Issue 48 September/October 2012 £2.75
Brits enticed to holiday at home By Christina Eccles DESTINATIONS across England are to benefit from a focused campaign worth £365m to the economy, which tourism bosses hope will entice more Brits to holiday at home. National tourism body VisitEngland has launched Growing Tourism Locally, a three-year project to deliver dedicated marketing campaigns centred around specific destinations and themes. The campaign, which will generate £365m in additional tourism spend, has been funded by the government’s Regional Growth Fund with contributions from VisitEngland and the private sector. The investment focuses on working directly with destinations and the private sector, with themes focusing on the things England is most loved for – including its heritage, coastal areas, countryside and culture. Destination campaigns will start to roll out over the next six months, while themed campaigns will begin running in early 2013 to stimulate Easter and Summer holiday bookings for next year. Cumbria Tourism kick-started the programme with an advertising campaign – Go Share Great Moments
and Go Take your Breath Away – with adverts appearing in London’s key rail and underground stations, highlighting the beautiful countryside of the Lake District and the region’s strong food, family and activity offering. Business tourism will also receive support from the Regional Growth Fund and will build on VisitEngland’s work with destinations to grow the value of international conferences, events and conventions. VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: “The RGF money is a huge boost for tourism in England. This project enables our public and private sector partners to work together to stimulate tourism and ultimately grow jobs throughout the country with particular emphasis on some local areas. This is a great time to launch and we hope that by riding on the crest of a wave of a successful London 2012 Olympic Games we will harness the swell of national pride and inspire Brits to take the home advantage and holiday at home this year and beyond.” The total cost of the campaign will be £41m, including £20m from the Regional Growth Fund, £9m from VisitEngland and £12m from the national and local tourism sector.
New guide help for visitors with access needs
A tourism expert caught the attention of journalists aboard an Orient Express press trip when she was painted with famous Norfolk and Suffolk landmarks. Director of Jungle PR, Rachael Paddick, hopped aboard the trip, organised by VisitEngland. Visit East Anglia, who co-ordinated the involvement, saw the opportunity to showcase the best of Norfolk and Suffolk in a creative and eye-catching way. Full story, Page 3
A NEW online guide has been launched to help destinations attract more visitors with access needs. VisitEngland has created Winning More Visitors following a survey which revealed 83 per cent of people looking for access information to plan a trip use destination websites – but only one in three find it easy to locate the information they need. The guide contains advice and examples of best practice to help destinations build an access information section for their site and ensure it is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. It also highlights the type of information visitors with access needs may require when planning their trip. VisitEngland’s skills, welcome and accessibility manager Ross Calladine said: “Visitors who have a health condition or impairment – and their travelling companions – spend over £2bn each year in England, and our research shows that many of those visitors will choose where to spend that money based on the access information available on destination websites. We have produced Winning More Visitors to help destinations improve their welcome and attract even more visitors.”
DESTINATIONNEWS
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Media group enjoys best of Peak District By Christina Eccles
Rachael Paddick Picture credit: Tim Roberts
Painted lady promotes counties TOURISM bosses in Norfolk and Suffolk came up with an unusual way to promote the counties to a group of international journalists aboard the Orient Express. The event saw 200 national and international reporters travel around parts of the country accompanied by representatives from 10 UK destinations. Director of Jungle PR Rachael Paddick was one of three people who attended the trip, organised by VisitEngland, to represent the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. And Visit East Anglia who coordinated the involvement, saw the opportunity as a chance to showcase the best of Norfolk and Suffolk in a creative and eyecatching way. Chief executive of VEA Keith Brown explained: “With thousands of visiting press descending on London we had a fantastic opportunity to educate them about our beautiful counties. As there was other destination marketing organisations on the train we wanted to do something visual to stand out and Rachael became a physical embodiment of the two counties, as well as being able to talk knowledgeably about Norfolk and Suffolk.” Rachael was painted by Norfolkbased, award-winning body-paint artist Cat Finlayson, who designed the ensemble to reflect a selection of leading landmarks across the two counties including Southwold Pier, Sandringham, Benjamin Britten and the Norfolk Broads.
MEDIA representatives serving markets including Germany, China and the USA discovered the best of the Peak District’s tourism offering during a film-themed, fact-finding weekend. Official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire joined forces with VisitEngland to host the visit for a wide variety of journalists from both home and abroad. Its aim was to demonstrate that there’s much more to England than its capital city and encourage both overseas and domestic visitors to consider a holiday in the Peak District next year and beyond. The whistle-stop tour focused on the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice in 2013, the area’s extensive links with the novel, film and TV adaptations and the brand new Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival currently being staged by QUAD, Derby’s centre for art and film. Highlights were visits to Chatsworth – believed to be the inspiration for Mr. Darcy’s home Pemberley –Kedleston Hall and Haddon Hall, which has also been regularly used as a filming location. Chief executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire David James said: “While the media spotlight was understandably concentrated on London throughout the Olympic
Games, our focus over the past year has been to develop ways of capitalising on Britain’s ‘moment to shine’ into 2013 and beyond. “We’ve been working closely with both VisitEngland and VisitBritain on practical strategies to boost the number of both overseas and domestic staying visitors to the Peak District – and this fact-finding weekend for journalists is one of a number of initiatives we’ve taken in a bid to achieve our goal. “A lot has been said recently about the Olympic legacy – and we see it as a great opportunity to boost the Peak District’s profile on the world stage and hopefully bring in more business to benefit the local, regional and national economy in the future. “We’re very grateful to all the businesses and organisations that contributed to the weekend’s success, including Derbyshire County Council’s help in putting together a picnic to showcase the area’s wide variety of delicious food and drink. “Many visitors are fascinated by the area’s film and television links, so the forthcoming 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice is an ideal time to highlight some of our most popular assets – including superb landscapes, fabulous historic houses and quality accommodation – and to put the Peak District even more firmly on the map.”
Entertainment news in Centrestage starting on Page 13
Contacts EDITORIAL Judith Halkerston group editor 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Christina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@scriptmedia.co.uk Dominic Musgrave reporter 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Helen Williams reporter 01226 734694 helenw@scriptmedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Laura Blackburn – graphic designer lb@scriptmedia.co.uk ADVERTISING Andrew Loades product manager 01226 734482 Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605 CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@scriptmedia.co.uk Web: www.destination.uk.com
If you have news for us contact us on 01226 734463 or email ce@scriptmedia.co.uk
Top 50 spot for Ilkley restaurant STAFF at The Box Tree in Ilkley are celebrating after the restaurant was included in The Good Food Guide’s Top 50 UK Restaurants. The guide reviews the best restaurants, pubs and cafes throughout the country, based on readers’ feedback and anonymous volunteer inspectors. Owner Simon Gueller said: “It’s a team effort at The Box Tree and our selection to be included within this guide just shows how everyone involved with the restaurant is a vital cog in the wheel that goes towards making every customer’s experience exceptional. “It’s an illustrious list of locations and chefs and we are thrilled to be included.”
Excellence accolade for hotel A HOTEL situated in the spectacular Cairngorms National Park has been awarded with a prestigious certificate of excellence award by TripAdvisor. Hilton Craigendarroch received the award after continual four and five point ratings in reviews from guests. General manager Paul Leitch said:
“It is great to know that our guests are continually satisfied with their stay at the hotel and are rating us highly. This is a reflection of the amount of hard work that is put in by the entire team at the hotel and I am delighted that they have received this accolade.”
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DESTINATIONNEWS
Pendle: the group at Pendle Sculpture Trail, Aitken Wood, with artist Philippe Handford (centre) next to Michael Williams of Pendle Borough Council.
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Lancaster: the group at Lancaster Castle with manager Colin Penny.
Media visit Lancashire hot spots By Helen Williams JOURNALISTS from China and Italy joined a media tour of Lancashire, helping promote the UK’s appeal to visitors following the success of the Olympics. Marketing Lancashire and VisitEngland hosted the two-day tour, which was offered to ‘unaccredited’ media – those covering social and cultural events surrounding the Olympics – through the London Media Centre. Hundreds of unaccredited media arrived in England with a view to producing broadcasts and features highlighting the UK’s attractions now and in the future. The group of 11 who visited Lancashire travelled from London to Preston and included freelance UK journalists writing for national and international media. On the tour, they had an introduction to this year’s Preston Guild celebrations and Lancashire history, hosted by the Museum of Lancashire. They visited Pendle Heritage Centre and heard about the 400th Anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials, and also had a preview of the new Pendle Sculpture Trail accompanied by artist Philippe Handford. Among other highlights was a tour of Lancaster Castle, with a glimpse into the now
Longleat stars in celebrity show
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LONGLEAT Safari and Adventure Park starred in an episode of hit Channel 5 show Celebrity Wedding Planner, providing the setting for one couple’s big day. Kap and Gigi Ling’s wedding was organised by the unlikely pairing of Neighbours veteran Ryan ‘Toadfish’ Moloney and former Ramsey Street soap star and comedian Mark Little. Longleat’s Florence Wallace said: “It was certainly nothing like any other wedding we have ever hosted here at Longleat but it was fantastic fun to be involved with and both Ryan and Mark were clearly having a great time. “In spite of their ‘unusual’ choice of wedding planners the most important thing is that Kap and Gigi had an amazing day and we wish them the very best for their future life together. “Thankfully for all of us I don’t think that either Ryan or Mark are planning to make this a permanent career change.”
Ribble Valley: the group at Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex. decommissioned prison and Witches’ Dungeon, afternoon tea in the world famous Tower Ballroom, entry to The Tower Eye and 4D experience and Blackpool Dungeon. Head of PR for VisitEngland Rebecca Holloway said: “The feedback was excellent, with Lancashire having made a positive and lasting impression on the group. Most said
they aim to return in the near future.” The group stayed at Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex in Langho, sampling local delicacies such as black pudding fritters and Lancashire Hotpot. The hotel is holder of the 2011/12 Tourism Award for Small Hotel of the Year and 2011/12 Award for Sustainable Tourism.
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Cumbria tourism offering in the spotlight By Christina Eccles A MAJOR campaign has been launched to promote The Lake District, Cumbria, after over £750,000 of funding was secured by Cumbria Tourism and VisitEngland to highlight the area’s tourism offering. The initial phase of the project will be a campaign running until September 16, with promotions appearing in key rail and underground stations across London including Euston, King’s Cross and Waterloo. The campaign, designed to reach post-Olympic and Paralympic visitors, as well as Londoners returning to work after an August break, aims to generate late summer, autumn and winter bookings. Using giant posters, digital and non-digital escalator panels, website and newsletter branding and social media elements, the headings of ‘Go – Share Great Moments’ and ‘Go – Take Your Breath Away’ direct people to visit www.golakes.co.uk to find out what the area has to offer as a visitor destination. Managing director of Cumbria Tourism Ian Stephens said: “The Lake District is one of the UK's
strongest and most recognised destination brands, yet with increased competition from places like Scotland, Wales and the South West, it is now more important than ever for us to keep our offering fresh. “Cumbria Tourism is a ‘not for profit’ organisation which works closely with a huge range of private sector partners to grow the value of tourism to our area. There is the real potential to build on this campaign for the future and we at Cumbria Tourism will be constantly talking to potential partners to extend the campaign both in terms of content and coverage to show to as wide an audience as possible the full range of things that Cumbria has to offer.’’ Cumbria, as one of England’s attract brands is one of several destinations to benefit from this project and VisitEngland will coordinate the campaign working closely with Cumbria Tourism on an agreed programme of marketing activity. A second wave of activity will commence in late December with the aim of boosting bookings in the lead into 2013.
Olympic silver medallist Nick Dempsey has got behind a campaign to help keep the Dorset coast and inshore waters litter free. Nick was photographed on a windsurf sculpture made out of marine and beach litter, designed to encourage visitors to look after the local coastline. Over the next three years, the Dorset Coast Forum and Keep Britain Tidy will be leading a project called Dorset BeachCare, which aims to reduce the amount of marine and beach litter along the Dorset coast through behavioural change campaigns and by raising awareness of the impacts litter can have locally and internationally.
Marketing Lancashire appoints first chief executive MARKETING Lancashire has appointed its first chief executive, Ruth Connor. Ruth will work alongside recently appointed chairman Paul Heathcote to spearhead the organisation’s work to support the visitor economy and attract investment to the county. Ruth said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Marketing Lancashire and look forward to working with colleagues and businesses, both within and outside the county, to make it a success. “Lancashire is a fantastic place
with a huge amount to offer visitors and investors, but it doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. “Marketing Lancashire is a new organisation with the task of harnessing that potential and I'm confident we will make a very positive impact over the years to come.” Picture shows chairman Paul Heathcote, chief executive Ruth Connor and Philip Wharton, general manager of Stanley House where the announcement was made.
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DESTINATIONLIVERPOOL
Biennial festival highlights unveiled
New team to serve up good food promotion A NEW project to promote good food has got underway in Liverpool with the appointment of a local delivery team. The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership has secured £120,000 funding from the Rural Development Programme for England to raise the profile of rurally produced local food amongst visitors to Liverpool City Region. The ‘Fresh and Local’ project will also provide
opportunities for local suppliers to meet with potential buyers such as hotels, restaurants and bars and other customers. The team, pictured above, running the project will have a presence at consumer events, as well as promoting the region’s suppliers through trade, national and regional media and provide a comprehensive website resource detailing suppliers and their products.
THE full programme for Liverpool Biennial 2012 has been announced by the festival’s new director Sally Tallant. The festival, which takes place from September 15 to November 25, is the largest contemporary art festival in the UK, which for 10 weeks every two years commissions the most exciting artists from around the world. Highlights of the programme include: Sky Arts Ignition Series, in partnership with Tate Liverpool, will present a major public commission by acclaimed US artist, Doug Aitken, which will be installed on Albert Dock in a temporary structure designed by David Adjaye. American superstar Rhys Chatham, renowned for his large-scale performance works, will present a concert as part of the opening weekend. One of Argentina's most established and internationally renowned artists, Jorge Macchi will present a commission in which a huge shipping container is wedged precariously in a public location. Israeli artist, Oded Hirsch, will present a work which will burst through the floor of the Liverpool ONE shopping centre. Liverpool’s famous Cunard building will be opened to the public for the first time to provide an unusual exhibition venue. Sally said: “Liverpool Biennial is the most important contemporary arts event in the UK. Every two years the festival offers an enormous variety of free public events, exhibitions, and performances – this Autumn will be no different. I am particularly thrilled that we have expanded the Biennial to include new organisations and venues. Our hope is that we can keep on expanding, filling as many spaces as possible with fan-tastic contemporary art. I look forward to seeing locals and visitors, from the UK and internationally, take part in experiencing everything the city has to offer.”
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DESTINATIONLIVERPOOL
Unique events celebrate city’s rich heritage Club expands its portfolio LIVERPOOL Football Club has been expanding its portfolio of products to suit everyone – not just football fans. The award-winning stadium tour offers you the chance to see behind the scenes at one of sport’s greatest cathedrals. Having made some changes to the product, the club were honoured to win the best large visitor attraction at the 2011 Mersey Partnerships Tourism Awards. Commercial tourism manager Tom Cassidy said: “We’ve always done well in naturally attracting visitors and upon taking up my role I had to look at developing the product, staff and capacity, as I was seeing the ‘sold out’ sign too often. “We now have tours leaving every 15 minutes (on peak days), a product range which has something for all ages and a motivated and skilled workforce – which is
paramount to the customer experience. “The Boot Room Restaurants (one at Anfield and the other located at Cheshire Oaks Shopping Park) are also proving very popular, it’s a great way to complement a stadium visit.” One of the biggest assets for the five-time European Cup winners is its history and the many great footballers to have pulled on the red shirt. Customers can book directly onto one of a range of experiences which offer different levels of interaction with an LFC legend – these range from a legends’ tour of Anfield to the chance of training and playing with one of their former players at the club’s academy. Upcoming plans at Liverpool FC include development work in the LFC museum and a luxury five night football camp, located in Liverpool May 2013.
A PROGRAMME of unique events, tours, building openings and activities are taking place throughout September to celebrate Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage. The event builds on the success of the national Heritage Open Days programme, which celebrates England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or charge for admission. Now Liverpool is taking it one step further and extending its cultural heritage programme throughout the whole month in a joint initiative between Liverpool City Council and VisitLiverpool. 70 venues and organisations across the city are involved in this year’s programme and throughout the month, buildings of every age, style and function will throw their doors open and host special events. Highlights will include a sneak preview of the recently renovated Picton Reading Rooms at Central Library, spectacular spooky street theatre in the Georgian Quarter, a tour of the hidden crypt at St Luke’s bombed out church and a maritime folk themed cabaret on Liverpool’s
last manned Lightship. Cultural heritage project manager for the visitor economy committee of Liverpool City Region Laura Naylor said: “Liverpool already has the largest Heritage Open Days programme in the country outside of London. We are developing the programme to really start putting heritage at the forefront of what Liverpool has to offer and encourage people to experience and learn about the rich heritage of the city in new creative ways. This year’s exciting programme is bigger than ever and offers something for all the family.” Head of visitor economy development at VisitLiverpool Pam Wilsher added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our hidden architectural treasures and really bring to life local history and culture through these tours, events and activities. “We are promoting Heritage Open Month far and wide and hope visitors will come for a few days to experience the events and openings taking advantage of our great midweek hotel rates.”
Halloween shivers at Scarewood Forest DETAILS have been unveiled for Liverpool’s newest Halloween offering, Scarewood Forest. The event, set in the Formby Pinewoods, takes place on October 26 - 31 and is made up of various installations all with a dark fairy tale theme. Created by ghost and history tour operator Shiverpool, the attraction includes an event designed for children between 3pm and 6pm and an after dark experience for older children and adults from 7pm onwards.
Creator John Stone said: “Scarewood Forest is something I have wanted to do since the beginning. We are greatly inspired by stories and in particular fairy tales here at Shiverpool Towers and we wanted to bring stories like ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ off the page and into real life, except our version will be closer to the original stories before they were given frilly knickers by the Victorians. We’re really excited that the website is up, running and open for business.”
West End heads North West
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THE Floral Pavilion is a brand new state-of-the-art theatre and conference centre bringing the West End to the North West. With large-scale shows and music for all the family, a restaurant with breathtaking views, this really is a venue for everyone. The venue offers great reductions for groups on theatre tickets with free coach parking and Carringtons @The Floral headed by master chef of Great Britain, Darren Wynn, provide flexible catering options where no group is too big or small. An ideal place to visit for a performance or for a meal as part of a trip to Wirral.
DESTINATIONLIVERPOOL
Love Me Do world record attempt marks anniversary
Agreement sees first DoubleTree by Hilton in Liverpool HILTON Worldwide has signed a franchise agreement with Municipal Annex to open the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Liverpool. The 87-bedroom upscale and fullservice hotel is expected to open in summer 2013 in the city’s former Municipal Annexe on the corner of Sir Thomas and Dale Street. The Grade II-listed building will retain its grandeur from when it was first constructed in 1865 and offer a restaurant, residents’ lounge, spa and swimming pool, as well as
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conference and events facilities. Global head DoubleTree by Hilton Rob Palleschi said: “DoubleTree by Hilton is looking forward to welcoming this superb hotel to its impressive portfolio in the UK, which currently features 17 hotels. “Liverpool is world renowned for its culture, art and music – we are excited about this new project and look forward to welcoming travellers to Liverpool with our delicious chocolate chip cookie next year.”
A BEATLES themed world record attempt is taking place in the city on October 5 to mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the band’s debut single Love Me Do. The activity will feature an attempt by over 1,000 people to perform the song ‘in a round’ and will take place at Liverpool’s new cruise liner terminal at The Pier Head. The world record attempt will kick start the Love Me Do Weekend across Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, where bars and restaurants will offer diverse musical entertainment, bespoke food and
drink offers as well as a unique Love Boat experience taking place on the water. Jerry Goldman, MD of The Beatles Story – lead organisers of the event – said: “We have already had significant interest from all over the world from people planning to attend this momentous occasion – people from Argentina, Brazil, India and from across Europe. Many of them have signed up through the website. No self-respecting Beatles fan will want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of Beatles history.”
In store ...
Friends’ food
LIVERPOOL ONE is to become home to a brand new concept beauty store from luxury retailer Harvey Nichols. Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols will open its doors this autumn on Peters Lane, bringing a host of new luxury beauty brands and a range of exclusive treatments to the city. Estate director at Liverpool ONE Chris Bliss said: “'It is a real coup for the city that Harvey Nichols has chosen Liverpool to launch this new concept store and pays testament to the offer at Liverpool ONE. We're excited to host such an unique concept and are proud to introduce another first to the city.”
FANS of cult TV show Friends can follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters thanks to a new restaurant in Liverpool. Named after the food loving character played by Matt LeBlanc in the show, Tribbianis is situated next door to the other Friends’ inspired venue on the street, Central Perk. GM of Tribbianis Fadi Abo Hasan said: "We are bringing a slice of New York City to Liverpool. “When people think of pizza they automatically think of Italy and New York. We have taken this on-board right down to the decor to what we have on the menu.”
DESTINATIONLONDON
Thyme is right for hotel herb garden THE Trafalgar Hotel has unveiled a new Mediterranean herb garden at Vista, the largest roof bar in central London. Situated on the sixth floor of the hotel, the openair garden reflects Vista’s seasonal menu offerings and includes fragrant and colourful plants such as basil, rosemary, mint, thyme, lavender and aloe vera. Director of operations Beat Ganz said: “The new herb garden embodies the contemporary style and creative flare synonymous with The Trafalgar Hotel, as we continue to mould a unique and inspirational environment for guests. This latest addition to Vista is a leading example, and one which truly demonstrates the innovative food and drink offerings at the hotel.”
Fashion Week treats THE May Fair Hotel has introduced a new package to celebrate its fifth year as the official hotel of Vodafone London Fashion Week. The Fashion Week Treats package is valid for stays between September 13-23 and includes an overnight stay in a superior or deluxe room, a full English breakfast, 20% off treatments in the May Fair Spa and cocktails and cupcakes for two at Quince at The May Fair.
Over 1m people celebrated the London 2012 Olympic Games at BT London Live Hyde Park and Victoria Park. Visitors enjoyed a huge range of events and activities including exclusive appearances from Team GB medal winners, live music performances, plus sports participation and all the sporting action from the Olympic Park beamed onto giant screens each day, courtesy of the BBC. Highlights included performances from acts including Alexandra Burke and Stooshe as well as appearances from medal winners including Jessica Ennis, pictured, and Victoria Pendleton.
Double appointment at Thistle Thistle Hotels has announced two new general manager appointments at its London hotels. Glenn Hallam takes over at the Bloomsbury Park hotel and Andrew Byrne becomes general manager at the Hyde Park. Both general manager roles involve overseeing day-to-day management of the hotels and staff, along with the overall direction of the hotel.
Glenn Hallam
Andrew Byrne
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DESTINATIONLONDON
Exciting exhibitions ahead FOLLOWING a landmark year in 2012, Historic Royal Palaces bring groups more exciting exhibitions for 2013. New Modern Royal Dress exhibition from summer 2013 at Kensington Palace is set in the newly opened Piggott Galleries. The display will introduce the story of 20th century princesses that lived at the palace and their influence on fashion using costumes from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. From May at the Tower of London, the story of the Royal Mint will be brought to life. The new area will open up number 2a Mint Street and tell the history of the Mint at the
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Tower, where all the coins of the realm were made for over 500 years. This will feature flagship objects from the Royal Mint museum as well as innovative digital and physical interactive displays that explain the stories of people and monarchs at the Mint. At the Banqueting House from January 30, a new interpretation project will be installed giving visitors an insight into the history surrounding the beheading of Charles I in 1649. Also for the first time, the Banqueting House will open its doors seven days a week to visitors with new Sunday openings.
West End hit Top Hat was the most booked show for coach tours and groups in the first half of 2012, according to sales figures from Encore Tickets. The show knocked last year’s favourite Les Miserables off the top slot down to number eight in the top 10, with Singin’ in the Rain second, followed by Ghost – The Musical. Encore sales manager Chris Rowney said: “It may have something to do with the tough times we are going through, but there’s no doubt that a little glitz, a lot of glamour and a really romantic story are just what everyone wants to see in the West End this year.” Advance tickets have gone on sale for London’s newest visitor attraction The Shard. The View from The Shard, which opens on February 1 2013, provides spectacular 40 mile, 360 degree views of the capital.
Pampering for soccer widows A LONDON hotel marked the start of the Premier League season by offering packages to entertain football fans’ other halves. Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes has launched a new spa treatments menu, which will run through the
entire season until May 19 2013. The treatments must be booked during match time, last for either 45 or 90 minutes and include a range of luxury manicures and pedicures plus use of the steam room, sauna and health suite.
DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE
Smash-hit Singin’ at the Palace Theatre SINGIN’ in the Rain, now playing at London’s Palace Theatre, features a glorious musical score including the songs ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make ‘em Laugh’, ‘Moses Supposes’ and the classic ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. It tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies – and some of its stars – behind. Jonathan Church’s ‘superbly enjoyable production’ (Daily Express) is a smash-hit success with critics and audiences alike. ‘It’s the perfect, potent pick-meup’ with ‘thrillingly inventive choreography’ (The Daily Telegraph)
which proclaims Adam Cooper, in the Gene Kelly role, ‘a major new star of the musical stage’. The Daily Mail called Singin’ in the Rain ‘one of the hits of the year’ whilst The Guardian described the show as ‘all-singing, all dancing entertainment with a talented and highly-drilled cast and 14,000 litres of highly-drilled water!’ With Andrew Wright’s high-energy choreography and Simon Higlett’s sumptuous set design, Singin’ in the Rain showers you with everything you could wish for in a hit West End musical and will leave you singin’ and dancin’ all the way home.
Everyone is singin’ in the West End SINCE it opened in February 2012, Singin’ in the Rain has established itself as a firm favourite in the West End. Superbreak reports that sales of theatre breaks to see the show are strong and this is expected to continue as the busy autumn/winter season approaches. Singin’ in the Rain the musical follows the story of Don Lockwood, a silent movie star, with everything he could ever dream of. Don has fame, adoration and a well documented romance with his co-star Lina Lamont but everything he knows is about to change forever. Rumours are flying around of a new type of film, where the actors talk, dance and even...sing. 14 Singin’ in the Rain is the story of
that first Hollywood musical when the silver screen found its voice and never looked back. Featuring well loved songs including Make ‘em Laugh, Good Morning, Moses Supposes and of course Singin’ in the Rain, this musical will have you up on your feet singing and dancing in the aisles. The incredible Singin’ in the Rain the musical cast is lead by Adam Cooper, Daniel Crossley and Scarlett Strallen who are outstanding in the roles made famous by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, as well as Katherine Kingsley who stars as blonde bombshell Lina Lamont. National sales manager at Superbreak Graham Balmforth said: “This show appeals to customers of all ages and offers all the sparkle,
glamour and spectacle of a golden age. It is currently on sale with us until February 2013 and I have no doubt it will continue to sell well. “We offer great packages that can include rail travel to London and then whilst in the capital a whole host of attractions can be added creating a complete package for customers.” Superbreak offers a range of packages to suit all tastes and budgets. Prices start from £105 per person including one night at the three star President Hotel including breakfast and a ticket to the show. Monday to Friday in October and based on two sharing. For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871 221 4444.
Graham Balmforth
DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE
Louise Dearman, who played Glinda in West End hit Wicked, is returning to the show as Elphaba – the first time a leading lady will have starred in both roles. Wicked tells the story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. The multi awardwinning musical has already been seen by over 4.5m people since its West End premiere in 2006 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
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Return for White Christmas The Musical A STAGE musical based on the classic movie White Christmas is returning to The Lowry for the 2012/13 festive season. With a cast including Ken Kercheval, Steven Houghton, Claire Sweeney, pictured right, and Wendi Peters, White Christmas The Musical includes classic hits like Blue Skies, How Deep Is The Ocean, Happy Holiday, Sisters, plus the well loved title song. The show runs from November 30 to January 5, with special offers available for groups.
DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE
New all-star line-up
Joey delights young fans WAR Horse’s Joey delighted hundreds of children with a special surprise appearance on stage at the New London Theatre, alongside the awardwinning former children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo. The author was reading extracts from his beloved novel War Horse and other works, as well as taking part in a question and answer session with the children, as part of Kids Week. Now in its 15th year and run by the
Society of London Theatre, Kids Week is all about encouraging young people to experience the magic of live theatre. During the event, which took place throughout August, a child aged 16 or under could go free to participating shows when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Up to two extra children’s tickets could also be purchased at half price.
FRESH from the first tour of Europe by a British burlesque show, An Evening of Burlesque will unveil its new production at London’s O2 on Friday October 26. A new all-star line-up will enjoy its official UK premiere at the indigO2 Theatre, within London’s O2, with the team behind the show promising to improve on last year’s sell out production at the 1,800-seat venue.
Show producer Michael Taylor said: “It is the perfect feel-good show for this moment in time. “Just as the Olympics has done a great job taking everyone’s mind off of their money worries, An Evening of Burlesque provides the opportunity to forget your troubles for two-and-a-half hours and enjoy the thrills and spills of modern-day burlesque.”
A new production is coming to the Duke of York’s Theatre later this year, starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall. Following Posh by Laura Wade and Jumpy by April De Angelis, the Royal Court transfers Nick Payne’s Constellations into the West End. Performances will run from November 9 to January 5.
Picture credit: Roy Tan
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DESTINATIONNEWS
Art Gallery to host awards ceremony KELVINGROVE Art Gallery in Glasgow is hosting a showpiece event on the tourism calendar, the Scottish Thistle Awards, held on November 9. A change in format has seen businesses face regional heats in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Stirling this May, with winners going through to the national face-off. The winners from all regions will be at Kelvingrove. Successful tourism businesses win a trophy on the night, and national winners receive VisitScotland products to the value of £500. All regional finalists who entered the Tourism Entrepreneur category have also been offered free annual membership to the Entrepreneurial Exchange – Scotland’s organisation for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. The Scottish Thistle Awards has also been working with the Highlands and Island’s Tourism Awards, with their shortlisted finalists automatically progressing to the final.
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Sponsored by
Makeover for iconic hotel DE Vere Hotels has started work on a multi-million pound refurbishment of The Grand in Brighton, which will reestablish it as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. The refurbishment extends to all 201 bedrooms, the hotel’s Victoria Bar and the 11 syndicate spaces, which will become state-ofthe-art meeting and conference rooms. New additions include a seafood restaurant ‘Caught at The Grand,’ and a wellbeing spa with plunge pool, crystal steam room, aromatherapy sauna and seven treatment rooms with four nail bars. General manager Andrew Mosley said: “The team here at The Grand are really excited about the renovations. “We have listened to our customers over the past few years and have responded with these improvements to our existing facilities as well as the addition of more meeting space and the spa. “Seamless management of the works will ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and we look forward to welcoming local residents to relax and unwind in our spa.” All refurbishments will be complete and open to the public and guests by early 2013.
State Beds. The exhibition will feature stunning portraiture and bedchamber furnishings of the time, as well as unusual bedroom artifacts, such as Charles II bedrail, a rare remnant of the bedchamber at the longlost palace of Whitehall. In addition, exclusive for groups, guided tours of Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber will be available for advanced bookings at £100 per group plus VAT for one and half hour tour (additional to admission). Maximum group size 25. For help and advice in organising group visits to any of the historic royal palaces, contact the groups and travel trade team on +44 (0) 20 3166 6311 or e-mail groupsandtraveltrdae@hrp.org.uk. Please quote ‘Destination UK September’ when contacting us. From 27 March a new temporary exhibition opens in the Baroque state apartments, the story of the State Beds gives an insight into the fascinating world of the 17th and 18th Century Court; how it influenced and in turn was influenced by wider political, religious and social changes. The rituals of the bedchamber, from morning levée to evening couchée were performed in and around these magnificent beds. Courtiers embarked on a social climbing venture to get as close to the bedchamber as possible where, if they were deemed worthy, their Monarch would receive them. Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber will reveal not only the extraordinary bizarre rituals of the Stuart and Hanoverian court but will also feature seven of our most rare and magnificent
DESTINATIONYORK AT CHRISTMAS
Fairytale of festive York TOURISM chiefs in York have revealed details of the city’s Christmas visitor offering. Visit York has launched its 2012 festive events programme, designed to help the city rival other popular Christmas break destinations across the UK and Europe. As well as offering visitors the popular St Nicholas Fayre, which will return to the streets for its 21st year this winter, York is also encouraging tourists to visit a succession of markets, festivals,
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concerts, an outdoor ice rink and seasonal activities running from November right through to Christmas. Highlights include a Made in Yorkshire market, which will kickstart the shopping season from November 8 to 18, York’s Festive Fayre from December 6 to 23 and the Festival of Angels on December 15 and 16. Chief executive of Visit York Gillian Cruddas said ‘This year York will be more Christmassy than ever before.
“We’re using traditional wooden huts for all of our Christmas markets including the St Nicholas Fayre and York’s Festive Fayre. “With a beautiful old-fashioned carousel in St Sampsons Square, the Festival of Angels, York Early Music Christmas Festival and planned Farmers Markets too, York will be celebrating the festive season in style.” Cabinet member for tourism coun Sonja Crisp added: “York not only offers a fantastic selection of Christmas markets alongside
independent shops and boutiques but also gives the visitor a whole host of extra Christmas treats to experience, from the traditional to the contemporary, such as carols at York Minster or fun on the ice at the Ice Factor. We want everyone to know that the best place to experience Christmas is right here in York.” The York Christmas guide will be available from the Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street from the end of September.
New! Modern Royals at Kensington Palace The red carpet is rolled out for the next installment following the £12m representation project at Kensington Palace, the twentieth century royals.
Charles, the Prince of Wales. Each couple, in their own day, brought glamour and style to the old and venerable palace, just as the latest generation is doing today.
The new exhibition will open on 22 June 2013 and is set within the newly opened Piggott Galleries. The story of the young royals who started their married lives in the various flats and apartments at Kensington Palace will be told through photographs, film footage and costumes from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
Adding value to the already acclaimed Victoria Revealed exhibition and the stunning King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, Modern Royals ensures the full 300 years of royal history is bought spectacularly to life in this popular attraction.
The main characters will be Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece, Princess Margaret and Anthony ArmstrongJones and Lady Diana Spencer and Prince
For more information on events and exhibitions for 2013 at Kensington Palace, please contact the Groups & Travel Trade Department on 0203 166 6311 or groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk
DESTINATIONGROUP LEISURE SHOW PREVIEW
Two-day bonanza for group travel trade PREPARATIONS for the Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show (GLTT) are well underway, with the NEC based annual exhibition taking place on September 19 and 20 at the Birmingham venue. The GLTT remains Britain’s biggest and most important event for the group travel trade market and offers a two-day bonanza of group travel ideas, trade deals and services, all under one roof. Show organiser Emma Cash explained: “The GLTT is an ideal opportunity to gather ideas, talk to travel experts and network with colleagues from the group travel trade. It’s free to attend, and we have around 200 exhibiting companies on hand with a wealth of knowledge, ranging from destination specialists, accommodation providers, coach operators, tour operators, attractions, theatres and tourist boards to name just a few. In short, we believe that those involved in the group travel trade should take full advantage of the resources available at the GLTT over the two days of September 19 and 20 – it really is a show not to be missed!” Now in its 16th successive year, the GLTT continues to receive strong support from the industry with visitor numbers normally in excess of 2,000. Recent stand bookings for the show include Alton Towers, Shire Hotels, the Cheddar Gorge, Longleat, Continuum Leading Attractions, the Discovery Collection, Winnock Hotel, Acampora Travel, Clifton Park Hotel, Coach Link and Coventry Transport Museum. As well as a wide ranging
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selection of exhibitors, visitors will also find a coach display area and the Premier Lounge for nominated guests. Registering to visit is free, quick and easy. All visitors can preregister for fast track entry by visiting www.leisureshow.com or contacting the show hotline on 0844 557 2310 for more information. Those visitors who do
pre-register and attend the GLTT on either September 19 or 20, will be automatically entered into the preregistration prize draw, with a case of wine on offer to the winner. Pre-registered visitors who are coach operators or bona-fide group travel organisers can also claim free parking, saving the £8 NEC parking charge. To qualify for this offer visitors must pre-register and attend
the exhibition. A voucher is then available at the GLTT for collection. Sales manager of GLTT Sharon Yandell commented on the continued success of the show and urges action for those not yet booked to exhibit. She added: “The GLTT is firmly established as Britain’s leading event for group travel, coach tourism and the travel trade market. Companies and organisations of all types exhibit at the show, all of them eager to showcase new ideas, services and products to our visitors. We also attract many first time exhibitors as well as companies which exhibit every year. Major UK and overseas attractions, destinations and operators, as well as transport providers and accommodation suppliers will be attending, giving buyers the chance to discuss opportunities with new and current business partners, and allowing coach operators and group travel organisers to plan a varied schedule for the forthcoming year and beyond. However, stand space is becoming limited and anyone considering taking a stand at the GLTT this year should contact us without delay to ensure they are not disappointed.” Further visitor information is available at the official show website www.leisureshow.com or by telephoning the visitor hotline on 0844 557 2310. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Sharon Yandell on sharon.y@yandellmedia.com or call 01908 613323.
DESTINATIONINDUSTRY NEWS
Sponsored by
Now is the time to visit London
A real cracker of a Christmas offer THE Spinnaker Tower and the Kings Theatre are joining forces to offer groups a joint package; a trip 100m above Portsmouth Harbour with a fabulously festive traditional pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’ Plus exclusively on some dates; the chance to meet some of the pantomime cast. Starting the day off at the Spinnaker Tower, groups will experience the stunning views from the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, dare to ‘walk on air’ over the glass floor and learn about the history of Portsmouth, which spans 17 centuries.
Groups can then take full advantage of the Spinnaker Tower’s fantastic setting in Gunwharf Quays, with 95 designer outlets and 30 waterfront restaurants, before making the short journey to the splendid Kings Theatre in Southsea for a matinee performance of the pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’ The joint ticket is available for just £19.50 per person (when visiting in a group of 15 or more). Contact The Kings Theatre, Southsea to book. The Spinnaker Tower is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm (excluding Christmas Day).
NOW is the time to visit London – the most exciting city on earth and entertainment capital of the world – according to Superbreak sales director Jane Atkins. She said: “Big Ben, The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace have been on our TV screens for what seems like the whole of August, as we have seen the Olympic Games come alive in our capital city. It has been a time of celebration for Team GB not only in terms of medals won, but also for the tourism industry in general in the execution of a magnificent home Games. “So now the city is left to the tourist, and there has never been a better time to visit. The legacy of the Games is a city that is spruced and ready and eager for the domestic tourist like never before. London offers great value to the visitor and is still one of the only cities in the world with so much to offer that is free; galleries, museums, exhibitions are just some of the attractions that offer free access. “Of course, no trip to London is complete without a visit to a West End show, and with world-beating musicals such as Les Miserables and Singin’ In The Rain being joined
Jane Atkins by Jesus Christ Superstar at The O2, there has never been a better time to visit the entertainment capital of the world.” Hit mobile game Angry Birds has become the inspiration for a giant maize maze created by Sussex farmer and fan Stuart Beare. Stuart has created the tribute to his favourite game by carving an image of what is believed to be the world’s biggest Angry Bird in his eight acre field of maize plants at Tulleys Farm near Turners Hill. The image, which shows an Angry Bird being catapulted across the maze, also forms an intricate maze of pathways for visitors to explore.
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An advertising campaign highlighting all that Canterbury has to offer has been unveiled at 18 tube sites across London. The advertisements feature eight images of Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay set within the VisitCanterbury logo. Posters at sites including Hyde Park Corner, Wembley Park and Greenwich DLR will encourage visitors to sample the district’s highlights and take advantage
of the high speed rail service between London St Pancras and Canterbury West. Executive member for tourism Neil Baker said: “This fantastic campaign shows the breadth of the wonderful offer that we have across the Canterbury district, and we anticipate that it will bring substantial economic benefit to local businesses at a very welcome time.”
DESTINATIONHEART OF ENGLAND
Birmingham visitor numbers ‘at a high’ BIRMINGHAM attracted an additional 740,000 visitors last year, according to new figures from industry research body, Global Tourism Solutions. Results released by Marketing Birmingham show visitor numbers rose to 33.5m in 2011, up from 32.8m in 2010 and the overall value of the city’s visitor economy is now £4.9bn. The STEAM report, produced annually by Global Tourism Solutions, to assess the economic impact of visitors to the UK’s major cities, also revealed that the amount of money spent by visitors to Birmingham last year hit £4.9bn, up two per cent on 2010’s total of £4.8bn. This increased spend helped to create an additional 2,126 jobs for the city and surrounding region. Chief executive of Marketing Birmingham Neil Rami said: “Birmingham has a strong visitor economy that is delivering economic and reputational returns. “The city’s visitor numbers – and their economic impact – are at a high, building on similar positive results last year. Despite challenging
economic conditions and pressures on disposable incomes, more visitors than ever are opting to take a break in Birmingham – reflecting the quality, diversity and strength of our offer. “Birmingham has performed incredibly well in recent years and now, with the afterglow of London 2012 and the Government’s launch of a new campaign to create a lasting tourism legacy from the Games, we are looking forward to a further boost.” CEO of Birmingham Airport Paul Kehoe added: “These latest visitor figures and their impact underline Birmingham’s credentials as an internationally-recognised city to visit and do business. “The Government’s £8m marketing campaign and its focus on tripling
visitors from China mirrors the Airport’s targeting of the Chinese market. Our major investment programme has created a world class global gateway into the city and once our runway extension is open in 2014, aircraft will be able to fly direct from China, as well as the South America, Africa and the West Coast of USA. The strong trade and leisure demand to and from China is clear so securing a direct route into Birmingham is the top route development priority for Birmingham Airport.”
Restored attraction so popular A WARWICKSHIRE visitor attraction is proving popular with visitors of all ages after it was restored to its former glory. Former 19th century blacksmith and wheelwright’s workshop, Chedham’s Yard in Wellesbourne, won the BBC’s Restoration programme in 2006 and since then has been carefully restored from derelict buildings into a well preserved site complete with new visitor centre and cafe. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the BBC Restoration Trust, visitors are now able step back in time and visit the yard crammed with over 4,500 artefacts including craftsman’s tools, equipment and items made on site. Volunteer tour guides are also on hand to inform visitors about the Chedhams Family who worked at the yard for 150 years. Heritage project officer Emma Banks said: “We are delighted that visitors can now enjoy Chedham’s Yard after years of careful restoration. The Yard gives visitors a wonderful snapshot of working life in the 19th century and illustrates a fast disappearing but important part of our rural heritage. Visitors are now able to go on a tour, try their hand at putting a wheel together, relax in the garden and enjoy delicious local produce in our cafe.”
Tasty Spooktacular on menu GROUPS looking for a day out in the Heart of England can learn about the history and magic of chocolate at Birmingham’s Cadbury World. Through the attraction’s 14 zones, visitors can explore chocolate’s ancient origins in the Aztec Jungle and enjoy demonstrations of traditional chocolate making skills. Upcoming events include a weeklong Halloween Spooktacular that will see staff dressed as ghosts and ghouls, with chocolate treats and pumpkin novelties on sale at the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop. During weekends in December, Cadbury World will be packed with seasonal activities including jolly
children’s entertainers, festive food, and the opportunity to watch a special pantomime performance of Aladdin. Father Christmas will take up residence by the fireplace in his themed grotto where children will have the chance to meet him and receive a small free gift. Groups of 15 or more qualify for reduced rates with free admission and a meal voucher for one coach driver, while groups of 20 or more also receive free entry for the group organiser. Cadbury World offers free preview visits and award-winning disabled access.
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DESTINATIONTOURISM SOCIETY
Diary
Dates THE Tourism Society is running a full calendar of events this autumn on a wide range of subjects. The main discussion sessions are listed below; other informal events take place regularly in York and Cumbria as well. Tickets are very affordable, usually costing just £15 for society members and £20 for non-members, and are bookable through our website www.tourismsociety.org. Many of the events can also be accessed through our webinar link, so you can still listen and participate without having to attend in person. For more details please either go to the website or call us on 0207 269 9693. Everyone is welcome!
Calendar of Events 2012 September 13 Cruising: Is it beneficial to all destinations? British Hospitality Association (BHA) office, London September 17 Tourism Society Cumbria Tourism Law Workshop with Linder Myers Kendal College, Kendal September 25 Crisis Management for Tourism BHA office, London October Tourism Society Scotland Market trends: How will they impact on your business in the year ahead? Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh October 8 TMI Annual Convention: Broadening Our Horizons Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst NB: Early Bird deadline September 14 October 11 Social Tourism MacIntyre Hudson offices, London October 24 Media Masterclass Strand Palace Hotel, London November 1 Backpacking Unpacked London November 7 Tourism Society/UNWTO debate World Travel Market, London December 5 President's Debate The Value of Outbound Tourism Central Hall, Westminster London 26
The Olympic Effect By David Curtis-Brignell, chairman, The Tourism Society NO sooner had the Secretary of State (The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP) said what a fantastic event the London 2012 Games had been, there were immediate cries of “Oh no it wasn’t” from various parts of the industry. No surprise really; whenever I have been asked for my personal opinion about the ‘legacy’ or impact on the tourism industry of the Olympics I have consistently said “I really don’t know but I’m hoping business will be flat at the very least.” And by the time you are reading this, my bet is that we still won’t know and that we won’t have a clear idea of the benefits or otherwise for some time to come. Attractions, particularly in the capital, were forecasting a poor summer for 2012 last autumn, based on the reduction in the number of inbound tours coming to London. A shortage of hotel beds at affordable rates and “transport chaos” were the reasons why many operators pulled their London programmes back. Of course, many businesses would love to have that much notice of a downturn in sales so that they could look for customers from other sources, and I assume that’s what happened. Indeed, when I was in London during the Games, places I visited were seething with visitors. At one major attraction I saw queues at the main entrance but not at the groups’ entrance which may have meant that they were seeing more
David Curtis-Brignell, chairman, The Tourism Society individuals and fewer parties, resulting in lower numbers without the same negative impact on revenue (as individuals pay more). We will see. Similarly, some four and five star hotels in London were “holding out for rate” because the last minute rush for rooms and the shortage of available accommodation would mean higher yields. All of the general managers I have spoken to since have either admitted to cutting rates a month before the Games and getting bookings or not cutting rates and not getting bookings. Budget hotels were not all full either. So to some people, The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt’s comments were about as welcome as finding a copy of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ among the hymn books in a convent. What we can’t take away from 2012 is the fact that it was a
genuine surprise to many who expected the whole thing to be a disaster. I watched the opening ceremony and failed to see the anti-Tory political messages about the proletariat crushing the workers and the threat to the NHS. All I saw was a spectacular demonstration of British theatre – the rising chimneys, the forging of the rings, the cycling doves etc, etc. Then, as seems to be the case with a lot of people I have spoken to, we watched far more of the (excellent) BBC coverage than we expected. (Obviously not the boxing but pretty much everything else.) We kept a tally of the medals and rejoiced when Yorkshire overtook Australia and when we were told that if our female Olympians had been a country they would have ranked sixth in the medal table. I even managed to travel in and out of London by public transport – in fact I had better journeys during the Games than would normally be the case – hardly a signal failure, a passenger incident or the wrong type of sun. So what will the legacy be? Statistics will be thrown at us with more vigour than Keshorn Walcott chucked the javelin. As with the Games themselves there will have been winners and losers. I firmly believe that it is up to everyone in business now to grasp the opportunity that has been given to us as a result of highly successful Games and not rest on our laurels and wait for others to do it for us. The Games may be over but the race for capitalising on them has only just begun.
New faces at Tourism Society CHIEF executive of Visit Kent, Sandra Matthews-Marsh, has been elected vice-chairman of the Tourism Society. Sandra will be working with the society’s new chairman David Curtis-Brignell, for the coming year to drive up standards of professionalism across all areas of the industry – public, private and voluntary. Both have been active members of the society for some time and David has previously served as chairman. He also chaired the first English Tourism Week, which included the My Kent Big Weekend 2012 as a hallmark event. Sandra said: “I am honoured to have been elected to work with David and to drive forward the work of the Tourism Society which promotes the highest levels of training and professionalism. The society is committed to looking in detail at the many complex challenges tourism businesses, organisations and destinations face in a highly competitive international marketplace.”
Sandra Matthews-Marsh and David Curtis-Brignell
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Oxfordshire... beauty at its best
Things to see and do... P2-4
Visit Oxfordshire and discover one of the most beautiful English counties, with the most inspiring city at its heart... Offering so much to see and do, all year round, Oxford and Oxfordshire make an excellent destination for all whatever the weather. Explore Oxfordshire's varied landscape, visitor attractions and rural heritage or experience walking trails and cycling routes which show you all the hidden treasures on offer here, which makes it the ideal location for short breaks, holidays - and even staycations. If you're looking for a cultural getaway or a romantic city break then Oxford is a must. Renowned for its history and heritage, exquisite architecture, and ancient University, Oxford sits at the very heart of this rural county. Take time out to enjoy the county's bustling market towns, discover the film and literary connections or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river in one of the stunning Oxfordshire Cotswolds villages.
Widen your horizons by visiting (free) world class museums, family appeal attractions or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests. In Oxford and Oxfordshire you will find accommodation to suit all budgets from 5 star city centre hotels to family run B&B's and boating holidays on the River Thames. We have places to stay to suit every taste and budget. Choose where to stay in any of the beautiful settings found throughout the county of Oxfordshire and find the best accommodation conveniently placed for great days out. It's easy to visit Oxfordshire; Oxford is just 50 minutes from central London by train or 90 minutes by frequent bus services. Once here, you can visit much of Oxfordshire by public transport including many of the county's picturesque towns and villages.
Discover for yourself..
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Accommodation...
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Itineraries...
P7
Lunch stops...
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO...
Top 5 Attractions with themed tours for groups
Ashmolean Museum Bodleian Librar y Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours Blenheim Palace River & Rowing Museum
Blenheim Palace
From the city of Dreaming Spires, Oxford to the wondrous countryside of Oxfordshire, there are so many fantastic things to see and do here for all groups. Whether your groups are culture vultures visiting our historical gems such as Britain's Greatest palace - Blenheim Palace, Christ Church college or the Ashmolean Museum or they like to indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Bicester Village - we can provide an array of activities all year round to keep your groups coming back for more. If your groups are interested in gardens then look no further. We have an excellent choice of gardens from the first Botanical Garden in Britain to marvellous landscaping at Blenheim Palace, Stowe and Buscot Park. If you are looking for that relaxing break, Oxfordshire has all the ingredients needed. The idyllic villages located in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds offer some of the most stunning scenes in England and our market towns are hidden gems and offer great local experiences throughout the county. For itinerary ideas please visit our website www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/group-travel
Night Time in the City of Oxford After a full day of sightseeing and soaking up the delights of Oxfordshire, why not relax and take in one of the great night time activities on offer in Oxford? Visit the New Theatre and catch up on some of shows from the West End or take in a traditional performance at the Oxford Playhouse. Looking to catch the sunset over the spires of Oxford? Why not book a private walking tour with Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours, or find out about all ghosts and spooky tales with Bill Spectre Ghost Trails. Sunset river trips and BBQ’s are also on offer during the summer months for groups.
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
Bill Spectre ghost trails
THINGS TO SEE AND DO...
Oxfordshire’s Hidden Secrets for Groups • Broughton Castle will open especially for private group tours • Learn how to grow an orchid by a Chelsea Gold Winner at Newington Nurseries • Take a curator tour of the Ashmolean Museum and discover more about this fabulous museum • Didcot Railway offer evening visits for groups • Get up close and personal with the animals at the Cotswold Wildlife Park • Be guided on a cycle with Bainton Bikes and see the fabulous countryside of Oxfordshire • Treasure Hunts and Ghosts Trails at Oxford Castle Unlocked Oxford Castle Unlocked
Top 5
venues for Afternoon Tea
Cup & saucer
Oxford Malmaison - Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea
deur Heythrop Park Resort - Tea served in the gran of the Wedgewood Room
hid House
in the Orc Newington Nurseries - Dine among flowers al British experience Macdonald Randolph - The quintessenti es
with cake stands and cucumber sandwich water terraces nheim Palace - Champagne tea served on the
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www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO...
Oxfordshire meets Hollywood Film and TV locations
Broughton Castle
Oxford and Oxfordshire are used as the backdrop for many TV programmes and flim locations – here are a few itinerary ideas for your groups. • Hogwarts’ dining room is the dining hall at Christ Church College • The village of Bampton is used as the village scenes in Downton Abbey • Blenheim Palace was used in The Young Victoria and Gulliver’s Travel – to name a few! • Didcot Railway has been used in the CS Lewis film Beyond Narnia • Shakespeare in Love was filmed at our very own Broughton Castle • Morse and Lewis is filmed throughout our glorious city of Oxford • Midsomer Murders is filmed throughout South Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
3 hours in Oxford for your group
Top 5
Take a 45 minute river cruise with Salter’s Steamers or Oxford River Cruises and see the beauty of Oxford from the Thames.Then stretch your legs on a walking tour of the city with Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours and discover more about our fascinating city. Finish off with a visit to Oxford Castle Unlocked and be guided through the history of this amazing prison.
re Gardens in Oxfordshi
Waterperr y Gardens Buscot Park Stowe dens Oxford Botanical Gar Blenheim Palace FOR LOTS OF ITINERARY IDEAS
Oxford River Cruises
PLEASE VISIT www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/group-travel
www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com
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www.southernoxfordshire.com
Visit historic, vibrant market towns in southern Oxfordshire Southern Oxfordshire has always been at the heart of England’s rich history. There are pre-historic Bronze and Iron Age settlements, historic buildings, gardens, landmarks and even a Time Team excavation site which can all be explored. Lovers of the countryside will find areas of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. If you fancy a stroll along the River Thames or a more vigorous hike, there are many routes in rolling chalk hills or natural woodlands. And the independent shops with personal service make the towns a joy to visit. Wallingford lies just 13 miles from Oxford; Henley is a further 11 miles away and only 35 miles from central London. With its vibrant community life, and intriguing history, the market town of Wallingford has much to offer visitors. The first settlers were drawn here by the River Thames - and the river is still one of Wallingford's great attractions. There's plenty more to enjoy - Wallingford boasts an appealing town centre with a great selection of independent shops, and a range of restaurants, cafes and hostelries.
There are fascinating corners of Wallingford to explore from Royal castle ruins offering reminders of the Queens and Kings who lived in Wallingford to antique shops and ornate parks, gardens and Saxon earthworks - all easily accessible from the town centre. The Market Place with 17th century Town Hall still hosts many markets including the Charter Market every Friday – a tradition since 1155. Did you know that Midsomer Murders is filmed in the area and that Causton is the original fictional location of Wallingford? Or that Agatha Christie lived in Wallingford and wrote her characters and stories around local landmarks? Set within a backdrop of beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, Wallingford’s hidden gems are ripe for discovery. Henley on Thames enjoys an international reputation as home of the world’s greatest rowing regatta and has the joie de vivre of summer, yet is wonderful to visit in all seasons. A 12th century market town, Henley’s historic heart sits a few strides from one of
the most beautiful stretches of the river Thames. With its view of the iconic 18th century bridge and St Mary’s church, the main street has many Georgian facades and over 300 buildings designated with special architectural or historical interest. Henley’s riverside location lends itself to relaxation, long lunches and shopping where independent retailers offer a personal touch. The award-winning River & Rowing Museum has galleries dedicated to Rowing, Rivers and the history of Henley. It is also home to the magical Wind in the Willows exhibition and Terrace cafe. This is a town dedicated to enjoying the water. Watch others messing about on the river, or hire a boat and join in the fun – the summer straw boater and stripy blazer combo is optional. Numerous self-guided walks in and around both towns are available from both tourist offices ensuring visitors make the most of their trip. Visit the market towns of southern Oxfordshire:
www.southernoxfordshire.com
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ACCOMMODATION...
Accommodation in Oxfordshire In Oxford and Oxfordshire you will find accommodation to suit all budgets from 5 star city centre hotels to family run B&B's and boating holidays on the River Thames. We have places to stay to suit groups of all sizes.
Macdonald Randolph Hotel
FOR INFORMATION ON
Our wide selection of accommodation in and around Oxfordshire, offer some great facilities to help you relax. Enjoy a game of golf or treat yourself to a luxur y spa in one of our many quality hotels which all welcome groups – The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa and the Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa. Tr y The Old Swan and Minster Mill in the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds or the award winning Bay Tree Hotel in the stunning market town of Burford. If you’re looking to be located in the centre of the county for easy access to all our great attractions, then tr y The Deddington Arms Hotel or Heythrop Park Resor t. You are spoilt for choice in the centre of Oxford for hotels. Looking for 5 star quality? Then tr y the Macdonald Randolph Hotel and visit the relaxing Morse bar, or if you want to be locked away, stay in one of the conver ted cell rooms at the Oxford Malmaison and tr y to escape! Cotswold Lodge Hotel and Best Western Linton Lodge are a stones throw from the centre. The Oxford Hotel, Hawkwell House and Four Pillars Hotel also offer excellent retreats for groups.
Four Pillars Hotel
Four Pillars At Four Pillars Hotels we have been welcoming groups and hosting events for over 30 years. We are renowned for our attention to detail and take pride in caring for our guests. Our experienced and dedicated staff will assist with the organisation, offer ideas and ensure everything runs smoothly from your initial enquiry to the actual stay. Our 6 hotels are conveniently located in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, all of which are easily accessible, have ample parking and can accommodate a number of coaches. With properties ranging from a Victorian mansion to a contemporary lakeside resort, we are bound to have the perfect venue for a truly memorable visit, whatever your preferred style and budget.
COACH PARKING IN OXFORDSHIRE PLEASE VISIT www.vistoxfordandoxfordshire.com/group-travel
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ITINERARIES...
Day 1
Day 3
Arrive in Oxford. After checking in there’s free time to ‘get your bearings’ prior to dinner. Maybe include a trip to the Eagle and Child pub, meeting place of the Inklings. Or drop in to Exeter College - Lyra's home in Philip Pullman's trilogy.
This morning’s Official Guided Walking Tour of Oxford will concentrate on ‘Inspector Morse and Oxford Detectives’. Around midday, you’ll head into the Oxfordshire countryside for a pub lunch and spend the afternoon discovering some of the locations featured in Midsomer Murders around Wallingford.
The Radcliffe Camera Divinity School
Day 2 Today’s visit begins at the Bodleian Library and includes the wonderful Divinity School, Duke Humfrey's Library (Hogwarts' Library) and the Convocation House.Then follows an Official Guided Walking Tour chosen from CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, When Alice Met Harry,The Oxford Literary Tour or even Oxford Children's Stories Tour. It could include a visit to Christ Church, home of the real 'Alice' whose Great Tudor Hall inspired Hogwarts' Hall. Return to Christ Church Cathedral for candlelit Choral Evensong - an uplifting experience, quite different from a tourist visit.
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Prehistoric White Horse
Day 4 Spend an hour or two pottering around the places associated with John Betjeman in the attractive South Oxfordshire market town of Wantage which featured as Alfredston in Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure. Continue to the charming village school at Uffington, described in Tom Brown's Schooldays. Include a visit to the mysterious prehistoric White Horse. Official Guided Walking Tours
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LUNCH STOPS... Heythrop Park Resort Dating back to 1710, the quirky English estate of Heythrop Park Resort combines elegance with style and boasts two individual hotels within its 440 acres of grounds. Heythrop’s Main House provides the perfect setting to enjoy a quintessential Afternoon Tea, served daily between 1pm until 5pm in the elegant Wedgewood Suite, Charlbury Bar or Terrace Restaurant. Guests can enjoy a pleasant stroll in the stunning grounds and maybe even be lucky enough to spot deer, pheasants, munkjacks, kites and buzzards. Heythrop Park Resort, Enstone, Oxfordshire, OX7 5UE www.heythroppark.co.uk tel: 01608 673333
Oxfordshire Hotels Oxfordshire Hotels Ltd have four hotel restaurants, two in Oxfordshire - the White Hart in Dorchester on Thames, 8 miles south of Oxford and the Deddington Arms, 8 miles from Woodstock. Both with three star accommodation and restaurants that welcome groups for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Fixed Price Market Menus use mainly locally sourced ingredients in imaginative dishes - two course lunch at £11.95 and dinner priced at £16.95. The White Hart Hotel & Restaurant- 01865 340074 The Deddington Arms Hotel & Restaurant- 01869 338364 www.oxfordshire-hotels.co.uk
The Cherwell Boathouse The Cherwell Boathouse is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant on the banks of the river Cherwell, close to the centre of Oxford. Both the Restaurant and the Marquee on the terrace overlooking the river are wonderful places for lunch in a beautiful setting with good views of all the river activity.The restaurant offers fine food based on seasonal ingredients with two courses and a glass of wine for £15.75, an award winning wine list and friendly attentive service. Alternatively we can offer bbq’s and buffets in a private space in the Marquee. Cream teas are also available on booking, while there is the option of punting, a quintessential Oxford pastime. Cherwell Boathouse. Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6ST Marquee/Restaurant: 01865 552746 Punting: 01865 515978 www.cherwell boathouse.co.uk info@cherwellboathouse.co.uk
Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel Ideally located on the High Street in the centre of Oxford, is the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel. The restaurant and lounge are ideal for group lunches and dinners and traditional afternoon teas are our specialty. The one Rosette awarded High Table Restaurant provides you with the best food, wines and service available. With its 64 bedrooms, restaurant and lounge, the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel is the place for overnight stays, lunches, dinners and afternoon teas to suit your group’s needs and budget. Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel. 73 The High Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4BE Tel: 01865 248 332 Fax: 01865 794 163 Email: H6668@accor.com
No.1 Folly Bridge No.1 Folly Bridge, Oxford's unique waterside Brasserie. Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner on our large outdoor pontoon, or come inside to our main restaurant year round which has fabulous views over the river. Our lunch and dinner menus start at £10.95 for 3 courses and provide a unique dining opportunity ideal for groups of all sizes who are looking for a quick bite to eat or a more leisurely meal in beautiful surroundings. No. 1 Folly Bridge is also the embarkation point for scheduled boat trips, sightseeing and picnic cruises run by Oxford River Cruises. For more information visit our website - www.no1-folly-bridge.co.uk or contact us on 01865 201 293
The Feathers in Woodstock The Feathers in Woodstock is an inviting country retreat renowned for its excellent cuisine and famous gin collection. Its delicious new set lunch menu offers two-courses for £15, and is available in the Bar and Garden, Monday to Saturday, Noon to 2.30pm. The Feathers has an outstanding gin collection holding the Guinness World Record for the largest variety of gins anywhere on the planet. There is a seven-course Gin Experience Tasting Menu available and gin tasting lessons. Please call us to enquire: 01993 812291