Visit Britain News
Prince William’s royal wedding to boost UK tourism
Following the announcement of the marriage between Prince William and Kate Middleton, VisitBritain, the national tourism board for England, Scotland and Wales, has pulled together this list of the most romantic spots for them (and you) to enjoy in the UK.
UK to suffer visitor slump during 2012 Olympics
The UK could suffer from a slump in overseas visitor numbers as a result of the 2012 Olympics, according to VisitBritain. An estimated 320,000 foreign spectators are expected to attend, but a greater number of holidaymakers could avoid visiting the UK during the games due to the expectation of high prices and crowds in the capital.
Double dip for UK tourism
Consumer caution led to the number Britons taking overseas holidays falling 8 percent in the first seven months of the year compared with the same period in 2009. Meanwhile the weakness of sterling failed to convert to an inbound tourism influx, with the number of international arrivals to the UK marginally lower than last year, according to new figures from the ONS.
British museums raise £1bn per annum from overseas tourists
The UK’s major museums and art galleries generated £1 billion in revenue from overseas visitors in 2009, according to a new report from VisitBritain.
Editor’s Blog: Cameron looks to the past
In a speech this morning prime minister David Cameron argued Britain must focus on its heritage in order to attract more visitors. Breaking Travel News junior editor Chris O’Toole argues the coalition will need more than empty promises to revive the industry.
Britain seeks Indian tourism boost
As prime minister David Cameron arrives in India with one of the largest trade delegations ever assembled, VisitBritian has announced its intention to bid for closer ties with the emerging superpower.
Visit South Devon: The UK tourist hotspot for 2010
The Visit South Devon tourism partnership says that the opening of “cool new boutique hotels and award winning restaurants combined with fantastic visitor attractions are making South Devon a popular destination for the discerning traveller.”
Sport tourism – Britain’s great cash cow
The England football team may be underachieving prima donnas but the nation’s great sporting events, such as Wimbledon and the Premier League, are attracting 3 million international visitors and over £2bn in revenue per annum, according to new figures from VisitBritain.
UK accommodation now an easy find
With the summer season approaching, help is now at hand for those looking to get away and explore the UK
UK tourism growth in 2010
Visitor numbers to the UK will top 30m as tourism to the UK returns to growth next year, according to predictions from VisitBritain. The tourism authority expects a rise of 0.8% in the number of visitors to the UK to 30.4 million – boosted by a weak pound and an improving economic situation.
VisitBritain appoints new head of E-commerce and retail
VisitBritain continues to develop its successful e-commerce strategy with a key appointment. New head of e-commerce and retail Vickie Birnage, who rejoins the organisation from Penguin, will help the national tourism agency drive further productivity from its international network by taking charge of its 18 online VisitBritainDirect.com shops, specialist overseas trade shops and offline retail activities.
UK inbound registers first fall in seven years
An influx of Eurozone leisure visitors due to the weakness of Sterling was insufficient to offset the number of inbound travellers to Britain falling for the first time in seven years. British tourists also made fewer visits abroad last year, choosing instead the growing trend of “staycationing”.