Uk Tourism Industry News
Music puts shoppers in the holiday mood
As the New Year brings in the peak holiday trading season, with leading holiday retailers reporting record sales this January, research conducted by music licensing company PPL into the holiday retail sector, has revealed how playing recorded music in-store can help to put consumers in the ‘holiday mood’, increasing sales and providing a boost to the bottom line.
Ofcom clears way for superfast broadband on UK transport
Passengers on boats, planes and other vehicles could enjoy superfast broadband speeds when travelling in the UK, following a decision today by Ofcom. The decision will mean that airlines and other transport operators could in future use satellite-based technology to offer customers broadband speeds up to ten-times faster than they currently experience.
British tourism sees strong increase in visitor numbers
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal visits to the UK by overseas residents are up by six per cent in the year to date. Holiday visits continue to grow and are up eight per cent over the past twelve months compared with a year earlier.
UK prime minister opens up to China
British prime minister David Cameron has promised the UK will offer same day visas to business travellers from China as he continues to tour the country as part of a trade mission. Promising “open competition” for investment in Britain, the prime minister said an increased number of students could be welcomed to the UK.
UK tourism in rude health according to ONS
Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal UK tourism continues to grow, following the success of the London 2012 Olympic Games. According to the ONS there were 2.8 million visits to UK by overseas residents in Sept 2013, six per cent higher than the number in September 2012.
UK braced for severe storm
As a powerful storm makes its way towards England and Wales, commuters have been urged to be prepared for ‘potentially significant travel disruption’.
Industry encourages Cameron to go further following Indian visa announcement
Following the news that prime minister David Cameron will introduce ‘same-day’ business visas to Indian investors, the Business Visits & Events Partnership is calling on the government to go further. The proposed changes are unlikely to influence increased attendance at conferences, exhibitions and events in Britain due to the limited categories of business visitors to which the new rules will apply.
Hugh Robertson takes up tourism brief in UK
Hugh Robertson has taken over the tourism portfolio in the UK coalition government, following the resignation of John Penrose during a cabinet reshuffle. Robertson will head up a new sport, Olympic legacy and tourism brief within the department for culture, media and sport.
Concerns over tourism policy as tourism minister Penrose steps down
John Penrose has stepped down as tourism and heritage minister at the department for culture, media and sport following a major UK cabinet reshuffle. However, with no replacement announced, concerns are growing tourism may be slipping down the agenda at the department for media, culture and sport.
Novus Leisure to expand premium London offering following investment
Hutton Collins Partners LLP, a leading provider of preferred capital, has backed the management of Novus Leisure, the operator of 52 primarily London-based premium bars, in a deal worth £100 million. Hutton Collins has invested alongside LGV Capital, supporting the existing chief executive Steve Richards.
Baxter Hoare Travel acquires Holborn Travel
Baxter Hoare Travel is forging ahead with its growth strategy and has announced its latest acquisition, specialist business travel agency Holborn Travel. The deal also includes Holborn Travel’s niche cruise business, which trades under the Chancery Cruising brand.
UK government to seek High Court injunction to prevent border staff strike
UK government officials have confirmed they will seek a High Court injunction in order to prevent border staff from going on strike on the eve of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Citing a “procedural error”, the government said a ballot of members of the Public & Commercial Services (PCS) was illegal.