Visitbritain News Page 9
Gulf visitors travelling to Britain in record numbers
As VisitBritain hosts its annual GCC travel trade mission in Saudi Arabia for the first time this week, figures show that during the first three quarters of 2013, total visits from GCC countries to the UK were up by ten per cent on the same period in 2012, whilst spend increased by 11 per cent. This level of growth resulted in visits and spend hitting new records for the January to September period, with just over £1 billion spent during 452,000 total visits from the six GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
Dawe to step down from VisitBritain leadership
VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe has confirmed she is stepping down after five years in charge. Dawe, who has been with the organisation for 20 years, said earlier she will leave this summer to pursue other opportunities, including non-executive roles.
Etihad Airways signs deal with VisitBritain
Etihad Airways has signed a three year deal with VisitBritain to increase visitor numbers from the lucrative Asia Pacific and Middle East region, while encouraging more people to fly with Etihad Airways. The partnership agreement, valued at £2 million, will facilitate joint marketing activities in key markets around the APME region, including India, Australia, and the GCC.
What visitors want to do most in Britain revealed
A new study reveals that the desire of international visitors to experience Britain’s countryside and heritage is stronger than ever. But as we look forward to the New Year, other less traditional or new activities such as a night out in Newcastle, looking out over London from the Shard and a trip to the Harry Potter Studios are growing in popularity.
Hull named UK Capital of Culture for 2017
Hull has been named the next City of Culture in the UK, and will follow the 2013 City of Culture, Londonderry in assuming the role in 2017. The city, known as the home of poet Phillip Larkin, beat Leicester, Dundee and Swansea Bay for the right to hold the title.
World Travel Market: Heatwave fails to convince Brits to stay home
UK holidaymakers have been left cold by 2013’s summer heatwave, with almost two-thirds saying it won’t make them more likely to holiday in the UK next year. The latest research from World Travel Market shows 63 per cent of the 1,001 holidaymakers polled – all of which went on a holiday of seven nights or more in 2013 – say the hot weather the UK basked in this summer will not see them holiday on these shores in 2014.
VisitBritain makes play for MICE tourism
Following a meeting with representatives of the Business Visits and Events Partnership and the ‘Britain for Events’ campaign, Sandie Dawe, chief executive, VisitBritain has outlined the support offered by the organisation to help grow the international demand for UK events. VisitBritain outlined its commitment to add value to existing activities by national bodies as part of delivering its Golden Strategy for the period 2012 – 2020.
UK set for strongest ever year for inbound tourism
Figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics suggest that Britain is on track to record its best ever year for inbound spend. The amount spent so far in 2013 remains at record levels, some 11 per cent above the first eight months of 2012.
UK music tourism generates £2.2bn
Tourists attending concerts and music festivals in the UK are boosting the UK economy by £2.2 billion a year as 6.5 million tourists went to a gig or festival last year, according to a new report by VisitBritain.
British tourism continues Olympic bounce
Figures from the 2013 International Passenger Survey released today reveal a 23 per cent boost in tourist spending compared to July 2012. This increase saw July enjoy record levels of spend as overseas visitors parted with £2.52 billion, beating the previous monthly record of £2.43 billion set in August 2012.
VisitBritain targets Australian travellers
Virgin Atlantic, VisitBritain and London & Partners have announced a new partnership between the three organisations to entice more Australians to visit the UK. Following strong numbers from Australia over the last five years, the partners have now combined to continue to drive more tourism to London and beyond.
VisitBritain ties in with Premier League to boost sports tourism
VisitBritain has today extended its five year partnership with the Barclays Premier League to 2016. The new deal will target millions of football fans around the world who follow English football, and aim to increase the 900,000 football mad visitors who already visit each year, spending £700 million across Britain.