Uk Tourism Industry News
UK holiday spend on the rise
According to latest research released by MasterCard Cash Passport, three quarters of travellers expect to spend the same or more on their main holiday this year compared to 2011, despite concerns over the Eurozone and the costs associated with travel. Results from a YouGov survey commissioned by the prepaid travel money card, Cash Passport, show that two thirds of us are taking a summer holiday.
Cost of UK passport to fall by £5
Officials at the Home Office have confirmed cutting staff and closing offices will it allow them to reduce the cost of a standard passport by £5. Financial savings of £40 million over the past year mean the cost of renewing a passport will fall from £77.50 to £72.50 from the autumn.
CBI urges UK government to boost infrastructure spending
As the International Monetary Fund urges the UK to boost growth through a greater emphasis on infrastructure, the CBI is publishing a new report on how to make infrastructure investment too good an offer for investors to refuse. The government declared its support for infrastructure investment in the chancellor’s Autumn Statement last November.
UK border queues a national embarrassment
The latest forecast by the Immigration Services Union that passport queues to enter the UK could regularly extend to three or four hours would be a national embarrassment and strike a serious blow to the UK economy.
KuBu Spa reopens to public in Henley
Following a recent refurbishment by its new owners, Henley based KuBu Spa has reopened its doors to widespread acclaim. Owner Lesley Cargill explained what makes it such a unique and special place: “KuBu Spa is a boutique urban day spa offering a comprehensive range of traditional and bespoke treatments for men and women right in the centre of one of the UK’s most picturesque riverside towns.
Thomas Cook to close 24 stores country-wide
Thomas Cook has begun a 90-day consultation with over 100 staff after announcing plans to close 24 high street shops around the UK.
Ocean Media Group expands event portfolio
Ocean Media Group is to launch a new trade exhibition specifically for the event sector; the UK Venue Show. Also in Europe today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to London.
UK tourism set for staycation boost
Camping holidays in the UK are set to experience a renaissance as fewer Britons plan to holiday abroad this summer according to price comparison website Idealo.co.uk.
React quickly to boost UK tourism economy, urges travel expert
A leading travel expert is urging UK tourism businesses to react quickly to attract Britpacking holiday makers, as the latest Office of National Statistics report shows overseas tourism is still suffering in the recession.
Dean appointed for Bournemouth University’s School of Tourism
Dr Keith Wilkes has been appointed as Dean of Bournemouth University’s School of Tourism, one of the world’s leading centres for tourism research.
UK Tourism and Leisure Committee votes new Chair and Vice Chair
Caroline Brown, Shearings Holidays Commercial Director is the new chair of ABTA’s UK Tourism and Leisure Committee. Caroline replaces Zena Calderbank, Hoseasons Head of Sales who has been the Chair for the past two years.
Five years for UK market recovery
A combination of economic factors is likely to prevent the UK tourism sector from recovering for at least five years, according to a new report from Mintel. Higher fuel prices, pushing up the cost of flights, and a rise in VAT scheduled for January 2011 will both hit demand, says the British Lifestyles 2010 report.