Destination UK (September/October 2010)

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Issue 36 September/October 2010 £2.75

PM’s plans for industry ‘refreshing’

By Christina Eccles THE industry has welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron’s plans to work together to position the UK in the world’s top five tourism destinations.

Following a speech in which Mr Cameron pledged his support to UK tourism, key organisations have revealed they are keen to take up his challenge to work with tourism minister John Penrose to develop a strategy that sets the UK on the path to be in the top five tourist destinations in the world.

Chief executive of the British Hospitality Association Ufi Ibrahim said that the BHA warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s enthusiastic approach to the industry as the association had long been concerned about the lack of a joined up government approach to tourism.

She explained: “It’s completely refreshing to see the prime minister speak so enthusiastically of the value of the industry to the UK economy, and its potential future contribution. This is what the industry has been wanting to hear for many years.

“We also welcome the focus on

encouraging local tourism as a local industry and the ability of local authorities to invest more in tourism, though the details of this need to be carefully examined.”

She also said that the BHA is eager to have a major input into a report which is being prepared by the tourism minister on increasing domestic tourism. She added: “Increasing domestic tourism must be a key objective, but this will demand a huge effort on the part of the industry, local authorities, and governments. We look forward to working to achieve this, so that the tourism industry and the UK economy as a whole can benefit.”

VisitBritain has also pledged its support – with the organisation currently working on plans to boost UK tourism based around the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

CEO Sandie Dawe added: “We are delighted that the Prime Minister has declared so clearly that tourism is fundamental to the rebuilding and rebalancing of our economy. And we share his determination to use the coming decade to boost Britain’s international competitiveness in tourism and to take our industry to a whole new level.”

Welcome tips for overseas visitors

Robbie Williams was the star attraction at this year’s illuminations switch on event in Blackpool.

15,000 fans saw Robbie switch on the lights as well as performances from a line up of stars including opera-singing sensation Russell Watson, Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon and X Factor finalist Olly Murs.

NEW tips on extending a warm welcome to overseas visitors in the run up to the 2012 Olympics have been launched by VisitBritain.

The new online resource is designed to help everyone in tourism provide an efficient and helpful customer service that takes account of visitors’ cultural needs.

Tips have been written

by VisitBritain staff, who are natives of the countries featured, and have a wealth of insight into the places visitors come from.

CEO Sandie Dawe said: “Overseas visitors spend more than £16b a year in Britain, contributing massively to our economy and supporting jobs across the country. So giving our foreign visitors a friendly welcome is absolutely vital to our economy. With hundreds of thousands of people thinking of coming to Britain in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, this new advice is just one of the ways that VisitBritain is helping the tourism industry care for their customers – wherever they come from.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Tourism revenue could rise 60% in a decade

By Christina Eccles UK tourism revenue has the potential to grow by more than 60 per cent by 2020 – providing current challenges are tackled.

According to an independent report commissioned by VisitBritain, the total value of tourism to the UK is set to rise to £188b over the next decade thanks to factors such as the favourable exchange rate and the lure of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

And this should ensure that the sector grows at an above average rate of 3.5 per cent per annum between now and 2020.

However, the report warns that Government intervention will be the key to success because a range of marketing failures need to be tackled. These include:

Co-ordinating marketing to help small and medium sized tourist businesses who cannot afford to do it themselves Enabling rural firms who face higher costs of operating to adopt innovative technology Supporting the many districts across the UK that rely disproportionately on tourism as an important source of jobs for low skilled and part time workers.

The report also said the industry also needs help to improve its ability to predict what facilities will be needed for the tourists that are likely to turn up, to ensure the modernisation of hotels and venues is done in a way that retains their original appeal and authenticity and to adapt more swiftly to new trends such as the growth in older tourists.

Chairman of VisitBritain

Christopher Rodrigues said: “This detailed and rigorous report from Deloitte is enormously encouraging.

It demonstrates that the industry has the power to deliver a huge amount of extra wealth and jobs to Britain in the coming decade, with the total value of tourism to the British economy looking set to rise 60 per cent between now and 2020. This makes it clear that tourism, already Britain’s fifth largest industry and third biggest earner of foreign exchange, is going to be central to the health of the British economy for years to come.

The continuing low level of the pound and the approaching Olympics in 2012 give us a tremendous opportunity to promote Britain’s attractiveness as a destination to the rest of the world.’’

Toilets Catering Retail outlets Having completed a full assessment, racecourses will be awarded a VisitEngland plaque illustrated by the organisation’s red rose logo.

Jon Williams of Racing for Change said: “We want to make race going an experience to be enjoyed by all race goers including families.

“The VisitEngland Quality Assured plaque will act as a stamp of approval showing visitors that a day’s racing is a quality experience and great value for money.”

North East festival bringing tourism boost Page 6

Destination Ireland

Pages 12 & 13

Destination Cumbria/Lake District Page 10

Contacts EDITORIAL Andrew Harrod group editor 01226 734639 ah@whpl.net Louise Cordell reporter 01226 734694 lcordell@whpl.net Christina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@whpl.net Emma Spencer reporter 01226 734712 emmas@whpl.net

PRODUCTION

VisitEngland quality scheme assesses horse racing venues VISITENGLAND has set up the first quality scheme in the country for sport – with horse racing the first sport to be assessed in this way.

The VisitEngland Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme will assess 55 racecourses up until November and in partnership with Racing for Change, will send independent assessors to racecourses around the country. Areas under assessment will include: Pre-arrival information The website Journey planning Signage Welcome on arrival The actual sporting event

Entertainment news in Centrestage starting on Page 15

Judith Halkerston – group deputy editor – jhalkerston@whpl.net Stewart Holt – studio manager – sth@whpl.net Kyle Wilkinson – graphic designer kw@whpl.net Laura Blackburn – graphic designer lb@whpl.net ADVERTISING Andrew Loades assistant product manager 01226 734482 Tony Barry sales and marketing director 01226 734605/01226 734333

A fish-themed treasure hunt will help visitors celebrate the 120th anniversary of Agatha Christie on the English Riviera.

Throughout September, 120 special red herrings will be hidden across the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, with a series of clues encouraging amateur sleuths to discover their whereabouts. The individuals or teams who find the most red herrings by the end of the week will win prizes, which include a two night stay in the deluxe Park Plaza Victoria Hotel in London with tickets to see The Mousetrap.

CIRCULATION Kelly Tarff 01226 734695 kt@whpl.net Fax: 01226 734477

Web: www.destination.uk.com

Tourism bosses in Southport have revealed the dates for several major events taking place in the resort next year.

Events on offer to visitors to the town include the John Smith’s Grand National at nearby Aintree Racecourse next April, the Southport Food and Drink Festival in May, the Southport Air Show in July and The British Musical Fireworks Championships (pictured) in October.

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Campaigns generate over £13m MARKETING campaigns by Visit Peak District and Derbyshire to promote the area as a world class tourism destination have generated more than £13m for the region’s economy.

The official tourist board’s achievement accounts for almost half the total return brought into the East Midlands through tourism investment made by regional development agency emda in 2008/9.

Research carried out for East Midlands Tourism – emda’s tourism arm – has revealed that Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s 2008/9 Time to Escape campaign sparked the lion’s share of the £28m spent following regional marketing initiatives.

The news means that, for every pound invested by emda in Time to Escape, £46 was spent – the highest return on investment for any marketing campaign in the region.

Chief executive at the tourist board David James said: “These impressive figures can leave no-one in doubt just how crucial tourism is to both the local and regional economy.

“At a time when there is potentially less money available to develop and sustain tourism, it’s vital that cash continues to be invested in areas like the Peak District and Derbyshire, where the biggest returns are achieved.

“High-performing Time to Escape demonstrates what great value for money we offer in supporting the UK’s tourism industry, despite these economically challenging times.”

Culture and heritage a key motivator and money-maker BRITAIN’S major museums and galleries earned the country £1b in revenue from overseas tourists last year, according to a survey

by VisitBritain.

The new report shows Britain’s culture and heritage is a key motivator for many international visitors to the UK – with our free national museums and art galleries proving a particular draw.

VisitBritain sponsored a question on the International Passenger Survey asking about a range of activities that visitors may have undertaken during their stay.

And the results show that among the 30m inbound visits in 2009, 7.7m included visiting a museum and 4.2m, an art gallery.

Popular choices include the Tate Museums in London, Liverpool and St Ives, The National Gallery, The Imperial War Museums in London and Manchester and Kelvingrove art gallery and museum in Glasgow.

The results also show that the longer the duration of the stay, the more likely a tourist will visit a museum or art gallery – 42 per cent of people who stay 15+ nights will spend time at museums and 26 per cent in art galleries.

The top international visitors to

The Tate Modern UK museums are the French, followed by the Americans, German and Spanish.

For art galleries, Americans replace the French in the top spot with well over 500,000 visits, with the Germans and Spanish once again holding third and fourth place.

Although not appearing in the top ten in terms of volume, Brazilians and Argentineans are the most avid museum visitors – nearly two-thirds had made a visit.

VisitBritain’s chief executive Sandie Dawe said: “This survey

showcases the international appeal of Britain’s culture and heritage – where else could you see Grand Masters next to cutting edge installations, a Spitfire hanging next to a Dali?

“We are fortunate in the authenticity of what we have to promote and the connections that our rich culture makes across the world. Tourism is the golden thread running through the cultural sector, delivering the economic benefits of our world class culture and ensuring that these great works and museums continue to be appreciated.”

Resort in bid to net football fans

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The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is encouraging visitors to follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare with a new map. The map illustrates how to walk from Stratfordupon-Avon town centre across the fields to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – the route which Shakespeare walked when he was courting his

future wife.

Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Diana Owen said: “This is lovely easy walk for visitors to enjoy especially during the summer months. We hope lots of our visitors will be encouraged to leave their cars in town and set off on foot to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.”

PREMIER League football fans are being encouraged to use their team’s away fixture at Blackpool to enjoy a family break in the resort. visitBlackpool has created a dedicated webpage for visiting fans, which includes access to offers from the resort’s restaurants and attractions – with money off food, entrance fees and even taxis up for grabs.

Alongside these deals, there is also information on areas including accommodation, parking, travel and events.

Head of visitBlackpool Natalie Wyatt said: “The whole town is extremely proud of Blackpool Football Club’s promotion to the Premier League – and it gives many new fans the opportunity to visit the town.

“We have created a series of special offers to make it simpler and cheaper to visit Blackpool and would certainly encourage families to come and enjoy the resort together, even if not everyone is going to the match.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

Area reports rise in visitor spending

By Christina Eccles VISITORS to the Peak District and Derbyshire spent more than £1.46b in the county last year, according to new research.

A study carried out on behalf of East Midlands Tourism revealed that tourist spending in the area rose from more than £1.42b in 2008 – an increase of three per cent.

The study, conducted by Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM), also shows that tourism supported more than 25,000 jobs in Derbyshire and the total number of tourists visiting the county increased from more than 35m in 2008 to more than 36m last year.

Head of marketing and deputy chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire David Thornton said: “Given the current economic climate, it’s great news that tourism is responsible for some growth – both in terms of the number of people who visit and how much they spend and the number of jobs they support.

“These figures underline the importance of what Prime Minister David Cameron said in his recent speech, indicating that tourism will be one of the key drivers to kick start the UK out of recession.

“They offer further proof of just how vital tourism is to the local, regional and national economy, and show how important it is to continue to invest in areas such as ours, where the largest returns are achieved.

“Now the challenge for us, and for tourism businesses across the area, is to work together and be greater than the sum of our parts so we can successfully compete on an international scale to answer the Government’s call and generate new tourism business for Britain.

“And, following the launch of our recent industry membership scheme, we look forward to sharing our continuing success with as many of our tourism businesses as possible, as well as making a crucial contribution to the area’s overall economic prosperity.”

Four of the world’s smallest otters have been born and successfully reared at Blackpool Zoo for the first time in its 38 year history. The cute quartet of Oriental Small Clawed otters are now out and about after spending their first two months being cared for by their mother.

Attractions see an increase in numbers VISITS to some of England’s most popular visitor attractions were up by five per cent last year, according to a VisitEngland survey.

The Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions showed that all categories experienced growth last year – with historic houses and castles topping the bill with a 12 per cent increase.

Gardens grew by 10 per cent while attractions in rural locations were up by seven percent, followed by those in coastal areas which increased by three per cent.

Nine out of ten of England’s top free attractions were either a museum or art gallery with the British Museum maintaining its top spot with just under 5.6m visitors.

The Tower of London topped the paid for category with 2.4m visits –

with other attractions in the top 10 including St Paul’s Cathedral, Windermere Lake Cruises and Chester Zoo. VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford said: “Our job at VisitEngland is to inspire Brits and international visitors alike to enjoy every minute in this wonderful country. Our attractions are world class, whether you’re looking for a zoo, a historical gem, a theme park or one of our beautiful gardens.

This latest report shows a strong trend towards day trips, with attractions reporting an eight per cent increase in visitors who live locally.

“Wherever we live in the country, we are never far away from some amazing attractions offering a great day out for the whole family.”

Exhibitors flock to sign up for show OVER 100 exhibitors have already signed up for Excursions 2011 – five months before the show takes place.

The one-day group travel show, is organised by Tourism South East and Group Travel Organiser magazine – with support from Visit London and East of England Tourism – and will be held at London’s Alexandra Palace in January.

Tourism South East’s travel trade manager Elaine Pearce said: “Excursions is continuing to grow in popularity with both exhibitors and visitors alike. For 2011, we plan to build even more on the visitor quality and quantity. Next year’s show promises to offer new and unmissable opportunities for group travel organisers planning their days out and short breaks.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS

North East festival bringing tourism boost

By Christina Eccles THE organisers of a festival in the North East have revealed how it is successfully boosting tourism in the region.

The Mouth of the Tyne festival is organised by North Tyneside Council and this year’s event attracted about 150,000 visitors.

Highlights of the programme included free world-class street entertainment, live music and special one-off performances as well as a ticketed, paid for

concert at local attraction Tynemouth Priory and Castle from popular singer James Morrison.

According to tourism and events project officer Laura Picton, the event is gradually getting a good reputation throughout the region and further afield and is proving profitable for local businesses who can cash in on the extra visitors which the festival generates.

She explained: “Year on year, the event has a growing attendance from the wider North East region and beyond and

statistics from a visitor survey showed that six per cent of attendees were from outside of the region.

“Local hoteliers, B&Bs, restaurants, bars, shops and other local amenities benefited from the festival and research showed that visitors spent an average of £7 each during their visit.”

Past performers at Tynemouth Priory have also included The Script and Beverley Knight and Laura also said that this event is consistently the most popular part

of the festival – attracting a national and even international crowd.

She added: “Data capture from ticket sales via Ticketmaster for the James Morrison concert showed that people travelled from throughout the UK and Europe to attend. This event in particular is an example of how we use the coastal lifestyle and stunning tourist setting to engage residents and visitors in exciting events and festivals that can provide economic and social benefits to the area.”

Weather fails to dampen enthusiasm of overseas visitors

Group to operate attraction till 2028

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THE Continuum Group have secured a lease extension to The Real Mary King’s Close visitor attraction which will see the company continue to operate one of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions until at least 2028.

Continuum first opened The Real Mary King’s Close in the spring of 2003 and original lease was to run until 2013.

But following negotiations with the City of Edinburgh Council this has now been extended for a further 15 years.

Chief executive of the Continuum Group Juliana Delaney said: “To have the confidence and security to further invest in the attraction is wonderful news. We’re extremely proud of what has already been achieved and we will strive to continue delivering an uplifting world class attraction.

As part of the deal we have managed to negotiate additional space which will allow us to broaden our offer, and most importantly, will make our visitors’ experience even more special.”

OVERSEAS visitors to the UK are not put off by the unpredictability of the British weather, it has been claimed.

In a VisitBritain survey, 1,000 would-be holidaymakers in three dozen countries worldwide were asked to rate how much they agreed with this statement: “I would not want to visit Britain because of the weather there.’’

On a scale where one equals “strongly disagree” and seven equals “strongly agree” the average score was just 2.76, indicating that, overall, people strongly disagreed with that view.

They were also asked to rate the opinion: “Britain is always wet and foggy.” The average score was 4.48 suggesting that people tended to agree, but not very strongly.

VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said: “This survey shows that Britain’s weather is not as bad as folklore would have us believe. Our research also tells us that visitors from overseas come here to experience our world class heritage and culture, be this Tate Liverpool, Edinburgh Castle, the British Museum or Stonehenge.

“Visitors do not come with a belief that should a few drops of rain fall then their trip will be ruined.’’

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DESTINATIONNEWS

London taxis hailed the best

He added that music is a key part of the city’s cultural offer – with domestic tourists spending over £100m on cultural and recreational events in the north of Ireland each year – and the event will help to showcase this.

LONDON’S taxis have been voted the best in the world for the third year running, according to the annual taxi report, compiled by Hotels.com.

59 per cent of travellers polled across the world said that London’s black cabs were by far and away the pick of the world’s taxis.

Despite also being named the most expensive, London’s taxi drivers fared the best across a number of categories including friendliness, cleanliness, quality of driving and knowledge of the area.

The top ten cities in the world for taxis: 1. London 2. New York 3. Tokyo 4. Berlin 5. Bangkok 6. Madrid 7. Copenhagen 8. Dublin 9. Frankfurt 10. Paris Director of communications at Hotels.com Alison Couper said: “It’s great to hear that London has won the best taxi vote for the third year running. The journey to your accommodation should not be a stressful or off-putting experience as it can severely taint your view of a destination, if bad.

“A friendly, knowledgeable taxi driver helps form a positive first impression and they are most definitely an important part of any country’s tourism industry.”

He added: “By teaming up with MTV, we are directly tapping into this market – and, in particular, taking our message directly into the homes of actively travelling young adults, allowing us to showcase and strengthen Belfast’s position on the world stage as a primary destination for music, entertainment and culture, and also to increase our profile as an exciting weekend break destination.

Card aimed at visitors from India

MTV to showcase city to ‘completely new audience’

By Christina Eccles A FORTHCOMING MTV visit to Belfast will showcase the city to a completely new audience, according to Belfast City Council.

The broadcaster’s ‘MTV Presents …’ concert, featuring Mark Ronson, will take place at the Waterfront on September 19 and will be broadcast to an estimated 213m people across 28 different MTV networks.

And tourism bosses are hoping the partnership will help to attract visitors who had never previously thought of visiting the city.

Chairman of Belfast City Council’s development committee coun Conor Maskey explained: “This association with MTV means that we can reach people, both internationally and locally, that we have not had the opportunity to reach before.

“MTV’s audience, by its very nature, is young and interested in contemporary music. They are from a demographic that travels, and seeks out new cultural experiences.

“Internationally, cultural tourism is developing into one of the fastest-growing and most sustainable aspects of the tourism industry, accounting for more than 40 per cent of all world travel. Recent research shows that 21 per cent of potential visitors are

inspired to choose a destination because of the music or bands of that country.”

“This event, and the surrounding programming, will provide the opportunity to showcase our rich musical heritage, thriving contemporary music scene, promote our distinctiveness and increase the number of Belfast musicians doing business internationally.”

The MTV concert will be the culmination of Belfast Music Week, which will see more than 100 shows taking place across the city,

App leads way with Fido factor PET owners have been given a helping hand to find the most dog friendly destinations in the UK thanks to a new app created for the iphone.

The app, launched by Dog Friendly and the Kennel Club, helps dog owners to find all the dog friendly lodgings in the area where

they live or are visiting.

It lists more than 10,000 places including beaches, suggested days out and even veterinary surgeries within the user’s vicinity.

Co-founder of Dog Friendly Steve Bennett said: “As a dog owner myself, I know how frustrating it can be when you can’t find

anywhere to go that will allow your dog in as well.

“This iPhone app has long been an ambition of mine and I am glad that we are now able to launch it and help bring together the country’s dog owners and the very many dog friendly businesses that are out there.”

VISITBRITAIN and Standard Chartered Bank have teamed up to provide a prepaid travel money card for travellers visiting the UK from India.

Travellers will be able to purchase a card for a small sum and will then load it with currency before they travel.

The card is loaded with Rupees, which will automatically be converted into Pounds Sterling, ready to be withdrawn as cash in the UK, or spent directly from the card in British shops and restaurants.

The scheme forms part of VisitBritain’s drive to smooth away the hassles of international travel and make tourists feel they are receiving a first-class welcome when they holiday in the country.

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DESTINATIONGROUP LEISURE PREVIEW

Travel trade exhibition is not to be missed ORGANISERS of the Group Leisure and Travel Trade Show (GLTT), which takes place at the NEC, are encouraging group travel organisers, coach operators and the wider travel trade not to miss this important industry meeting place, by pre-registering now.

Britain’s biggest event for group travel is now in its 14th successive year and the only show of its type this year at the NEC. Emma Cash of YPL Exhibitions said: “The GLTT is designed to stimulate ideas and provide solutions for travel in the UK, Europe and further afield. It is both

a relevant and important two days of networking face to face for all group travel professionals, coach operators and travel trade executives. In particular, the show provides the very latest information on the group travel market and really is an unmissable event for those serious about the industry.”

As Britain’s biggest trade event for group travel, coach tourism and the travel market at the NEC in 2010, visitors to the show will find around 250 exhibitors, a coach display area and the Premier Lounge.

This year the Premier Lounge is

sponsored by The Wizard of Oz and nominated ‘Premier Club’ visitors can follow the yellow brick road to find out more information about this exciting new production.

The show also provides visitors with a free bacon butty breakfast on arrival for the first part of the day and also offers free coach transport from various locations within the UK. There is also free car parking for bona-fide group travel organisers and coach operators plus travel trade executives who must preregister for the show to qualify, saving the £8.00 NEC parking fee.

Coach operators who bring their

own groups can also receive free coach parking if they pre-book with the organisers.

The GLTT takes place over the two days of September 22 and 23, in Hall 11 of the NEC Birmingham.

Entry is free of charge and all visitors can now pre-register for fast track entry by visiting the website or contacting the show hotline.

Pre-registered attendees to the show also automatically qualify to be entered into a prize draw to win a holiday for two people to Italy, sponsored by Newmarket Travel Service.

Group Leisure Exhibitors’ list

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A-Ha Marketing Advantage Now – Hotel Leisure Sales Alnwick Castle Alnwick Gardens American Museum in Britain Angela Holidays Ltd Aristel Hotels Ascot Racecourse Avoncroft Museum Bamburgh Castle Bateaux Parisiens Beaulieu & Buckler’s Hard The Beautiful South (Tourism SE) Best Western Hotels Best Western South East Hotels The Black Country Living Musuem Blackwell Arts & Crafts Blenheim Palace Bohlale Safari & Golf Tours South Africa Bosworth Battlefield Boundary Mill Stores Bourne Hall Country House Hotel Britannia Hotels Burn Hall Hotel Cadbury World Cannock Chase Council Cardiff & Co Choice Hotels Europe City Sightseeing Classic International Cruises Ltd Classic Lodges Hotel Group Coach Link Coach World CoachChoice Collette Worldwide Holidays Condor Ferries Conference Aston

Coventry Transport Museum Crich Tramway Village Cruise for Groups Cumbria Tourism Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre De Vere Hotels, Resorts & Venues Destination Bristol Destination Specialists Destination UK Dinosaur Isle The Discovery Collection Dove Cottage Dudley Canal Trust Tunnel Trips Dunwood Travel Durley Dean Hotel East Midlands Trains easy-breaks.com Effe Hotels & Travel Encore Tickets Ltd English Heritage Eurocamp Europe Incoming Budapest Exbury Gardens And Steam Railway Explore The Lake District Ford And Etal Estates Four Pillars Hotels Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Generator Hostels Go Windermere GoCruise The Golden Coast of Southern Wales Grasmere Gingerbread Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show 2011 Group Leisure Magazine Group Line Group Travel Organisers Association

Guoman & Thistle Hotels Harry Shaw Group Travel The Headway Hotel Hello Paris Ltd Highlight – Live Comedy And Entertainment Holiday Inn Winchester Holiday On Ice Hornsea Freeport Huggler Hotels Hurtigruten ICT Imperial College London India Tourism InterChoice Holidays Intourist UK Isle of Wight Council Isles of Scilly Israel Tourist Office Jersey Tourism Jesta Black Jack Casino Jet2.com Jinney Ring Craft Centre just for groups! & Grand UK Hotels Killarney – Ireland Lake District Visitor Centre Lakeland Motor Museum Lakes Aquarium Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Lansdowne Place Hotel Latona Leisure Leaf Hotels Leeds & Pennine Yorkshire Lichfield District Council Longhirst Martyn Leisure Resorts & Hotels Mersey Ferries Methodist Heritage Modern Hotels – Jersey

National Memorial Arboretum National Trust Newmarket Racecourses Newmarket Travel Service Norfolk Lavender Norman Allen Group Travel Normandy Tourist Board Northern Secrets Ltd Norwegian Cruise Line NPF Bassetts Pole On The Go Tours Orbis Insurance Services Ltd P&O Ferries Park Inn Phoenix Holidays Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village Potters Leisure Resort Quietvox UK Ramada Jarvis Hotels Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Red Funnel The River Cruise Line Royal Botanical Gardens Kew The Royal British Legion – Poppy Travel Royal Marine Hotel Royal Shakespeare Company Saga ScotRail Severn Valley Railway Seymour Hotels SGE Hotels Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Shrewsbury Flower Show Simply Groups Snibston Discovery Museum South Quay Cruises South Quay Travel & Leisure

South Staffordshire Council Southern Wales Southport – England’s Classic Resort Steve Reed Tourism Ltd Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa Strathmore Hotels Success Tours Tailored Travel Tamworth Borough Council The Ticket Factory Titan Travel Transun Travelsphere And Page & Moy Travtel Treasure Park Tutankhamun Manchester Ullswater Steamers Viking River Cruises Virgin Trains Visit Blackpool Visit Luton Waddesdon Manor Warner Leisure Hotels Warwick Castle Waverley & Balmoral Wentworth Castle Gardens West End Theatre Breaks West Midland Safari Park West Park West Somerset Railway White Hotel Group of Ireland Wightlink Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd Woods Coaches Ltd The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Exhibitors’ list was correct at time of going to press

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DESTINATIONLAKE DISTRICT AND CUMBRIA

Car maker spreads Buttermere word LAKE Buttermere has been voted Britain’s most beautiful view in a poll by car manufacturer Chevrolet.

The survey – conducted to celebrate the best of scenic Britain – discovered one in five people asked believe the Cumbria attraction is the nation’s top view.

This was closely followed by

neighbouring Lake Derwentwater, which received 11 per cent of the vote.

To celebrate Britain’s top views, the car company has created a four metre wide gilt frame which turns the natural environment into scenic art and enables families to enjoy the views from the comfort of the car.

World's most luxury ship sails into Whitehaven THE most luxurious cruise liner ever to set sail has been welcomed into Whitehaven as part of a drive to boost tourism along the Cumbrian coast.

The luxurious 12-deck vessel – named The World – is carrying around 150 to 200 guests all staying in private residences onboard.

Each residence ranges in price from between £500,000, up to as much as £13m.

Officials from Cumbria Tourism have been working to attract more cruise ships to the ports to boost tourism along the county coast and heads up a special group called Cumbria's Cruise Group, featuring all the leading players across the county.

Chief executive Ian Stephens said: "This is without doubt the world's most prestigious ship.

It's also a very highly visible result of all the work being done by ourselves and our partners to put Cumbria on the map in the cruise world. We really hope businesses in the area benefit as a result."

The visit by the World provided an opportunity for passengers and over 250 crew members from 40 different countries, to explore both the historic port town of Whitehaven, and see some of the sights of the Lake District on a series of special tours.

Ian added: "If we can attract this calibre of ship to our shores and impress them while they're here, it can help spread the word about why Cumbria is a must-visit port-ofcall for cruise ships visiting UK waters."

Package for stargazers A HOTEL in the Lake District is cashing in on the area’s popularity as a destination for star-gazers by creating a new package for astronomy fans.

Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa’s ‘Starry Eyed’ package allows visitors to view 10 thousands of stars, planets,

and even galaxies from the specially installed telescope in the hotel’s conservatory.

And as a lasting reminder of the experience, visitors even name their own star which will be registered on the Intergalactic Star Database.

Families can drive into parking spaces located in front of the top views in the UK and see them through the frame, which captures the best part of the landscape.

Chevrolet’s Les Turton said: “We don’t need to fork out on flights to find scenic locations. It is really great that more and more people are appreciating and

acknowledging everything that our own country has to offer us.

There is a wealth of beauty on offer to everyone within the UK and we only need to hit the road to find it.”

Other destinations to make it into the top 10 included Seven Sisters in Sussex, St Ives and Stonehenge.

Funding cuts mean major restructure A MAJOR restructure will take place at Cumbria Tourism after the organisation lost out on funding worth over £1m.

The cuts will mean the organisation focuses on priority projects to promote the area to visitors and has a leaner workforce come the New Year.

Since 2004, Cumbria Tourism's work has been helped by an annual £1.3m grant from the Northwest Development Agency.

But that is coming to an end after the government asked the NWDA to find savings of £52m before the end of March 2011.

Chief executive Ian Stephens explained: "This is not the end of Cumbria Tourism but the action we are taking to address a change in how we will be funded in the future. We must reset what we do to ensure that the Lake District and Cumbria continues to be professionally promoted as a place to visit – irrespective of the new financial climate in the public sector.

"We will remain a membership organisation working on behalf of county tourism businesses likes B&Bs, cottages, visitor attractions and hotels.

We will also continue to operate the

successful golakes.co.uk website which brings in millions of pounds worth of bookings to the county's tourism businesses every year.

"We will continue to produce our annual holiday guide which profiles the area to visitors and is used by 73 per cent of people to make their choice of where to stay. We will continue to promote the internationally famous Lake District, Cumbria brand and all aspects of affordable marketing will be delivered to the highest standards as always.

"Marketing, promotion, sales and the voice of the strong private membership will be central to the new structure."

Cumbria Tourism's work is also funded by over 3,500 tourism businesses who subscribe to become members of the organisation. It also bids for funding from other organisations and this will continue.

A consultation process has begun to assess the roles of Cumbria Tourism’s existing staff and the organisation’s new priorities.

At the end of the consultation, a newly restructured Cumbria Tourism will emerge with new tourism objectives led by the industry.

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Historic Royal Palaces and Royal Armouries have joined forces to present ‘Fit for a King’, a stunning new permanent exhibition showcasing five hundred years of royal arms and armour. The Tower of London’s iconic White Tower will host the exhibition of Tudor, Stuart, Hanoverian and Windsor arms and armour from Easter 2010, marking the 350th anniversary of King Charles II’s restoration and the Tower of London opening to visitors for the first time.

The exhibition begins with two contrasting pieces of 16th Century armour created for King Henry VIII. His intricately decorated ‘silvered and engraved’ armour (c.1515) celebrates his marriage to Katherine of Aragon, and is adorned with the intertwined initials ‘H’ and ‘K’. This armour was possibly one of the first works produced in Henry’s newly-established workshops at Greenwich. This will be displayed alongside Henry’s much later field and tournament garniture armour (c.1540), probably made for one of the last tournaments organised by the monarch.

Whilst Henry VIII’s armour was created in the Greenwich workshops built by the King, the exhibition will also showcase the skilled craftsmanship of other nation’s armour workshops. The truly exquisite, traditional Japanese armour (c.1610) gifted to King James I (James VI of Scotland) by Tokugawa Hidetaada is almost certainly the first Japanese armour ever to be seen in Britain.

Image courtesy of The Royal Armouries.

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Also joining the royal line up on five hundred years of armour, are those created for much younger royalty, including young Edward VI and Charles I as a prince, so they could ‘dress up’ as their heroic fathers and ancestors. King Edward VI’s light cavalry armour of about 1550 was crafted for the teenage King when he was aged just 13 years in the Greenwich workshops established by his father, Henry VIII. Young Prince Charles’s miniature horseman’s armour of about 1615 which later passed from Charles I to his eldest son, the future Charles II, is another beautiful work of art created in the Netherlands.

Finally, a collection of Hanoverian and Windsor swords starting with George I’s through to that of George VI completes the line up of nearly five centuries of royal arms and armour.

See our next edition for exciting news of the new ‘Royal Beasts’, an interactive exhibition recalling the days when the Tower was home to exotic lions, bears and even an elephant.

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 groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk. Please quote “Destination UK September” when contacting us.

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New campaign spreads the word OVER 11m potential holidaymakers in the UK are hearing Tourism Ireland’s new advertising campaign for Dublin.

The series of light hearted ads – which consist of a tongue-in-cheek apology to other popular European cities (including Rome, Madrid and Paris) for beating them in the friendliness stakes – has been

aired on major national and regional radio stations throughout the UK. Capitalising on Dublin’s TripAdvisor accolade of ‘Europe’s Friendliest City’, the message behind the ads is all about the ‘craic’ that visitors will have when they come to Dublin.

Tourism Ireland’s deputy head of

Great Britain Vera Stedman said: “Again and again, our research shows us that the friendliness of the people here is one of our unique selling points.

“Tourism Ireland’s new radio ads are an amusing and light-hearted way of promoting Dublin. It is the warm welcome and the ‘craic’ here that resonates with potential

holidaymakers overseas and make the city such a great choice for a short break or holiday.”

As well as the radio ads, the new Dublin campaign includes online advertising on key websites, direct marketing and social media initiatives, as well as promotions with tour operators and air and sea carriers.

Ireland ready to make a hole in the golfing market GOLF fans are being targeted as part of a new campaign to promote Ireland as a premier golfing destination.

Against the backdrop of the recent 3 Irish Open, minister for tourism, culture and sport, Mary Hanafin spoke about the importance of showcasing Ireland through golf tourism as Fáilte Ireland outlined its intent to maximise the potential of the event for Ireland’s golfing and tourism sectors.

Fáilte Ireland has been working with the golf industry, through a

national Golf Forum, to put in place a number of initiatives to boost golf tourism in Ireland.

As part of this, a new brand – Time to Play – has been unveiled to rival competing destinations such as Scotland and Wales and Padraig Harrington brought on board as Ireland’s golf ambassador.

During the Irish Open, there was also a “Big Brother” style diary room where visitors could tell their favourite golf story.

The winner of the competition will now be involved in a new Discover Ireland golf advert.

New development forum set to boost tourism in Kerry A NEW development forum has been created to boost tourism in Kerry.

Fáilte Kerry will be responsible for spearheading and overseeing a three-year plan for tourism in the region, with support from Fáilte Ireland.

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The new organisation replaces the

former South West Regional Tourism Development Board and one of its key aims will be to identify and implement a range of measures designed to boost overseas visitors to the region.

Membership is drawn from the tourism industry, business interests, the Local Authority and Fáilte Ireland.

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Wicklow holidays filmed WICKLOW has been promoted as a holiday destination to 750,000 potential visitors following a visit by a Belgian TV crew.

The crew filmed two episodes of weekly travel programme Vlaanderen Vakantieland in the county, which will air in Belgium next spring.

The theme of the episodes filmed in Wicklow is ‘family holidays in Ireland’ and specifically holidays in a horse-drawn caravan. Footage will include well-known Belgian comedian Herman Verbruggen with his family enjoying the relaxed pace of a holiday by horse-drawn caravan and the scenery in this part of Ireland.

Tourism Ireland’s manager in Belgium Danielle Neyts said: “We are delighted that VRT has chosen to film in Wicklow. It is a wonderful opportunity to highlight what this part of Ireland has to offer to a huge Belgian audience. The two episodes of Vlaanderen Vakantieland filmed here will be seen by hundreds of thousands of potential holidaymakers, looking for ideas and suggestions for their next short break or holiday destination.”

Irish visitors targeted in Dublin campaign

By Christina Eccles AN advertising campaign worth €160,000 has been rolled out to promote Dublin to visitors from other parts of Ireland.

The campaign – which is funded by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Dublin Tourism, the Irish Hotels Federation and Dublin City BID – complements the larger Discover Ireland campaign launched earlier this year.

A mixture of radio and press adverts, it will highlight what there is to do in Dublin, focusing on three target markets in particular – families, young couples and the over 55s.

Fáilte Ireland’s head of operations in Dublin Kevin Moriarty said: “With the campaign, we want to encourage people from all around the country to consider a short break in Dublin.

We, in Fáilte Ireland, believe that there is great potential in the home holiday market and are determined to put Dublin firmly in the frame as many potential visitors look to plan their weekends away and short breaks.

“We hope this campaign will entice potential visitors who may not have considered Dublin as a holiday location to

reconsider. The developments across the national road network along with the increased value throughout the industry means that Dublin has never been closer or such good value.

“What is on offer in Dublin today reflects a great opportunity for people all around the country to come to their capital city and have an enjoyable break.”

Chief executive of Dublin Tourism Frank Magee said: "We at Dublin Tourism are excited to launch this dynamic domestic tourism campaign for Dublin, generously supported by Fáilte Ireland.

“The result of a strong partnership between a number of key industry players, the campaign is designed to drive additional business to our tourism partners at a difficult time for the tourism industry. Domestic tourism has proven resilient in recent times and we would like to ensure Dublin has its share of that business.

“2009 saw a 25 per cent increase in the number of domestic bed nights for Dublin – our target is to build on that figure this year."

Japanese fact-finders A GROUP of Japanese travel agents have visited Ireland to discover what the country has to offer tourists from Japan.

The group enjoyed a fact-finding visit around the country – taking in places such as Belfast and the Hill of Tara – before attending a B2B tourism workshop in Dublin.

Tourism Ireland’s head of Australia and developing markets Jim Paul said: “We are delighted these travel agents took time out of their busy schedules to visit the island of Ireland. For many, it was their first time here and they were extremely impressed by our spectacular scenery, the wealth of historic attractions, as well as by the hospitality and friendliness of the people they met.

“Familiarisation visits such as these are extremely important as they help the travel agents to know exactly what we have to offer potential Japanese holidaymakers; the aim is that when they return home to Japan they are better equipped to advise their clients on future travel plans and trip bookings.”

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14 KEW Palace

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This summer, take advantage of our new joint ticket for admission to Kew Palace and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew at the extra special price of £13.50 per adult and £11.63 per concession, exclusively for pre-booked groups of ten or more.

Evening tours are available every Sunday during the opening season at 17.00h.

These guided tours are available for groups of 225 people and finish with a glass of wine in Kew Palace’s atmospheric Tudor Undercroft. This is a perfect way to end the day for just £22.00 per person plus vat.

For groups who wish to purchase a memento from their visit, the Welcome Centre offers a selection of gifts whilst the Orangery restaurant caters for those who wish to get a bite to eat.

As one of the most intimate of royal palaces, groups can also explore this family home of King George III and Queen Charlotte (1800- 18) as 2010 marks the celebration of the 250th anniversary of George III’s accession to the throne. Meet the man himself along with his extended family including Queen Charlotte and some of their fifteen children! Groups need to hurry however, as spaces are limited and the palace will close it’s doors for the winter on 26th September but re-opens in April 2011.

For your groups opportunity to explore this intimate palace, call our Contact Centre on 0844 482 7770 or e-mail groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk. Please quote "Destination UK September" when contacting us.

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Musical celebrates with a treble ...

THE legendary musical Les Misérables will celebrate its 25th birthday by making theatrical history with an international first of three different productions in London at the same time – the original production at the Queen's Theatre, the new 25th anniversary production at The Barbican and a celebratory concert at The O2 on Sunday October 3.

The 25th anniversary concert at The O2 will host a company of

over 500 actors and musicians, including Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Nick Jonas as Marius, Norm Lewis as Javert, Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Lea Salonga as Fantine, Jenny Galloway as Madame Thénardier, Camilla Kerslake as Cosette and the casts of the original production at the Queen's Theatre, the new 25th anniversary production at the Barbican, London and members of the original 1985 London cast.

Photographs: Catherine Ashmore ©

Theatres set to re-open

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Actress Pamela Anderson will appear as the genie of the lamp in Liverpool Empire’s Christmas pantomime, Aladdin. Pamela returns to pantomime following her successful appearance in the same role at the New Wimbledon Theatre last year.

As well as Pamela, the show will also star Liverpool favourite Les Dennis as Wishee Washee, with more star names still to be announced.

THE Royal Shakespeare and Swan theatres will reopen in November following a four-year redevelopment, the Royal Shakespeare Company has confirmed.

From November 24, visitors will be invited to rediscover and explore the building, which will have a brand new 1,000 seat thrust stage auditorium, 36m high Tower, new exhibition spaces, new places to eat and drink, restored 1930s features and improved public areas including the new Weston Square.

Visitors will also be able to take part in a series of preview events and activities which will help test the spaces, while throughout the opening period, Matilda, A Musical will play at The Courtyard Theatre.

Next February, the current RSC ensemble will perform the first productions on the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage when they return from London’s Roundhouse to revive King Lear and Romeo and Juliet, directed by RSC Associate Directors, David Farr and Rupert Goold.

The RSC will then celebrate its 50th birthday and formally reopen the theatres with new companies and a new season from April 2011.

Meeting the cast is Donna James, sales executive for the South East region with Éponine and Marius.

Show marks 25 years at the top SHORT break specialist, Superbreak has reported that 25 years after it first opened, Les Misérables is still one of the operator’s top-selling shows in the West End. With the show currently celebrating its 25th birthday year, the world’s longest-running musical continues to wow audiences and has never left the top ten in a quarter of a century.

The company offers a wide range of packages that combine overnight accommodation in hotels all across the capital with tickets to see the show – from budget to top-priced options. With its rail ticket add-ons, more and more people from around the UK can now come to London for a short break, enjoy all it has to offer and take in a West End show.

Sales director Ian Mounser said: “Les Misérables is only a couple of

years younger than Superbreak and like us, the show continues to grow and develop. It has been seen by 56m people worldwide in 42 countries which really is staggering.

“It’s the world’s longest-running musical and has an extensive following with people returning time and time again. We want agents to work hard promoting add-ons such as theatre tickets when they are selling London – we know that average booking values are on the increase (£349 in August 2009 against £412 in August 2010) and we hope this continues to grow. Adding theatre, rail and attractions can boost earning potential and show such as Les Misérables perform to sell out audiences much of the time, so prebooking with Superbreak is an ideal way to secure tickets.”

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Picture: Robert Day

Hamlet proves an international hit before it even opens HAMLET at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre starring John Simm and John Nettles is proving to be an international sensation before the production has even opened.

According to recent data pulled from the theatre’s booking system, people are purchasing tickets from all over the world with seven tickets sold to people in Australia, 29 tickets to the USA, 15 to Russia, 36 to Germany, ten to Japan and four to

North Korea. The production will mark John Simm’s debut at the Crucible as well as his debut playing the title part and is the first production of Hamlet at the theatre for 15 years.

Simm is perhaps best known for his role in BBC’s Life on Mars but his many other television credits include Dr Who, Sex Traffic, The Canterbury Tales and Crime and Punishment. Also joining the cast is John Nettles who plays

Encore Tickets has secured group rates for the newest addition to the West End stage – Shrek the Musical.

So confident is Encore of the show’s success when it opens at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane next June that senior staff have already been to see the show during its current run in Chicago.

Encore chairman Ashley Herman said: “There’s just one word for it: brilliant. It’s going to be a huge West End success and a perfect show for the groups market. Book early to avoid disappointment.”

Claudius/ Ghost. His stage credits include Anthony & Cleopatra, Season of Plays and The Winter’s Tale (RSC).

Nettles has a long-standing television career, with credits including the title role in the BBC’s Bergerac and Inspector Barnaby in ITV’s Midsomer Murders. They are joined by Michele Dockery playing Ophelia.

Dockery is about to star as the lead in ITV’s new Autumn Drama,

Dowton Abbey opposite Dame Maggie Smith. Barbara Flynn plays Gertrude and is mostly recognised for her TV roles including Ten Days to War, Cranford, Cracker, The Line of Beauty and Elizabeth I. Flynn also played the Queen in the recent Channel 4 docudrama of the same name.

Hamlet opens on September 22, with previews from 16, and runs until October 22.

Strictly star swaps dancing for singing STRICTLY Come Dancing star Jill Halfpenny will take to the stage later this month to perform songs from The Great British Songbook.

Jill, who is currently starring in

smash hit musical Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre, will perform songs by artistes including Gary Barlow, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney in the show, which takes place at Wilton’s Music Hall in London.

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Actress and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden is one of the first cast members to be announced for new West End Show – Shrek The Musical. Amanda will play the role of Princess Fiona when the musical opens in London next June. Other cast members will include Richard Blackwood as Donkey.

Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall will play Cleopatra in a new production of Antony and Cleopatra at the Liverpool Playhouse.

Jeffery Kissoon will take on the role of Antony alongside an ensemble cast, which includes former RSC actors Ian Hogg and Martin Hutson.

The production will be directed by Janet Suzman who revisits Shakespeare's epic tragedy 37 years after her career-defining performance as the Queen of Egypt.

Antony and Cleopatra is at the Playhouse between October 8 and November 13.

Firm celebrated with free tickets LEICESTER Square’s Tkts booth celebrated its 30th birthday by offering the first 30 people in the queue on that day a free theatre ticket.

Over the last 30 years, the first, and only official, half price ticket booth has sold 10.9m tickets to 1,200 shows.

Tony Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown will make his West End concert debut later this month. He will be joined at the Garrick Theatre by Anika Noni Rose – the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog – who is also appearing for the first time in 18 London’s West End.

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Minister visits new information centre THE new minister for tourism and heritage, John Penrose, has visited the new Manchester Visitor Information Centre as part of a tour of the North West.

The MVIC opened last month following an investment of over £800,000 by Manchester City Council and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

During the visit, he met with Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, and Nick Brook-Sykes, director of tourism at the NWDA, to see first hand the workings of the city-region’s £5.5b tourism industry.

Andrew said: “The visit gave us

an opportunity to show the minister the new technology that we have incorporated into the centre to make the provision of visitor information more relevant to the modern-day visitor.

“Demand for face-to-face advice is as popular as it always has been, but there is a new generation of visitors that like to source information and recommendations online, through the use of interactive technology and by monitoring social media channels like Twitter.

“The new MVIC has embraced this change and will adapt along with our visitors to maintain our industry leading position.”

Guide serves up the best of area’s food and drink A GUIDE has been launched in the Peak District and Derbyshire to showcase the best of the area’s food offering.

The 60-page Food and Drink Guide 2010 includes features on quality local food and drink suppliers and information on

tourist board initiatives – such as the internet-based restaurant selection and reservation service Go Dine – as well as a new quality food and drink rating scheme, Taste Derbyshire, set to be launched this autumn.

The guide also contains a concise directory, plus useful location maps and contact details.

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s head of marketing and deputy chief executive David Thornton said:

“First-class food and drink are key elements in the mix of quality ingredients tourists expect when they come to stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire, and this comprehensive new guide gives a full flavour of the treats they have in store.”

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DESTINATIONNEWS Tourism minister John Penrose has visited Bath to see an example of best practice in the tourism industry.

During the visit, he met representatives from Bath Tourism Plus and Bath and North East Somerset Council following a recommendation from Visit England.

VisitEngland chairman, Lady Cobham and chief executive, James Berresford, came to Bath in June and were impressed with the success of the city’s tourism industry and effectiveness of Bath Tourism Plus as a destination management organisation.

They then suggested the minister visit Bath as a guide to how other tourism destinations could operate.

Pictured, from left: Mary Lynch, chair of Bath Tourism Plus; John Penrose MP, Tourism Minister; Robin Bischert chief executive of Bath Tourism Plus.

Travel guide names top hotspots THE ancient Scottish fishing port of Nairn and Dorset seaside town Weymouth have been named as holiday hotspots by online travel guide Tripadvisor.

The destinations have been selected as two of its Top 10 emerging destinations – with Weymouth coming in at number four and Nairn at number nine.

VisitBritain’s strategy and communications director Patricia Yates said: “It’s wonderful to see travellers appreciating Nairn’s historic connections along with Weymouth’s beautiful beach and old-fashioned English hospitality.

What’s more, Weymouth will soon secure its place on the global stage when it hosts the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games when VisitBritain will be promoting the town worldwide.’’

Monarchy brings in £500m tourism cash

By Christina Eccles BRITAIN’S Monarchy generates over £500m a year from overseas tourists, new research has revealed.

The report from VisitBritain said that culture and heritage in the widest sense – extending from theatres and galleries to pubs, Premiership Football, castles and stately homes – generated £4.6b in total spending by overseas tourists in 2009, and supported 100,000 jobs.

But within that total, one in eight of those sites – ranging from the Tower of London to The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and

Ruthin Castle in Wales – are associated with Monarchy.

And the foreign tourists who visit them generate £500m of spending.

Of the 30m overseas visitors who came to Britain last year, 5.8m visited a castle, 5m an historic house and 6.4m a religious monument such as a cathedral.

The Tower of London was the top royal attraction for international visitors in 2009 with 2.4m visitors.

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, which incorporates The Queen's House, home to the wives of James 1 and Charles 1 and the Royal Observatory was second on 2.3m.

Other popular choices included St

Paul’s Cathedral – the setting for Charles and Diana’s marriage ceremony – Westminster Abbey, Edinburgh Castle, Hampton Court, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said: ‘’This fascinating research shows Britain’s monarchic heritage draws foreign tourists to just about every corner of the country from Scotland to Cornwall.

Her Majesty the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, a feat last accomplished back in 1897 by Queen Victoria.

“This report suggests that year she is going to generate a bonanza for British tourism.’’

Shortlist in search for Yorkshire excellence THE shortlist has been announced for this year’s White Rose Awards, which recognise excellence in Yorkshire’s tourism industry.

The list boasts 90 of Yorkshire’s best attractions, hotels, venues and individuals from the tourism industry and covers 16 categories.

Chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Gary Verity said: “The quality of this year’s White Rose Awards entries is so incredibly high we had no choice but to increase the number of those shortlisted.

This clearly demonstrates that the Yorkshire tourism industry has really stepped up its game in terms of quality and presence, both of which are vital if we are to achieve our aims to be the UK’s best.”

The White Rose Awards Finalists 2010 are: Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year: Kilham Hall Country House 17 Burgate Clow Beck House Cundall Lodge Farm Moorlands Country House Elder Lea House Small Hotel/Townhouse of the Year Hazlewood Castle Hotel The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa Wentbridge House Hotel Hotel du Vin and Bistro York Large Hotel of the Year

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Best Western Premier Mount Pleasant Hotel Crown Spa Hotel Oulton Hall The Leopold Hotel The Royal York Hotel and Events Centre Leeds Marriott Hotel Taste of Yorkshire Award The Black Swan at Oldstead Artisan Restaurant Silversmiths Restaurant Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Cafe The Black Swan Tearoom and Patisserie The Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Barley Hall Harrogate Turkish Baths and Health Spa Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre Kirklees Light Railway Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens and Nursery The Walled Garden at Scampston Large Visitor Attraction Eureka! The National Children’s Museum JORVIK Viking Centre Lightwater Valley Theme Park Museums Sheffield: Weston Park RHS Garden Harlow Carr York Castle Museum Yorkshire Pub of the Year The Butchers Arms The Grouse Inn The Milestone The New Inn and Cropton Brewery The Shoulder of Mutton and The Shoulder Shop The Star @ Sancton

Access for All Tourism Award The Royal York Hotel and Events Centre The Alhambra Theatre The Deep Yorkshire Waterways Museum Sustainable Tourism Award Home Grown Home Old Cragg Hall Barn RHS Garden Harlow Carr The Dovecote Barns The Leeway Self Catering, Cruisers and Serviced Apartments Award Crow Hill Country House Estates Old Cragg Hall Barn Residence 6 Leeds The Dovecote Barns The Lawrance The Sands Seafront Apartments Business Tourism Award Shine Weetwood Hall Conference Centre and Hotel National Railway Museum Sheffield International Venues’ Conferencing and Events Well Met Conferencing, Leeds Metropolitan University Yorkshire Sculpture Park Caravan Holiday Park and Holiday Village Award Brompton Lakes Burton Constable Holiday Park and Arboretum Faweather Grange Primrose Valley Holiday Park Nostell Priory Holiday Park Outstanding Customer Service Denise Walker, business centre manager The Royal York Hotel and Events Centre

Nkosilathi Tshuma, Royal Armouries (International) at Royal Armouries Museum and Saviles Hall Paul Schofield, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire The conference team, The Met Leeds Gillian Pool, JORVIK Viking Centre Miller's Tea Room and Farm Shop team Tourism Event of the Year 25th Annual JORVIK Viking Festival Freedom and the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race Sports Personality of the Year The Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb The Ashes Festival The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Harrogate International Festivals Visitor Information Award Hull Tourist Information Centre Humber Bridge Tourist Information Centre Leeds Visitor Centre Malton Tourist Information Centre Pickering Tourist Information Centre vWakefield Tourist Information Centre/Wakefield Council Best Tourism Experience of the Year Heritage Inspired Jollydays Luxury Camping York Maze The Ebor Festival Frightwater Valley Xscape The winners will be announced at a glittering gala awards ceremony at the Yorkshire Event Centre based in Harrogate in October.

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Henry VIII continues to hold court daily at Hampton Court where groups enter a living Tudor world and can participate in life at Henry's palace from special Tudor cookery weekends to everyday court life. However, visitors may meet one of Henry's renowned six wives during 2010 in a series of Henry's Women weekends.

Groups can also step into the Tudor kitchens and watch the cooks prepare tantalizing feasts for Henry's queen using traditional recipes, ingredients, utensils and cooking methods. Cooking events take place on 4- 5 September, 2- 3 October, 6- 7 November and 4- 5 December.

Also new for 2010, is the newly installed wine fountain. At over 4 meters high, it is a copy of the one which Henry VIII built at The Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520.Visitors can see the original painting and learn more about Henry's parties in our exhibition Young Henry in the Wolsey Rooms.The new fountain will flow with red and white wine and groups will be encouraged to join in the celebrations and purchase a glass between 4.30pm and 5.30pm each day throughout the summer.

The fabulously re-presented Tudor palace will continue to wow visitors from Easter 2011 with Henry VIII’s new interpretation in his apartments at Hampton Court Palace will focus on his search for an heir and the desire to secure the Tudor dynasty. Henry’s three children, Mary, Elizabeth and Edward will be introduced, as visitors ask “who wears the crown next?” Walk

in the footsteps of Henry through the Chapel Royal under its magnificent ceiling to the newly re-created richly decorated imperial crown, worn by Henry and his successors. The everpopular wedding of Henry VIII and his sixth wife will still be taking place with live interpretation daily.

For your groups opportunity to meet Henry VIII's wives or to enjoy a tipple or two at the Wine Fountain, call our Contact Centre on 0844 482 7770 or e-mail groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk. Please quote "Destination UK September" when contacting us.

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What is the future of destination management?

By David Hughes, president, Tourism Management Institute THE Tourism Society’s destination management section, the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), is holding its 2010 annual convention on October 5/6 in East London at the Hilton London Docklands Riverside Hotel.

The convention will be of interest to anyone concerned with tourism destinations in the UK, whether from a practitioner, academic or supplier perspective. Delegates will receive presentations from industry leaders and experts on up-to-theminute topics, take part in lively workshops and valuable study tours, and have plenty of opportunity to network with colleagues from throughout the UK. Taking place just a couple of weeks before the announcement of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) the first sessions will anticipate the likely impact on the support structure for UK tourism. This will range from national to local, taking into account the abolition of regional development agencies and introduction of local economic partnerships. Speakers from the Tourism Alliance, VisitEngland and the Local Government Association will set the scene, followed by a Q&A session with an expert panel.

In the afternoon, delegates will be able to choose from a series of topical workshops. Subjects being covered include seaside and rural tourism, public and private sector partnerships, and ongoing developments in sustainable tourism. The venue will also be reflected in two workshops, one focusing on the Greenwich Cruise Terminal and its impact on urban regeneration and the other on the

London Development Agency’s work on supporting quality improvement.

Not surprisingly 2012 will also feature with a look at a number of initiatives relevant across the UK. Day one will finish with a plenary session on destination marketing.

Led by VisitEngland this will set out the planned approach to England’s attack brands in the context of the Strategic Tourism Framework for England. Delegates will then have the opportunity to relax and continue the all-important networking at an informal evening at the Museum of Docklands.

Day two will kick off with a look at the latest trends and developments in e-tourism. This will look at the ways in which destinations use technology to target visitors with a panel of industry experts on hand to offer their views. Delegates will then hear about changes to the main visitor accommodation accreditation scheme standards (star ratings) to reflect the increasing importance of hospitality, customer service and welcome within the overall assessment.

The penultimate session will look at how destinations and universities can work hand-in-hand to make the link between theory and practice, with a number of case studies provided. The convention will then return to the theme of the changing environment faced by destinations with a final presentation by VisitBritain on tourism trends in a changing world. Four optional study tours will take place after lunch.

These will take in Woolwich Riverside and the O2 Arena; Historic Greenwich; The Museum of London Docklands and London 2012 Tour; and the regeneration of London’s East End. The TMI Convention is a real opportunity for anyone involved in tourism to hear about and discuss the latest trends and issues for UK destinations.

Chain opens 11th hotel in city BUDGET hotel chain Travelodge has strengthened its position as the biggest hotel brand in Edinburgh with the opening of its 11th hotel in the Scottish capital.

In the past 15 months, the company has opened five hotels in the city, taking total rooms to more than 1,000 rooms across 11 hotels.

Chief executive officer Guy Parsons said: “Growth in Edinburgh has been one of our priorities as it is such an important tourism

economy. We have committed around £50m to new hotels in the city over the past three years, acquiring existing hotels that had fallen below the standards that the modern day consumer expects. We are very pleased to have secured this fantastic city centre location and are looking forward to adding more hotels in the city over the coming months and years.”

The 96-bed hotel cost £7.9m and will offer rooms from £19.

New funding for food festival ONE of Scotland’s leading food and drink events has been awarded new funding worth £12,000. eatBute – the Isle of Bute’s festival of gastronomy – will receive £7,000 through EventScotland’s national events programme and a 22 further £5,000 as part of

Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.

The additional funding will be used to develop a new food village, providing a more interactive visitor experience and allowing visitors to taste more of the food and get closer to the producers.

Tourism on the rise ...

By Kurt Janson, Policy Director, Tourism Alliance ON August 12 2010, something rather extraordinary happened – a Prime Minister gave a keynote speech on tourism. More importantly, it was a speech that he chose to make rather than one that was predetermined by circumstance eg. Tony Blair speaking on tourism after 9/11 and Foot and Mouth had decimated inbound tourism or Gordon Brown trying to quell industry unrest that the Government wasn’t taking tourism seriously as an industry.

Not only was the Prime Minister not “forced” into making the speech, the speech itself was well considered and gave the air of someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the sector rather than simply going through the motions – as evidenced by this opening section: “For too long tourism has been looked down on as a second class service sector.

“That’s just wrong. Tourism is a fiercely competitive market, requiring skills, talent, enterprise and a government that backs Britain. It’s fundamental to the rebuilding and rebalancing of our economy.

“It’s one of the best and fastest ways of generating the jobs we need so badly in this country.

“And it’s absolutely crucial to us making the most of the Olympics and indeed a whole decade of great international sport across Britain.”

The Prime Minister’s speech went on to outline the structure of the forthcoming tourism strategy that the tourism minister, John Penrose, is currently developing.

This strategy will comprise sections on DCMS’s role in tourism development, the role of local government and how tourism will be supported at the local level, how the private sector will be expected to engage and how Government will interweave the needs of tourism into the policies formulated by Departments other than DCMS. Importantly, the speech concluded with the Prime Minister stating that; “John Penrose is doing a report (on tourism growth targets) for me, which he will present in October. In fact, I want John to go further.

“I want John to work with you day in and day out to develop a tourism strategy by the end of this year that brings together the best of the ideas you have that ensures London 2012 provides the best economic and tourism legacy that any Olympic

Kurt Janson host city has ever done and that sets us on a path to break into the top five tourist destinations in the world.”

This statement is quite significant.

Rather than simply saying that he’s enthusiastic about the minister’s plans for tourism and fully supports the strategy that is being developed, we have a Prime Minister asking for a report on setting challenging tourism targets and highlighting what needs to be done if these targets are to be achieved.

This personal interest and involvement has the potential to provide the high-level support that will be required if there are to be significant changes to the policy issues that make the UK less competitive as a global tourism destination.

These issues include improving the provision of visas, reducing Air Passenger Duty, developing an aviation policy that supports the sector and reviewing the level of VAT on tourism goods and services, which is currently twice the European average.

Now, it would be wishful thinking to suggest that the forthcoming strategy will address all these issues. But there is a chance that at least one of them might be targeted for change and that ministers outside of DCMS will be instructed to make amendments to current policies so as to facilitate tourism growth.

This will be a significant step forward from previous Government tourism strategies such as “Tomorrow’s Tourism” and “Tomorrow’s Tourism Today” which set targets for growth without any commitment from the Government to change policy or provide any additional resources.

If this proves to be correct, then the tourism industry will certainly have turned a corner in its consideration by Government.

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The best group days out TREAT groups to a magical start to the festive season and discover how Christmas was celebrated across the ages with the National Trust. Warm up with mulled wine and crackling log fires, pick up stocking fillers at festive markets or join in with a spot of carol singing; from country house Christmases to ancient abbeys there’s no better place to discover the spirit of Christmas.

On 27-28 November pick up Christmas presents at Dinefwr Park’s food and craft fair in Carmarthenshire or visit Barrington Court in Somerset and find perfect stocking fillers at their Mistletoe fayre. If you’d rather hold out till December, then why not visit the Victorian Christmas fair at Arlington Court in Devon on 4-5?

There’s plenty of carol singing and mulled wine to look forward to, enjoy carols by candlelight at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire on 12 December, or join a lantern procession at Belton House in Lincolnshire on 4, 11 and 18 December.

NTPL Stephen Robson

Or if your group is looking for the perfect winter escape why not get away from it all and explore the great outdoors at this magical time of year? Visit Dunham Massey in Cheshire and enjoy the seven-acre winter garden – the largest of its kind in the UK. With over 700 different plant species and a further 1,600 shrubs, this unique garden is alive with colour and perfume. Or discover Anglesey Abbey, Garden and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire. Measure up next to Corinthian columns on the Temple Lawn or walk the atmospheric Emperors’ Walk and spot the statuary spying on you. In the winter garden discover an oasis where over a 150 species of plants bring colour and scent to the greyest of winter days.

For more great ideas, including information on how to receive free copies of the Groups Guide, Special Interest Tours and the Where Next? newsletter visit 0844 800 2329* or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/groups *Calls provided by BT will be charged at 5 pence per minute. A call set-up fee of 8 pence per call applies to calls from residential lines. Mobile and other providers’ costs may vary.

©National Trust & Alan Novelli

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