicals that are currently drawing vast audiences, as a quick flick from my diary will show: 20th October – First night of The Scottsboro Boys at the Garrick Theatre, and five star reviews all round for this daring and disturbing musical from John Kander and Fred Ebb, the writers of Cabaret and Chicago. 21st October – First night of Neville’s Island at the Duke Of York’s Theatre. Written by Tim Firth (Calendar Girls) and starring four top-of-the-tree comic actors: Adrian Edmondson, Neil Morissey, Miles
David Thomas with one of the 25 Billys, Bradley Perret. Jupp and Robert Webb. 23rd October – First night of Memphis The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Here established ‘experts in a great night out’ Killian Donnelly (The
Commitments) and Beverley Knight (The Bodyguard) have been cast opposite each other in a sublime showbiz chemistry experiment to produce 24-carat-musicaltheatre-gold that grabs hold of you from the very first note and NEVER lets you go. And the coming fortnight sees two new major musicals opening in the West End: Sunny Afternoon, a new musical about The Kinks, opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre, and Made In Dagenham, starring Gemma Arterton, opening at the Adelphi Theatre. So the race is on to see how many new shows will join Billy Elliot The Musical and Disney’s The Lion King in the West End’s Pantheon of hits? What shows will last the test of time? What electrifying moments will send the shivers up the spine and be indelibly etched in the memory of generations of theatre goers to come? And which will dazzle for a twinkling of an eye, then vanish into the darkness.
11
28/11/14
10:01
Page 1
DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE
The show opens at the New Alexandra Theatre on May 5.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels set for national tour
A Christmas production of the Wind in the Willows is running at the Vaudeville Theatre until January 17 2015. With a cast including Alan Titchmarsh as the narrator, the well-loved story is brought to life through song, music, dance and puppetry.
THE Ambassador Theatre Group and Jerry Mitchell Productions have announced a national tour of the critically acclaimed Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; opening at the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham on May 5 2015. The show opened in the West End in March this year and is based on the legendary 1988 film starring actors Michael Caine and Steve Martin.
Tony Award winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell said: “I am thrilled that Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, our very first show from Jerry Mitchell Productions, will be taking to the road in the UK. “I have no doubt that every city we visit will take this hilarious show to their hearts and will laugh and enjoy this musical as much as a quarter of a million people who have already seen it so far have done.”
Ray Quinn set to star in Operator increases mid-price West End ticket offering 70th anniversary show HOLIDAY on Ice is returning to the UK for one week only with its 70th anniversary show Platinum, featuring Dancing on Ice All Star winner Ray Quinn. Running from January 6 to 11 at The Brighton Centre only, Platinum is a tribute to 70 years of Holiday on Ice, taking the audience through the history of figure skating. Ray said: “I'm so thrilled to be a part of Holiday on Ice Platinum. “It is the 70th year celebration show, so extra special. Holiday on Ice is such an all-time family favourite and for me to be back on the ice is really exciting. “The show is going to bring so much together from past, traditional shows to the more contemporary, present day, it’s going to be amazing – I genuinely can’t wait.”
SUPERBREAK has been increasing the number of theatre breaks it has on offer featuring mid-price tickets for leading West End shows. SuperBreak’s head of theatre and events, David Thomas, said: “We recognise that our clients really appreciate being able to choose from a variety of breaks, and that good second price or third price seats, packaged with a great value
hotel, can be a very popular option – often because it allows them to take more theatre breaks and see more shows every year. “For example, a London Theatre Break to see Cameron Mackintosh’s highly acclaimed new production of Miss Saigon, including second price tickets and one night at the three star President Hotel, on a b/b basis, would start from £119.50 each.”
Ray Quinn
ATG wins Green Apple Environment Silver AMBASSADOR Theatre Group has been awarded a Green Apple Environment Silver Award for Leisure and Travel Green Practices in a special presentation ceremony held at The House of Commons. ATG won the prize for its ongoing Project Blackout initiative; which identifies overnight energy waste issues and associated costs involved and engages with senior
management, venue staff and ATG’s Green Ambassadors to implement simple switch off solutions. At the ceremony, ATG also provided over 650 specially printed Oyster Card Wallets containing details of the Project Blackout process for the delegate goody bags, so that other companies could share the award-winning concept.
Following her sell-out run at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End, three-time Brit nominee and X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke will star in the leading role of Rachel Marron in the hit musical The Bodyguard, coming to His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. The production will be staged at the theatre for two weeks from March 17 and Alexandra will play the role at all evening performances. At the matinee performances, the role will be played by Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett.
11
12
28/11/14
10:02
Page 1
DESTINATIONEXCURSIONS PREVIEW
Discover fresh group travel ideas at Excursions™ 2015 DISCOVER fresh ideas for group days out and short breaks at Excursions™, the UK’s premier oneday group travel show, which will be held at Alexandra Palace, North London on Saturday, January 24 2015 (10am-4pm). Excursions™ 2015 promises to be a great resource for group travel organisers and itinerary planners. Around 300 attractions, destinations, accommodation providers, theatre booking agencies and tour and transport operators from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe will all be showcased under one roof.
Free coach transfers The show’s programme of free coach transfer services for visitors includes over 55 pick-up points across the South East and East Anglia as well as to the north and west of London. There’s also a service calling at six central London main line railway stations. Although the coach travel is free, it is essential to pre-book a seat. Information including locations, pickup times and a booking form can be found at www.excursions.org.uk or call 0845 557 7725.
Excursions™ 2015 highlights
With several anniversaries in 2015, including 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta (Latin for Great Charter) and 200 since the Battle of Waterloo, many exhibitors will be staging special events and exhibitions. Salisbury Cathedral, home to one of four original copies of the Magna Carta, will be opening an exciting new interactive exhibition in its Cloisters and Chapter House to celebrate the 800th anniversary of its signing on June 15, 2015. The exhibition will highlight the role of the Magna Carta in establishing the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. Kent is also home to a 1300 copy kept in the historic market town of Faversham, while Canterbury is one of five charter towns associated with the granting of the Magna Carta. The Battle of Waterloo, 18th June 1815, was the final engagement in the Napoleonic Wars when victory made a hero of the Duke of Wellington. A new permanent exhibition will open at his former home, now owned by English Heritage, Walmer Castle & Gardens in Kent, where he lived for 23 years
until his death in 1852. Other exhibitors showcasing something new at Excursions™ include the Compton Verney art gallery in Warwickshire. Its 2015 programme begins with an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Italian master Canaletto from when he visited London. Portsmouth’s 170m high Spinnaker Tower will be marking 10 years since its opening with a series of special events and offers, while first time exhibitor, the National Museum of
the Royal Navy, will be unveiling exciting plans for groups to board the soon-to-be refurbished HMS M33. One of the UK’s most significant ships from the First World War, it now lies in dry dock at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Excursions™ is co-organised by Tourism South East and GTO magazine, in partnership with London & Partners and VisitEngland. To pre-register for free entry visit www.excursions.org.uk or call 02380 625516 to request a form.
Attraction visit included with coach transfers
12
THE South West Group Travel Show 2015 is re-vamping its programme of free coach transfer services offered to visitors attending the show. This year 17 pickup locations are available across the South West and southern England travelling to the free admission show at The Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare. The complimentary coach service now includes a stop at a selected visitor attraction on the return journey as well, so you can experience even more group product during this great day out! The newest Dorset-based coach will start pickups in Bournemouth, stopping in Poole and Dorchester en route to the show. On the return journey passengers will enjoy a guided tour of Glastonbury Abbey before being dropped off. The Bristol-based coach will pick up at three locations within the city before travelling to The Winter Gardens and include a behind the scenes tour of the city’s M-Shed on the return journey. The coach transfer service starting in Torquay will also pick up in Newton Abbot, Exeter, Cullompton and Taunton. A tour of Hestercombe Garden is included on the return journey. The service starting in Cheltenham will also pick up in Gloucester as it travels down to the show. A free tour of BBC Bristol will take
place on the return leg of the journey. The Swindon transfer coach will pick up in Chippenham and Bath and includes free admission into the Roman Baths to break up the journey home. All four coaches are scheduled to arrive at The South West Show around 10.30am with homebound journeys departing The Winter Gardens at approximately 2.00pm ensuring time to explore the selected attractions as well.
Pre-booking essential Although the coach travel is free, it is essential to pre-book a seat. Full information including locations, pickup times and a booking form can be found online at www.southwestgroupshow.com or call 02380 625516. For group organisers making their own way to The South West Group Travel Show there are still opportunities to extend your visit to the show. Visitors are invited to visit the SeaQuarium in Weston-super-Mare, Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset and Bristol Zoo Gardens. You will need to collect your admission tickets from the participating stands at the show. For find more information about the show or to pre-register for fast track entry visit www.southwestgroupshow.com
13
28/11/14
10:04
Page 1
DESTINATIONEXCURSIONS PREVIEW
Sample group ‘Experiences’ at Excursions™ 2015 VISITORS to Excursions™ 2015 will have the opportunity to sample some of the group travel experiences on offer from exhibitors as well as discover fresh ideas for days out and overnight trips. Winchester Science Centre, Leeds Castle, Melton Mowbray, Shepherd Neame and BBC Tours are among a number of stand holders bringing their product to the one day show at Alexandra Palace, North London on Saturday, 24th January (10am4pm). Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium will be providing an outof-space experience in their sixmetre mobile planetarium where
group buyers can sample a 360° full dome adventure into space. Each show will seat 25 adults with tickets available from their stand on a first come first served basis. Speak to the staff and discover how the hands-on science and technology centre offers special deals for adult groups including weekday afternoon planetarium shows (in their 17m dome) with cream teas in the café and a variety of evening events, lectures and shows. Visitors to Excursions™ 2015 can also meet falconer Mark Brattle from Leeds Castle and his birds of prey on their stand. Mark will share his 25 years of knowledge and talk
about the wide range of falconry experiences on offer at the Kent castle including hawk walks, handson flying with owls and birds of prey and becoming a falconer for the day. BBC Tours will also be offering visitors a chance to step inside the exciting world of broadcasting and see how BBC radio drama is made. Using their Radio Drama Kit visitors can have a go at producing their own radio play, complete with music and sound effects. Talk to the BBC’s Tours team at the show about how, on a visit, groups can peek behind the scenes of the dynamic live broadcasting hub, and hear what goes on at the
beating heart of the BBC.
Taste and Visit Melton Mowbray will once again be bringing along samples of their famous pork pie, local Leicestershire cheese and real ale to taste and tempt group organisers to book their popular gourmet short break package, while Shepherd Neame will be giving visitors a sneak preview of their tutored tasting tours. The Kent brewery will be offering samples of its Spitfire Premium, a popular Kentish Ale, and Whitstable Bay Blonde, a contemporary lager distinguished by its unique hop characters.
13
14
28/11/14
10:12
Page 1
15
28/11/14
10:05
Page 1
DESTINATIONTOURISM SOCIETY
How the meetings, conference and event industry is ‘beating the drum’ for Britain’s business tourism generating revenue, jobs and growth. Liverpool is one example where investment in the events industry is reaping huge rewards for the city and region. Liverpool’s development as an international destination for major conventions and smaller events has transformed its image; it has generated an additional £24m economic impact and as a result of the policy decision to become a convention city, hotel occupancy and achieved rate has increased exponentially.
By John Gallery FTS WHEN the meetings and events industry fell off the cliff in 2009/10 it was the end of this sector for some observers. Certainly the end as we knew it. No more fancy parties, the slashing of travel and entertainment budgets, meetings held in offices rather than venues and generally a moratorium on meetings in person unless absolutely essential for many organisations. Fortunately, the downturn was not the end of the meetings and events industry. It may be slimmer, fitter and perhaps more hungry now, but business tourism is making new news that means it has a big part to play in Britain’s recovery.
Procurement Pain A proliferation of procurement systems means decision-making about choosing where to hold a meeting or event has often been half-decided before an event takes place because procurement only allows those venues on its list to be used. Fair enough if there are simple and regular meetings or events and it can save the company money, but it is not always the cheapest or most obvious venues that make a meeting, conference or live event a success. Choosing venues and ensuring they suit the type of event being held can be much better handled by professionals who know the ins and outs of the sector and who can deliver more productive and inspirational outcomes because some of these things cannot be found on a spreadsheet!
More Hybrid Meetings and Events The rise in the use of online tools, especially social media, has heralded a change in how people interact. The increased use of Skype, Facetime, GotoMeetings and other visual and audio tools means less need for physical face-to-face interaction. Meetings organisers now ask people to keep their smart phones
John Gallery FTS on at meetings so that they can communicate the proceedings as they happen (and it tells delegates’ peers that they are there!) and for many there is growth in Hybrid meetings whereby some delegates attend in person and others join remotely, creating a new dynamic in the communication process. (Our own Tourism Society events are more and more Hybrid events – ‘Prospects’ on 20th January 2015 will be streamed to Leeds, Cumbria and the West Country whilst the main event is taking place in London).
Government Recognition The Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) has been actively engaged in gaining recognition for the industry in government through various channels and initiatives, notably the recent National Events Month in October (#NEMO) which included presentations with the Tourism Minister and other political figures. BVEP recently launched its ‘Events Can Win for Britain’ manifesto in anticipation of the next general election that includes “10 Reasons
Why Meetings and Events Are Important to Britain”. The first of which is that Britain’s event industry is worth over £39billion to the economy through direct visitor spend, accounting for 35% of the UK visitor economy. Another fact, Reason 7, states that inbound business visits to Britain equate to 23.5% of all visits and at £4.4 billion, 24.4% of all overseas spend. The document can be downloaded at www.businessvisitsandevents partnership.com/ The aim is to get the manifesto into the hands of as many MPs and prospective candidates as possible so that the industry might be included in ALL party manifestos. If you can ask your MP to read the manifesto you will be doing the campaign a great favour. It’s an important part of the Tourism Industry and needs to be recognised. Thanks in advance! John Gallery is a Tourism Society Board member; director, Great Potential Business Tourism Consultancy; chair of research, BVEP.
Bore No More Sporting events, music festivals, exhibitions and other forms of event activity is growing massively and the creative industries aligning more and more with the meetings and events sector. Creativity is at the core of this shift. Let’s be honest, who wants to attend boring meetings? Bringing new ideas and engaging more with the individuals at events is essential in a world that has information overload.
Major events making a huge difference in attitudes The shift probably began with the 2012 London Olympics when the performances both at the opening and closing ceremonies and on the track and field helped to secure London and Britain’s place as a World Class event industry performer. Whilst major sporting events and festivals generate massive worldwide PR opportunities, international conventions and business events play an equally important part in
Hybrid events boost attendance. Picture credit: Rawpixel – Fotolia.com
15
16
28/11/14
10:14
Page 1