Issue 29 July/August 2009 £2.75

By Christina Eccles

TOURISM bosses are being urged tolobby the government to cut VAT onholiday accommodation to five percent – bringing the UK in line withother European destinations.

The rate is currently 15 per centand due to rise next year to 17.5per cent – much higher than the fiveper cent rate seen in countries suchas Portugal.

And after plans were announced toremove tax breaks on furnished holi-day lettings to bring the UK in linewith EU regulations, Billy Cairns,partner at accountants PKF, thinks itis only fair the same idea shouldapply to VAT.

He said a reduction to five percent would put the UK on an equalfooting to other European countries– making it more able to competeand giving the tourism industry amuch needed boost.

He said: “At the moment, UK busi-nesses are at a disadvantage withcountries that can charge reducedrates. This seems wrong. What wewant to do is to bring the UK inline.”

Billy also said that as this tax sav-ing could be passed on to visitors,

they could end up paying less fortheir accommodation – and thiscould be the difference betweenthem opting to go abroad or stay inthe UK.

He added: “The holidaymakerwould be paying less for accommo-dation and in these times when peo-ple are thinking twice about a holi-day abroad it could help to swing afew people’s minds. Why should hol-iday businesses in the UK be at adisadvantage because they have topay more tax?”

Billy is now calling on local touristboards and other tourism business-es to join forces and ask the govern-ment to lower the tax rate.

“If we can make prices cheaper forpeople without affecting the amountof money that goes into the busi-ness then surely that has got tomake holidaying in the UK moreattractive.

“We are trying to get people onboard to start a campaign to get thegovernment to change it.

“We are more than happy to makea representation to the governmenton behalf of the tourism industry.

“If the government had to changethe other tax rule then why don’tthey also change the VAT rate?”

THE government’s atti-tude towards the tourismindustry shows ‘a sadlack of vision’ the chiefexecutive of the BritishHospitality Associationhas claimed.

Bob Cotton said deci-sions such as cuttingVisitBritain’s marketingbudget and scrapping theHotel Buildings Allowanceis bad for the industryand will impact on itslong term future.

He said investment innew and refurbished hotelfacilities has been run-ning at £5bn a year andthis must continue toensure that the UK cankeep up with its tourismrivals.

He said: “The failure inthe 2009 Budget to rein-state the Hotel BuildingsAllowance or to improvethe capital allowancesregime and the reductionof marketing support forVisitBritain, just when weshould be gearing up forthe Olympics, show a sadlack of vision which willhave long-term conse-quences for the industry.Just when we need theallowances the most, thegovernment chooses toabandon them. This justdoes not make sense.”

Attitudeshows‘sad lackof vision’

This year could provide a great chance toget more people interested in British holidays, according to VisitScotland chiefexecutive, Philip Riddle.Scottish tourism is performing well thanksto campaigns such as Homecoming andPerfect Day and Philip (pictured) said withmore people choosing to holiday at home,Scotland and the rest of the UK should useit as a chance to showcase its strengths.He said: “I think the industry is doing agreat job of coping and in some sectorsdoing particularly well. There is a bigopportunity for people to get more interest-ed in British holidays.”� Full story, Page 19

VAT cut callon holiday letting

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Entertainmentnews inCentrestagestarting on Page 11

Scotland Pages 16-19

The North East Pages 20-22

Roaring trade for

BlackpoolPage 10

ContactsEDITORIALAndrew Harrod group editor 01226 734639 ah@whpl.netLouise Cordell reporter 01226 734694 lcordell@whpl.netChristina Eccles reporter 01226 734463 ce@whpl.netMary Ferguson reporter 01226 734712 mf@whpl.net

PRODUCTIONJudith Halkerston – group deputyeditor – jhalkerston@whpl.netStewart Holt – studio manager –sth@whpl.netKyle Wilkinson – graphic designerkw@whpl.netEmma Frisby – graphic designeref@whpl.net

ADVERTISING

Rachel Woodproduct manager01226 734611rw@whpl.netAndrew Loadessales executive01226 734634Tony Barrysales and marketing director01226 734605/01226 734333

CIRCULATION

Kelly Tarff01226 734695 kt@whpl.netFax: 01226 734477

Web: www.destination.uk.com

DESTINATIONNEWS

Key role for tourism in economic recoveryBy Christina Eccles

THE tourism industry has a vitalrole to play in the recovery of theeconomy, according to an expert.

Nigel Leacock, director at LloydsTSB Cardnet, said although therehave been challenging times forthe economy, there have beensigns of progress – and tourismcan play a key part in therecovery.

Nigel told delegates at theTourism Society’s conference,which took place in York, that theindustry is well placed to attractvisitors and help to bring money,visitors and business in to theUK.

He said: “Tourism is veryimportant to the economy. It isthe UK’s fifth largest industry,employs 1.4m people and is theUK’s third largest export.

“The economic downturn sincelast year has been very severe.However, the policy responsesfrom government have been veryaggressive and the worst may nowbe over.

“But the strength of the recoveryis highly uncertain and very muchaffected by people’s ability totravel, exchange rates anddisposable income.”

Nigel also said major eventssuch as the 2012 Olympics aregiving tourists reasons to visit and

that once they are here there isan opportunity for the industry toreally deliver in terms of qualityand service – which will lead tothem coming back.

He added: “The UK and Londonare attractive destinations andthere is a lot of work going on tocreate all the infrastructure andcontracts for the 2012 Olympics.

“The key thing for the industry isto focus on delivering good valueto the customer. There is anopportunity to focus more ondelivering customer value andservice.

“This year may be difficult buthopefully 2010 might be better.”

A CAMPAIGN has been launched tonominate the best family days out –with the results being used tocompile a new travel guide.

Little Chef has called on people topick their top 51 family days out –anything from a day at the seasideto a trip to a farm – to encouragefamilies to spend more timetogether.

The campaign has been launchedafter research by the companyrevealed 94 per cent of thosesurveyed believe more effort shouldbe made to go on family days out –

with more than a third admittingthis is something they rarely ornever do.

Almost half admitted that thecurrent financial climate means theexpense of a day out is a hugebarrier for them – meaning theguide – which Little Chef has joinedforces with Sue Atkins of PositiveParents to produce – will focus oncost effective fun.

Marketing director of Little ChefLindsay Howard said: “It seems thedesire to spend quality time withour families is there but we are

lacking a bit of inspiration.“Almost half of the families we

talked to said they were looking fora great activity or place to see on aday out but admitted that cost canbe an issue for them. Little Chefhas played a major part in familydays out for 51 years and hasalways offered great value, with themajority of our menu under £10. Webelieve this campaign will help onboth counts – and what betterrecommendation for a great day outcan you get, than the favouritedestinations of likeminded

families?”The campaign is also encouraging

people to think of more unusualdays out as well as the moretraditional seaside and theme parkbreaks.

Lindsay added: “We knoweveryone loves theme parks andthe seaside but we’d also love tohear about some of the UK’s hidden gems – destinations that area little off the beaten track or out ofthe ordinary and offer fantasticentertainment for all the family.”

Appeal for the best family days out for guide

Hotel group Jurys Inn has openeda new hotel in Swindon – whichwill be run by general managerAndy Gray. He joined Jurys Innsin 2001 on a graduate trainingprogramme and has worked atJurys Inn Glasgow andBirmingham. Other appointmentsat the new hotel include GlennBannerman who will take up theposition of deputy generalmanager and Sally Wallis assales manager.

Sunny outlookahead for EastMidlands firmsBy Mary Ferguson

OVER 80 per cent of tourismbusinesses in the East Midlandsare predicting a good summer,despite the current economicclimate.

Research commissioned by EastMidlands Tourism revealed that overthe May bank holiday period one inthree of the region’s tourismbusinesses welcomed more visitors,compared to the same time lastyear – and 83 per cent ofbusinesses think this will continue.

Self catering breaks and caravanand camping sites are doingparticularly well, with half of selfcatering businesses and 47 percent of campsites reporting theywere fully booked during the bankholiday period.

The region’s attractions are alsoseeing more people coming throughthe doors and 30 per cent ofbusinesses have indicated they planto recruit additional staff to coverthe busy summer period.

EMDA tourism director Ruth Hyde

said: “As a result of the currenteconomic climate, booking patternsare shifting, which meansbusinesses can no longer afford tosit back and wait for visitors tocome knocking on their door.Theyhave to be proactive, stand outfrom the crowd and offer value formoney, which according to theresearch findings the majority ofregion’s visitor economy is doing.”

Ruth also gave tips on whattourism businesses and attractionscan do to provide the best value formoney and encourage visitors tokeep coming through the doors thisyear.

She added “Where this isn’thappening we need to work closelywith businesses to give them thesupport they need to continue tothrive. For example signpostingthem to various resources they cantap into to help them remaincompetitive such as Business Link,their local Destination ManagementPartnership’s marketing activity, andexisting business consortiums.”

DESTINATIONNEWS

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Stonehenge topsUK’s ‘Seven Wonders’STONEHENGE has topped alist of the Seven Wonders ofBritain in a survey of 1,000holidaymakers compiled bycottages4you.

The seven wonders are:

1.Stonehenge

2.Hadrian’s Wall

3.The White Cliffs of Dover

4.Loch Ness

5.Snowdonia

6.Edinburgh Castle

7.Cheddar Gorge

Managing director ofcottages4you Geoff Cowleysaid: “This survey highlightsthe value British people placeon our natural and historiclandmarks.

“There are so many fantasticplaces to visit in the UK frommountains and beaches tohistoric monuments andstately homes, I’m sure thosetaking their first UK holiday fora few years will be spoilt forchoice.”

Affordability campaigntargets American touristsBy Christina Eccles

BRITAIN’S affordability for Americantourists is being highlighted in anew campaign by VisitBritain andVirgin Atlantic Airways.

Americans spend £2.2 billionannually on nearly three million tripsto the UK but visitors have fallenover the last five years – with athird of American visits for just oneto three nights.

This campaign – worth USD $1million – aims to help Americanvisitors make the most of their stay,gain the best value for money andillustrate how Britain’s topdestinations can be easily explored– even on a short break.

VisitBritain’s regional director forthe Americas Simon Bradley said:

“The global economic climatemeans that people are watchingtheir wallets before deciding howthey spend their money. Fortunatelyfor the first time in 20 years theweak pound means, if they travelright now, Americans will find Britainhas never been more affordable.

“With Virgin Atlantic Airways,we’ve got some red hot deals andred hot destinations that Americansare sure to enjoy. 2009 is the yearthey can explore Scotland as itcelebrates Homecoming, play the2010 Ryder Cup golf course andtake advantage of the manyfestivals and cultural events takingplace across the country.”

A dedicated website has been setup which features regionaldestination guides, a top 25

showcase of the must-see things todo and the ability to book a flightwith Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Americans can also enter acompetition to win a trip for two toLondon with flights and behind thescenes tours of WestminsterPalace, the House of Commons andthe House of Lords.

Virgin Atlantic Airways vicepresident of marketing Jim Mezoffadded: “We wanted to takeadvantage of this historicopportunity and feel that therecould not be a better time to launchthis campaign promoting tourism toBritain.

“Virgin Atlantic’s exceptionalservice, style and value is the bestway to get to this destination sorich in activities.”

Jersey’scream ofbeachesJERSEY has been named as havingthe best beaches in the ChannelIslands in the 22nd edition of theGood Beach Guide.

Compiled by the MarineConservation Society (MCS) as partof a campaign for clean seas andbeaches, the guide awarded nine ofJersey’s beaches with the highestrating possible – MSCRecommended.

Director of Jersey Tourism Davidde Carteret said: “We are delightedto be recognised so highly in such aprestigious guide. This affirmsJersey’s appeal to families forbeach holidays and to those whoenjoy water sports. The GoodBeach Guide is extremely wellrespected throughout the UK andwe are very proud of our consistentresults.”

By Dominic Musgrave

ATTRACTIONS in Wiltshire arecashing in on the area’scredentials as a filminglocation for some of theyear’s biggest blockbusters.

Much of the latest HarryPotter film – Harry Potter andthe Half Blood Prince – wasshot in and around theNational Trust village ofLacock and its Abbey.

Both locations have alsoenjoyed regular success onthe back of the popular BBCdramas Cranford and Larkriseto Candleford and The OtherBoleyn Girl, starring ScarletJohansson and NataliePortman.

Also hitting the big screenslater in the year is The

Wolfman, starring Emily Blunt,Benicio Del Toro and SirAntony Hopkins, which wasshot on location in theWiltshire Cotswold village ofCastle Combe.

And head of partnership forVisitWiltshire Alun Williamssaid he has plans to promotemore of the filming locationsto tourists.

He said: “We intend toprovide more informationspecifically for thoseinterested in visiting film andTV drama locations. Over thepast few years film tourismhas really begun to grow andwe are seeing greater interestfrom visitors wanting to seewhere their heroes havefilmed and stayed.”

Wiltshire attractionscash in on latestHarry Potter film

The filmwas shot inand aroundthe NationalTrustvillage ofLacock andits AbbeyPicture:DavidPegden

DESTINATIONNEWS

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CampaigntargetsEuro visitorsBy Christina Eccles

EUROPEAN visitors will be offered a20 per cent discount to some of theUK’s biggest festivals as part of a£1.8m marketing campaignorganised by VisitBritain.

The European Value Campaign hasbeen rolled out across 18 countriesand aims to encourage visitors tomake the most of the weak poundand Britain’s compact area, usingthe slogan ‘see more for less’.

As part of this, members of theAssociation of IndependentFestivals – which include BeautifulDays, Bestival and Big Chill – will beoffering the discount on festivaltickets which are purchased throughthe VisitBritain site.

AIF co-founder Ben Turner said:"We're delighted to announce thisdeal. VisitBritain have beencompletely open to our thinking andideas and shares a similarunderstanding of the trueimportance of the great Britishfestival to UK tourism and creativeculture. I'd like to think this is a

relationship that will grow and growas we mirror the trend of peoplewanting to base internationalholidays around music festivals. Webelieve that this new genre oftourism is now officially recognisedthrough VisitBritain."

VisitBritain’s regional director forEurope Laurence Bresh added:“The link-up with the Association ofIndependent Festivals is an excitingdevelopment for us, as theorganisation has opened up thedoor to over 20 of Britain’s finestfestivals. The Great British festivalis a major tourist attraction for ourtarget audience so this deal is agreat value added addition to ourannual campaign.”

Each of the 18 countries included(with the exception of Russia) hasa local language website where thetickets can be booked and thecampaign will also include pressadvertising, direct mail and prsupport.

Countries included in thecampaign include France, Germany,Spain, Italy and Sweden.

Stratford-upon-Avon has been voted the number onecharming small town in theworld in a poll by TripAdvisor. Shakespeare’s hometown isthe only town in the UKfeatured in the top 10 whichalso includes towns in Chile,New Zealand, France andGermany. Chief executive ofShakespeare Country Phil

Hackett said: “This is a greataccolade for Stratford-upon-Avon to be voted the mostcharming town in the world.TripAdvisor is one of the mostpopular travel websites in theworld. “As the reviews are written byreal travellers, the accolade iscompletely impartial and onethat I feel is very muchdeserved for the town.”

Alice’s Adventures inWonderland will be thetheme at Blists HillVictorian Town onAugust Bank Holiday –with visitors who comedressed as a characterfrom the book winning aprize. Blists Hill’s actorswill also be portrayingcharacters from theVictorian novel andacting out scenes atvarious locationsthroughout the town.Visitors can join theMad Hatter at his teaparty, play croquet withthe Queen of Hearts andattend the trial of theKnave of Hearts who isaccused of stealing thejam tarts. TheKaleidoscope TheatreGroup will also beperforming cameomimes featuring LewisCarroll’s characters.

PLANS have been unveiled forChatsworth’s Christmascelebrations – with the inspirationfor the decorations this year comingfrom candlelight.

There will also be eveningopenings in the run up to thefestive season and the popularChristmas markets and shoppingexperiences.

Candlelight for Chatsworth

DESTINATIONNEWS

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‘UK customerservice mustbe five star’THE industry needs to deliver fivestar customer service in order tosatisfy people holidaying in the UKthis year, it has been claimed.

According to the Institute ofCustomer Service’s chief executiveJo Causon, whether visitors have ahappy time on holiday will dependon how they are treated when theyare here.

Jo said UK tourism needs to lay ona first class service to make surethat both foreign visitors and Britishfamilies deciding to stay in the UKthis year enjoy their holidayexperience.

She said: “Providing great servicebrings in more than just extrarevenue. It’s about making peoplefeel good to be here and creatingpositive, lasting reputations aboutservice that make them want tocome back.

“If we get it right it will underpinthe future of UK tourism for years tocome. If not, people will go homethinking ‘never again’.”

Jo also said it is up to every

tourism business to do as much asthey can to deliver a great customerexperience and encourage visitorsto return – particularly with London2012 coming up.

She added: “As a nation ourwelcome is sometimes perceived asbeing less warm than that, say, ofthe Mediterranean countries, the USand the Far East.

“That is not entirely justified.There are many examples ofexcellent customer servicethroughout our tourism industryalthough there’s always room forimprovement.

“Britain has so much to offer:glorious countryside, matchlesscoastline, awe-inspiring architectureand sites steeped in history.

“Now, with the Olympics just threeyears away, we need to take everyopportunity we can to create apositive and lasting impression ofUK customer service.

“That applies equally to anyoneworking in tourism and every otherservice industry.”

VISITORS to Chatsworth will be infor a surprise this summer as thehouse gives away some of itssecrets.

Guests will have the opportunityto unearth some of the moreunusual stories surrounding thehouse and garden as well as beingasked to solve some mysteriesthemselves.

Visitors will also be able to askany staff wearing a question mark

badge to reveal their own secret orsurprise to find out more aboutChatsworth as well as readingabout some of the favouritediscoveries made by the Duke andDuchess over the last year.

A stroll round the 105-acregarden will also uncover 10secrets or surprises including afirst peek into the Grotto built bythe Duchess Georgiana, wife of thefifth Duke of Devonshire.

TheDuchessstarringKeiraKnightleyand RalphFienneswas filmedatChatsworthPicture:PatheFilms

Chatsworth reveals its secretsNew member for marketing groupCHESTER has become the latestmember of European CitiesMarketing – a group which aims toincrease the numbers of visitors tocity destinations through effectivetourism and convention marketing.

Chester joins a number of UKcities that are already members,including Nottingham, London,Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Visit Chester and Cheshire chiefexecutive Chris Brown said:“Membership of ECM will open thedoor to the wealth of knowledge andexpertise that is available fromother members.

“At this time of economicpressures, it’s vital for us to identifyand maximise every businessopportunity.”

£3m VisitEnglandcampaign urges Britsto ‘enjoy every minute’STRESSED out Brits arebeing encouraged to takesome time out in a newcampaign launched byVisitEngland.

The £3m ‘Enjoy EveryMinute, Enjoy England’marketing campaign aims toencourage people to makethe most of any free timethey have – whether it’s 15minutes, a lunch hour,afternoon or weekend – toreplicate the feelingassociated with a traditionalfortnight’s holiday.

The campaign has beenlaunched after VisitEnglandresearch discovered 56 percent of Brits feel stuck in thesame routine and 66 percent do not make the bestuse of their free time – only

36 per cent enjoy a full lunchhour on a regular basis

A TV advert featuresdifferent scenes andactivities demonstrating whatcan be done around thecountry depending on howmuch time you have, andincludes a voice-over byHelena Bonham Carter.

VisitEngland head ofmarketing Amanda Smythsaid: “Our research showsthat 82 per cent of peoplefeel better when they’vebeen on a day trip and 69per cent feel happier whenthey’ve got something tolook forward to.

We want to help peopleplan their free time betterand make the most of whatEngland has to offer.”

Jurys Inn will open a new hotel this yearin Derby – with general manager RachelStrange at the helm. Rachel originallyfrom Carrickfergus, County Antrim,joined the group in 2000 as areceptionist at Jurys Ballsbridge Hotelbefore working in hotels in Cork andBelfast. Other additions to the teaminclude deputy general manager AndrewMcLoughlin, Nneka Hare as salesmanager and Beth Reaney as HRmanager.

Park looks to reduce footprintTHE owners of a Newton Abbot holidaypark are helping to pioneer a new greenenergy system which could bringbenefits to other businesses acrossDevon – and massively reduce thecounty's carbon footprint.

Dornafield park at Two Mile Oak hasteamed up with Renewable Energy 4Devon (RE4D) – funded by Devon CountyCouncil – to showcase newly developedsolar heating technology.

Powered entirely by the sun's rays, itwill provide constant hot water for 60families on the park even in cold and

cloudy conditions.According to RE4D, the system could

save up to five tonnes of carbon dioxidefrom being released into the atmosphereeach year.

Business partner Alistair Dewhirst said:“As well as the environmental benefitsof our new solar system, we see it as areal boon in helping to attract morevisitors early and late in the year.

"This will also have a direct spin-off for the many other local businesseswhich depend on Devon's tourismeconomy.”

DESTINATIONLONDON

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London mustshowcaseits strengthsBy Christina Eccles

SHOWCASING London’s strengthsto visitors attending the 2012Olympics will be the key to makingsure they come back once the eventis over, an expert has claimed.

Visit London’s 2012 projectmanager Mark Howell said theexperience of visitors and theirperceptions of London willdetermine whether they makerepeat visits to the capital in thefuture.

Mark told delegates at aconference dedicated to thecommercial opportunities from theOlympics in London that the eventis a great chance to show whatLondon has to offer both as atourist destination and for residentswho want to try something new andexperience a different part of thecity.

Mark said: “The visitor experienceis key and this also includes howLondoners enjoy the experience. Wehave got to try and push as manypeople to enjoy the city experienceas possible.

“We have been working withLondon boroughs to see whatactivities they will be putting on andwhat exhibitions and theatre showswill be on at the same time as theOlympics.”

VisitBritain’s 2012 games strategymanager Chris Foy added that 2012could also be a good opportunity forLondon to show how good it is athosting major events and bid formore in the future.

He added: “We need to use thegames to attract business andsporting events and seize theopportunity to bid for more events.

“The Olympics can act as acatalyst to improve transport,infrastructure, conference and eventfacilities and accommodation.

“Our role is to build Britain’s brandand add value to bids fromdestinations around the country bysupporting them and championingthe events sector in government.

“We want to deliver a world classwelcome to visitors in 2012 andbeyond and enhance the image ofthe UK as a visitor destination.”

The UK’s number one paid for visitor attraction is to benefit frominvestment worth about £12.5m. Each of the London Eye’s 32capsules will be removed and upgraded one at a time to improve theirfunctionality and longevity and to enhance the customer experience.The work will begin this summer to be completed in time for theLondon 2012 Olympics and it is the biggest investment in theattraction since it opened in 2000.

Oyster cardbenefitsshould bepromotedMORE should be done to promotethe cost benefits of using an Oystercard to tourists travelling on publictransport in London, experts haveclaimed.

In a meeting to discuss theLondon Development Agency’s draftTourism Action Plan, members ofthe assembly’s economicdevelopment, culture, sport andtourism committee were told thatmany tourists visiting Londonremain unaware of the lower faresavailable on the Oyster card,meaning some are still paying morethan they need to when travellingaround the capital

Committee members also heardthat high prices on the HeathrowExpress were affecting firstimpressions of the capital.

Travel editor for the IndependentSimon Calder told the committee:"When you arrive in London youhave the choice, if you land atHeathrow, of having to unravel thedifficult system of getting an Oystercard or buying a ticket on the mostexpensive domestic train anywherein the world: the Heathrow Express.Those are very difficult firstimpressions to overcome."

London taxis are world number oneLONDON’S taxis have been votedthe best in the world for thesecond year running, accordingto a poll of internationaltravellers conducted byHotels.com.

A third of the travellerssurveyed said that London’sblack cabs were the best anddespite being named the mostexpensive city for cabs, London’staxi drivers pulled in the most

votes for a number of differentcategories including friendlinessof drivers, quality of driving andknowledge of area.

Director of communications atHotels.com Alison Couper said:“It’s great to hear that Londonhas won the best taxi vote forthe second year running.

“The journey to their hotel isoften a traveller’s firstexperience of the destination

they are visiting and so afriendly, knowledgeable taxidriver can help form a positivefirst impression. With the weakpound, falling hotel prices andnow this award, London isbecoming an increasinglyattractive and affordabledestination for visitors.”

Other cities in the top 10included New York, Berlin andMadrid.

‘Venus and Marsunite’ at hotelA HOTEL in central London has launched anew campaign to appeal to couplessearching for the perfect city break.

The Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Londonis highlighting the range of attractionsavailable nearby for both men and womento enjoy and the fact they can cometogether at the hotel at the end of theirday.

Events in the capital include theSelfridges summer sale and Take That atWembley Stadium for the girls and theWorld Twenty20 Cricket Championshipsand The Ashes at Lord’s for the boys.

General manager Michelle Wells said:“Men and women may live on differentmetaphorical planets but in our deluxehotel, Venus and Mars unite.”

Hidden places openfor special weekendVISITORS to London have beengiven the chance to exploresome of the capital’s hiddengreen spaces.

Open Garden Squares Weekendsaw some usually hidden placesopened up to members of thepublic with those on show

including Lincoln’s Inn gardens,Lambeth Palace and BedfordSquare. Those buying ticketsfrom the Britain and LondonVisitor Centre also had thechance of winning a Fortnum andMason hamper to enjoy in apicnic hotspot of their choice.

Capitalising on capital eventsA HOTEL group is using thecapital’s festivals and eventsprogramme as a way ofattracting new visitors to itsLondon hotels over the AugustBank Holiday weekend.

Park Plaza hotels is highlighting

the range of events taking placeover that weekend and how easythey are to get to from one of itshotels.

Events featured include GetLoaded in the Park and theNotting Hill Carnival.

DESTINATIONNEWS

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By Christina Eccles

THE importance of the traditionalEnglish pub is being highlighted ina new campaign launched byVisitEngland.

Inn England celebrates pubs andacknowledges their importance inattracting domestic andinternational visitors. Thecampaign includes a new websitededicated to the best of thenation’s pubs, inns andfreehouses and it is hoped it willhelp pubs to diversify and becomean integral part of the short breakexperience in England.

VisitEngland’s head of marketingAmanda Smyth said: “Pubs andinns provide more than food anddrink. Pubs are a key part ofEngland’s brand, our history andway of life. They are often the

cornerstone of a local communityand a great way to discover moreabout a destination, be it theproduce on the menu, the historyof the people and surroundings,or the great walks and activities inthe area.”

Inn England will be a one-stop-shop for day-trippers, holidaymakers, or those looking for anafternoon out and pubs listed onthe website will be searchable bycategories such as family friendly,historical, stunning views andbest for food.

The campaign has beendeveloped in partnership with ThePublican magazine and its editorCaroline Nodder added: “InnEngland will remind people of theunique place that the English pubholds in our history and ourculture. Pubs are the beating

hearts of our country and therehas never been a better time toshowcase how amazing anddiverse our pubs really are and toencourage more people to visitthem and be proud of them.”

The Inn England website is alsoan interactive forum where thepublic can add their favourite pubto the list and tell people why theylike it.

Amanda added: “Remember InnEngland is not just about thevenues themselves – pubs andinns provide a starting point forgreat activities in the area –country walks, amazing viewpoints, nearby attractions,markets, historic villages andseaside towns.

“Search for a pub or inn andbuild a day trip or holiday aroundit.”

One ofthepubsfeaturedon theInnEnglandwebsite

The inn places to be ...

HOMADslook forcheapholidaysHOLIDAYING with parents isbecoming more popular as youngpeople try to save money in therecession, according to newresearch.

The new breed of holidaymakers –dubbed HOMADs because theyholiday on mum and dad – areturning to their parents for a cheapbreak – with more than half ofthose in their twenties consideringa trip with parents and 14 per centalready having something booked.

And 30 per cent admit it’sbecause they know their parentswill pick up the tab.

Courtney Wylie, of Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, which carried outthe study said: “As young peoplesuffer in the credit crunch, more20-somethings than ever arechoosing to go on holiday withtheir folks.

“Holiday costs can soon add up,but children – of all ages –shouldn’t be embarrassed byturning to their parents for financialhelp.

“Going away as a larger groupcan really help to keep the costsdown and holidaying with yourparents can even help you recreatethe fun trips you had as a child.”

DESTINATIONBLACKPOOL

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THE town’s regeneration isdesigned to build on its richheritage as a well loved holidaydestination and also bring in newattractions to encourage thosewho may not have thought ofvisiting Blackpool.

As part of this, major events arebeing planned to give peopleanother reason to visit.

Traditional favourites such asthe illuminations – which are stilla massive tourism draw – sitalongside newer events such asthe out2dance and Showzam!festivals.

There is also a new majorevents programme in place –funded by the Northwest RegionalDevelopment Agency – which aims

to sustain events throughout theregeneration process.

Visit Blackpool’s eventsdevelopment manager ClaireTurner told Destination UK thatthe programme is workingsuccessfully to attract visitors andis also helping the town to gain apositive image as a place to visit.

Claire said: “Perceptions arevery much changing and we arestarting to bring in newaudiences.

“People are starting torediscover the Blackpool that hasbeen a bit forgotten.

“There is a real excitementabout events in Blackpool and asense of working together. Thereis an anticipation for the works to

be finished and we are continuingto build on our programme andlook at new events.”

One of Blackpool’s mostsuccessful events is theShowzam! festival which has runfor the last two years – with aprogramme including a carnivalball at Blackpool Tower Ballroomand a festival parade.

The festival takes place inFebruary and according to Clairehas proved a successful way ofdrawing in visitors outside of thetraditional summer season.

The event has grown massivelythis year with a 150 per centincrease in visitors, a 50 per centincrease in overnight stays and a200 per cent increase in resident

engagement.Claire added: “There has never

been anything done in Februaryhalf term but if you can developsomething people will enjoy thenthey will come – we have provedthat in October with theilluminations.

“October half term is massiveand there has been a clear upliftin February half term.

“Events are starting to have areal impact across the year andare giving people other reasons tocome to Blackpool.

“There is the potential to extendthe season and that is why wechose to call our major eventsprogramme 365.”

Blackpool is goingthrough a period ofchange designed toboost tourismnumbers and giveresidents somethingto be proud of.Christina Ecclesfound out how thispopular coastal townis keeping loyal fanshappy and attractinga new generation ofvisitors.

Above: the illuminations are still one of Blackpool’s mostpopular attractions. And, right, out2dance is one ofBlackpool’s newest festivals.

Old favourite starts tobring in new visitors ...

Blackpool Zoo iscelebrating its latestarrivals – the first lioncubs in 25 years.The three female cubswere born to motherGillian in April and arenow on view to thepublic.Blackpool Zoomarketing and PR co-ordinator Jude Rothwellsaid: “We areabsolutely delighted tohave three wonderfullion cubs here atBlackpool Zoo. It isthe first time in 25years that we have hadlion cubs so it is veryexciting for the zoo.“Gillian is a brilliantmother and is lookingafter her cubs andkeeping them out ofmischief. The cubs arevery cute and really funloving and playful.”

TOURISM bosses in Blackpool areensuring visitors get the bestexperience possible by sendinglocal workers on customer servicetraining courses.

The Welcome to Blackpool trainingcourse, delivered by Lancashire andBlackpool Tourist Board inpartnership with Blackpool Council,aims to help ensure the town’svisitors have the best experience oftheir stay.

About 3000 people are set tocomplete the course over the nexttwo years from organisationsincluding Northern Rail, BlackpoolHilton, Sandcastle Waterpark andBlackpool International Airport.

Chief executive of Lancashire andBlackpool Tourist Board MikeWilkinson said: “Acquiring goodcustomer service skills is key to thesuccessful revival of our resorts, asincreasingly discerning anddemanding customers look closer tohome for their annual holiday orshort break. Great customer carewill distinguish one resort from thenext and this pioneering programme

is equipping local people with theknowledge and experience to takefull advantage of the rise in‘staycations’, helping maintainBlackpool’s reputation as the UK’smost popular seaside destination.”

Lancashire Police officers areleading the drive to improvevisitors’ experiences of the townthrough the Welcome toBlackpool training course.

Cop for a warm welcome

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

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THE new production of CameronMackintosh’s Oliver! at theTheatre Royal Drury Lane is nowmore spectacular than ever before– including Rowan Atkinson’sshow-stopping performance asFagin until July 18.

Award-winning actor andcomedian Omid Djalili will star asFagin from July 20, along withJodie Prenger as Nancy and BurnGorman as Bill Sikes.

Omid is probably best known asone of Britain’s funniest stand upcomedians with many sell-out UKand international tours as well ascritically acclaimed seasons at theEdinburgh Festival.

He was most recently seen inhis own show for BBC1, The OmidDjalili Show, which he both wroteand starred in. He has alsoappeared in numerous filmsincluding The Mummy, Gladiatorand Pirates of the Caribbean III.

Cameron Mackintosh said:“Oliver! has been a successbeyond my wildest dreams andI’m thrilled that Rowan Atkinsonhas had such a tremendoustriumph in a role I always thoughthe was born to play.

“The only way to follow such aunique performance is with atalent just as unique yet entirely

different. No one could fulfil thiscriteria better than Omid Djalili.Omid started his career as anactor but was soon to become amajor television star and one ofthe funniest comic actors andwriters in Britain who regularlyplays unforgettable cameos inmovies. It is his ability to inhabithis characters with such comicenergy and wily cunning that willmake his Fagin his own.Undoubtedly the first Iranian everto portray Dicken’s legendaryJewish creation we all look

forward to him becoming part ofthe family this summer.”

The production opened at theTheatre Royal Drury Lane onJanuary 14 2009 to rave reviewsand is the biggest selling WestEnd show of all time, with record-breaking advance sales.

Featuring a cast and orchestra ofover one hundred, the sensationalscore is full of Lionel Bart’sirresistible songs including FoodGlorious Food, Consider Yourself,You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket orTwo, I'd Do Anything, Oom Pah

Pah, As Long As He Needs Meand many more.

Rupert Goold (Best Director,2008 Olivier Awards), hasrestaged Sam Mendes’ acclaimedproduction and along with Tonyaward winning director andchoreographer Matthew Bourne,uses every inch of London’sgreatest musical stage with evenmore sensational sets by AnthonyWard.

Book your tickets now so thatyou won’t have to pick a pocket ortwo to get in!

Oliver! is now more spectacular than ever.

‘New’Fagin setto step in

SHORT break specialist, Superbreakhas announced that Oliver!continues to be its top-sellingLondon theatre break.

During April and May last year theshow took the top spot for pre-bookings and 12 months on itcontinues to be a huge seller, evenfor dates after Rowan Atkinson hasleft the show.

The operator also reports thatJersey Boys has also grown inpopularity and has moved up totake second place from fourth lastyear. The show had a quieter startbut it would appear word of mouthhas spread demand.

The league tables are as followsfor Superbreak’s top selling showsthrough agents:

APRIL/MAY 081. Oliver!2. Dirty Dancing3. Joseph4. Jersey Boys5. Hairspray

APRIL/MAY 09 1. Oliver! 2. Jersey Boys3. Dirty Dancing4. Billy Elliott5. Sister Act

Sales director at Superbreak IanMounser said: “It is clear that Olivercontinues to be the top choice. Thetables show that Billy Elliott andDirty Dancing clearly have lastingappeal whilst We Will Rock You, inits sixth year, has perhaps peaked.

New comer, Sister Act has alreadymade the top five, taking fourthplace and the show is really startingto build momentum. Overallbookings of London theatreinclusive breaks over the last twomonths are up 27 per cent and itlooks like agents have a goodsummer and autumn ahead of themto drive sales.”

Ian Mounser

Oliver! can consideritself top-selling show

Actress Whoopi Goldberghas been in London topromote the opening ofSister Act in the West End.Encore Tickets managingdirector John Wales metwith Whoopi before theshow opened last month atthe London Palladium.She said: “If you arefortunate enough to be apart of something wonderfulI feel it's important to passthe baton. The best way forme to be a part of this newincarnation of Sister Act isto make sure everyoneknows it's happening. Thestage version of the show isfresh and new and I'mbeyond thrilled to be part ofit.”

DIRTY Dancing is the UK’s numberone stage show, according toticket comparison websiteSeatChoice.com.

In the last three months therehave consistently been moresearches for Dirty Dancing ticketsvia the website than for any othershow in the UK.

The production, based on the cultfilm starring Patrick Swayze andJennifer Grey, will be three yearsold in September but is still playing

to packed houses.Founder of SeatChoice.com

Robert Iles said: “Dirty Dancingcontinues to be phenomenallysuccessful and was consistentlyour most searched for show of thelast three months. It may be threeyears old but that doesn’t meanit’s always easy to find tickets. Ifyou want to find seats to DirtyDancing you’ll still need to shoparound as some of the ticketagents will sell out.”

Most searches for Dirty Dancing

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American TV host Jerry Springerhas joined the cast of hit musicalChicago – playing lawyer BillyFlynn. As part of his stay in theUK he visited Encore Tickets’West End head office toencourage managing directorJohn Wales to keep the sales upfor his debut on the Britishstage.

West End star Jason Donovan was on hand to celebrate Applause’s new group rates for smash hitmusical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Top price tickets will be available for the show for £29.50 perperson for groups of 12 or more. Picture shows Jason with Applause's Adam Stott-Everett.

OPEN air theatre Kilworth House hasunveiled its plans for the summerseason – which include performancesof the classic Gershwin musical Crazyfor You.

The theatre is the first privately ownedtheatre to be built in the grounds of ahotel and following two successfulseasons, ticket sales are also strongfor this year.

Theatre owner and producer CeliaMackay said: “The theatre is thefulfilment of a lifelong ambition and we

feel sure that it will become apermanent fixture for lovers of musicaltheatre and those looking for a magicalnight out on a beautiful summer’sevening.”

Kilworth House Theatre will also present a number of one night performances from visiting artists during its Live at Kilworth season including Elkie Brooks, Aled Jones, Ken Dodd and10cc.

Curtain rises on summer plans

DESTINATIONNEWS

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By Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance

HIDDEN away in this year’sbudget announcement was ashort statement that, due to theirnon compliance with EUlegislation, the tax rules foroperating Furnished HolidayLettings would be repealed from2010.

These rules allow owners of self-catering cottages in the UK, aslong as they satisfy certain tests,to be treated as tradingbusinesses for tax purposes.Repealing the FHL rules wouldmean that, among other things,capital allowances would not beavailable and that losses fromFHLs would not be able to be setagainst other income. This abilityto offset the costs of self-cateringbusinesses against other incomeis particularly important becausemany self-catering operationsgenerate insufficient revenue tosupport fulltime employment,necessitating owners to maintainother jobs.

Nevertheless, the Treasury viewis that repealing the rules ismerely a minor change required to

comply with EU legislation andthat the impact on self-cateringbusinesses will be minor – a mere£20m spread among 60,000businesses.

Unfortunately, the Treasuryanalysis significantly under-estimates the size of the self-catering industry, the impact thatthe changes will have on theprofitability of these businessesand on the UK’s rural and seasideeconomies.

A recent analysis by the TourismAlliance indicates that just the“holiday cottage” component ofthe self-catering sector comprisesover 40,000 businesses andgenerates revenues of £1.8bn perannum, over 70 per cent of whichis spent in rural and seasidelocations. In particular, over 30per cent of this expenditure(£574m) is in the South West,while Scotland, Wales and theNorth West are also regions ofhigh expenditure.

This very high level ofexpenditure supports a largenumber of jobs – over 40,000 intotal. Over 60 per cent of thesejobs are in local attractions thepeople staying in self-catering

accommodation use while theyare in the area.

An analysis of the accounts ofover 200 self-catering businessesindicates over 70 per cent of therevenue gained by thesebusinesses is spent on localtradespeople, cleaners and shopsselling furnishings for holidaycottages. Also, most of theowners of self-catering propertieslive within five miles of theproperty. Most are operated bylocal people, employ local peopleand provide considerable benefitsfor other local businesses.

The Tourism Alliance workestimates if just 10 per cent ofthe operators of holiday cottagesdecided that it was no longerviable to run their business andexited the market, there would bea drop in tourism expenditure inrural and seaside areas of almost£110m per annum and a loss ofover 2,400 jobs.

When the impact on holidayparks is included, the potentialoverall impact is a reduction ofover £200m in tourism spend andthe loss of over 4,500 jobs inrural and seaside economies –substantially greater than the

Treasury estimate of a £20mimpact. And this comes at a timewhen the Government needs to bedoing all it can to protect andmaintain jobs.

There is time to find a solutionthat complies with EU law withoutcausing job losses in the UK. Thisis provided, of course, that theTreasury listens to the industryand agrees that it needs toundertake a consultation onproposals.

Kurt Janson

Repeal will bring job losses

‘Staycation’ is becoming chicBy Ken Robinson

2009 is proving a surprising, andperhaps trend-changing year fordomestic tourism. The backgroundis the economic turmoil and the lowvalue of the pound against thecurrencies of favourite overseasdestinations, especially in euroland.This has reduced demand for whatused to be “low cost airlines”,which have therefore cut frequencyand cut some destinationsaltogether. The cost of takingluggage is now often moreexpensive on some airlines than thecost of the seat. The impositionand rising costs of Air PassengerDuty, and the massive rises in thecost of aviation fuel, mean “cheap”flights are disappearing. Airportparking charges are so high thatleaving a car for two weeks at a UKairport could cost more than theholiday. Overseas tour operatorsreacted quickly to lower demandand cut capacity, so much of whatthey have is being sold at higherprices. Holidaying abroad issuddenly unaffordable, or at bestmuch more expensive.

The biggest hurdle for the UKtourism industry to overcome hasbeen Brits taking what Britain hasto offer for granted. If you livehere, it is all too familiar – thelanguage, the food, the culture –how can it be exciting to holidayhere? The dinner party or chatting-with-your-mates tests were thecrunch: you couldn’t boast aboutholidaying at home, could you?

Well, in 2009 more than any otheryear, Brits are finding that you canboast about it. Suddenly the

“staycation” is becoming chic. Allthose mould-breaking images ofexploring England are actually true.There is a lot to discover. Familyholidays here are much less hasslethan hauling the young kids abroad.Camping is fun.

I noticed the most unexpectedchange in attitude at Easter when,with many more people staying herefor the holidays, the weather turnedfoul. Windswept countryside andrain-sodden campsites provided thebackdrop for TV reporters andjournalists to check up on just how“predictably depressing” thecircumstances were. But instead of

complaining, all that I saw and readwas people saying what fun it was –yes, it was raining, but there is lotsto do – anyway, it rains abroad, atleast here we can go home early ifwe want to. The Blighty spirit wasreborn. Happiness is a state ofmind, not a commodity that isguaranteed in package deals.When you know you are gettingbetter value for money than youwould be elsewhere (abroad), themind-set changes.

The Labour government gets a lotof stick for not understanding ormeeting the needs of the tourismindustry, but there is one massivechange for which they can certainlytake the credit. Against the wishesof the industry they abolished thenational Board for England, the ETC,having stopped its marketingactivities under the predecessorETB. For a while after theMillennium, there was no nationalmarketing activity. But then around2003 they gave VisitBritain themarketing remit for England, andthere was a complete re-think, anew start, and the radical newimagery associated with Englishtourism emerged. The results havebeen dramatic. Now every weeknational media feature holidays inthe regions, they seek new andexciting holiday experiences topromote to their readers andviewers. Prompted by the economy,millions of Brits are re-discoveringtheir wonderful land. Holidayhappiness is a fragile commodity.We mustn’t disappoint them. � Ken Robinson is the Think-Tank chairman of the TourismSociety

Ken Robinson

MobilitystandardlaunchedA NEW mobility standard has beenlaunched by VisitEngland to helptourism businesses makethemselves more accessible tocustomers.

The standard encouragesbusinesses to take small steps toincrease their appeal to older andless mobile customers and is asimplified and rejuvenated versionof the entry-level mobility standardof the National Accessible Scheme(M1).

Accessibility project managerRoss Calladine said: “Operatorsoften don’t realise that there aresmall changes that they can easilymake to ensure they will achievethe standard, even accommodationwith steps to the front door and noground floor bedrooms can beeligible.

“Many operators meet much ofthe criteria already. Only onebedroom and bathroom needs tomeet the standard, for example,doors need to be easy to open, androoms clutter free – it’s really notthat complicated.”

Businesses achieving ‘One stepahead’ can use the scheme logoand are included onenjoyengland.com, visitbritain.comand tourismforall.org.uk asaccessible accommodation.

DESTINATIONSCOTLAND

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The National Trust for Scotland has launched a special package forgroups wishing to explore two of Edinburgh’s historic attractions.The package includes a visit to Gladstone’s Land on Edinburgh’sfamous Royal Mile and the Georgian House attraction – the onlyauthentically furnished New Town house in Edinburgh.The trip will end with a visit to No. 28 Coffee House in CharlotteSquare where guests will be treated by waitress service to atraditional cream tea.

ONE of Scotland’s biggest andmost popular festivals tookadvantage of its attractiveHighland location by marketingthe event as the most beautifulfestival in the world.

RockNess took place on thebanks of Loch Ness andattracted festivalgoers from allover Europe to watch bandsincluding Basement Jaxx and TheProdigy.

The event also made the mostof its Scottish connections byincluding a highland fayre wherevisitors could sample traditionalLochfyne foods and activitiessuch as cabre tossing anddancing.

The festival is now in its fourthyear and this year, for the firsttime, organisers extended theentertainment on the main stageacross three days.

‘The most beautifulfestival in the world’

STEP back in time, more than2000 years and meet the peoplewho made Scotland what it istoday.

Battles, living history, hands-onexperiences, medieval markets andmuch more can be found atScotland’s Festival of History.

Featuring hundreds of specialistsfrom across Europe, this is aunique not to be missedexperience, set in the medievaltown where William Wallace began the ‘Braveheart’ story.

Covering the Romans to WW2, there is something for all ages – fromcannons, siege engine and historic crafts, to period music, jesters anddancers.Contact: 07963 128365, scotlandsfestivalofhistory@hotmail.co.uk

Stepping back in time

FEEL the adrenaline pump and your heart pound as Edinburgh Dungeonunveils the city’s first ever drop ride - Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom

Based on the ghastly historic hangingsthat took place at Edinburgh’sGrassmarket during the 17th and 18thcenturies, the three story ride willplunge visitors into oblivion within asecond flat – in pitch darkness.

The investment sees the Edinburghlandmark cement its place as one ofthe most ambitious tourist attractions inthe Scottish capital and a great additionto any city break or group touringprogramme.

Discounted rates are available forgroups of 10+ along with the addedbenefits of priority entrance, a freeplace and free familiarisation visit forthe group leader.

Drop Ride to Doom

DESTINATIONSCOTLAND

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THE entry deadline for theVisitScotland Scottish ThistleAwards has now passed – withorganisers reporting a last-minutesurge in entries.

According to VisitScotland. everycategory has shown strongcompetition – particularly newcategory Extra Mile, which replacedCustomer Care and resulted in a 25per cent increase in entries.

The Taste of Scotland award alsosaw an increase in entries,highlighting quality food produce inthe country.

About 34 Scottish tourism experts

will be judging the 214 entries, witheach of the 10 categories having itsown judging panel that will decidethe shortlist, announced in August.

VisitScotland chief executive PhilipRiddle said: “The Scottish ThistleAwards are firmly established asthe benchmark of excellence andinnovation across Scottish tourismand provide the perfect platform fortourism businesses throughoutScotland to showcase the quality ofproducts and services they provideto the visitor.

“The current economic climateposes a number of challenges but

with these challenges comeopportunities for Scottish tourismbusinesses. The ongoingcommitment from our industry toprovide a quality and memorableexperience stands Scotland in anexcellent position to drive tourismon and I look forward to seeing theusual high number of quality entriesfrom businesses around thecountry.”

The overall winners will beannounced at an awards ceremonyand gala dinner at the EdinburghInternational Conference Centre inOctober.

Last year’s awards’ ceremony

Last-minute surge in entriesfor Scottish Thistle awards

Heritageguide islaunchedA NEW heritage guide has beenlaunched to attract thousands ofvisitors to the River Clyde.

The Clyde Waterfront Partnershiphas developed the guide whichoutlines areas to explore along a13-mile stretch of the Clyde fromGlasgow Green to Dumbarton.

25,000 copies of the guide willbe printed and distributed acrossScotland to other visitorattractions and tourist informationcentres.

An outdoor advertising campaignto promote it will also run featuringposters at main rail stations, onboard commuter trains and bussides.

VISITSCOTLAND has launched itsfirst-ever kitchen garden trail inorder to meet an increasing demandfor seasonal and local produce.

The trail allows visitors to find andstay in establishments that serveup produce direct from their owngardens for the ultimate in low foodmiles.

Twenty establishments andeateries make up the trail, which isavailable on the VisitScotlandwebsite and forms part of thePerfect Day campaign.

Garden trail

A WARM welcome awaits you at theMuseum of Scottish Lighthouses.

In the company of our friendlyguides, climb the 72 steps to the topof the original lighthouse.

Discover for yourselves the skill,dedication, science and romance ofScotland’s lighthouses. In themuseum, marvel at the engineeringgenius of the Stevenson family andexplore our unique collection oflighthouse artefacts from the gorgeous lenses themselves to the uniformsworn by the keepers. There is something to interest everyone.

After your visit relax in our sea view café. The museum is open all year, seven days a week. Pre-booking for groups

is essential. Contact: Tel: 01346 511022, email info@lighthousemuseum.org.uk

RESTING on the banks of theRiver Tay in the heart ofHighland Perthshire, KenmoreHotel dates back to 1572,and is steeped in history.

The hotel offers a warmwelcome, friendly service andrelaxing atmosphere instunning surroundings.Kenmore is the ideal base forgroups and individuals, with acentral location and a wideselection of local attractionsand activities on its doorstep.

Contact: Kirsty Gowans, sales and marketing managert. +44 (0) 1887 830205e. kirsty@kenmorehotel.com

JOHNSTONS is synonymous with thefinest quality cashmere in the world.

Visit our flagship mill in Elgin, theonly mill in Scotland to transformraw fibre to finished product.

Join our tour guides and watch foryourself as the cashmere is dyed,teased, carded, spun and hand-finished by the latest generation oflocal craftsmen.

Visit our five star cashmere heritage centre, ladieswear, menswear,children’s department and food hall.

Enjoy the courtyard, our home and gift shop and our garden nursery.Complete your visit with Scottish home baking, freshly ground coffee,speciality teas or a light meal in our bright and airy coffee shop. Openseven days. Contact: Telephone: 0044(0)1343 554099www.johnstonscashmere.com

A hotel steeped in history

Quality cashmere in Elgin

Something for everyone

DESTINATIONSCOTLAND

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ACCORDING to Philip although thereare worries over the recession,there is still much to be positiveabout in the Scottish tourismindustry.

The Homecoming celebrations aregoing well and Philip claims thatnow may be the perfect time toattract new visitors to Scotland andan opportunity to reconnect withdomestic tourists who may beswapping their holiday abroad forone in the UK.

He said: “Tourism is better placedthan many industries in terms ofcurrent performance and potential.It would be naive to expect that wewould get away without a slightdownturn but there are definitebright spots.

“The weakness of the pound isencouraging for domestic tourism.

Most of Scotland’s tourism isdomestic so there is a greatopportunity to win back customfrom people who have got in thehabit of going overseas and to winback the hearts and minds ofpeople within Britain to value thevariety of a holiday in Scotland.”

However, Philip revealed one areawhich is experiencing a downturn isthe corporate tourism market asbusinesses are cutting back ontheir spending. He added: “We havegot to take up a back to businessas usual approach. Quite a lot ofthe corporate downturn is becausecompanies are afraid to be seen ashaving events, meetings orconferences but this is bad forbusiness.

“It is essential to travel to meetcustomers and suppliers and the

sooner we get back to a morenormal level the better.”

To attract as many visitors aspossible, Visit Scotland isconcentrating heavily on itsmarketing. According to Philip onereason why this is workingsuccessfully is that instead of massmarketing to the general population,it is researching what potentialvisitors are interested in andtargeting them that way.

“The real strength is the variety ofScotland. People come for a varietyof reasons. The culture and heritagebut also because they like theScottish way of life. It’s the totalpackage.

“We have an increasinglysophisticated segmentationapproach and are researching whatpeople want. We are moving away

from general promotion to be morespecific. We can send messages topeople around their needs.

“I think we are coming through theyear pretty well. The economy hasraised the ante for tourism and hasreinforced that tourism is animportant sector for the economy –there is the potential there to grow.We need to go through recovery togrow and I believe that will be donepretty quickly. Central to that isinvestment. We have developed anational investment plan to help theindustry to get that growth.

“Against the world environment Iam very pleased. I think theindustry is doing a great job ofcoping and in some sectors doingparticularly well. There is a bigopportunity for people to get moreinterested in British holidays.”

PHILIP also revealed how eventsplay a role in attracting tourists toScotland and how the Homecomingcelebrations are a part in this.

A range of events are taking placeup and down the country in 2009 toencourage people with Scottishancestry or those who love Scotlandto come home and enjoy what thecountry has to offer.

Scotland has also been successfulin attracting major events includingthe MOBO Awards which take placein Glasgow in September – the firsttime the event has been held out-side of London – and the GlasgowCommonwealth Games in 2014.

Philip told Destination UK that partof Scotland’s success in this areais that the events programme hasbeen carefully thought out to ensurethere is something to suit everyoneand give people a reason to visitthe country.

He said: “Coming up we have theCommonwealth Games and theRyder Cup and are continuallylooking at major things on thehorizon to bring them in. We also

have homegrown events like theEdinburgh Tattoo and InternationalFestival – it is about having thatmix. We have always consideredevents to be important butHomecoming has reinforced howimportant they are. For repeatvisitors it gives them a reason tocome back.”

Philip also said that by bringingsome of Scotland’s biggest andmost established events – such asT in the Park – and its smaller, lesswell known events under oneumbrella it has helped to publicisewhat Scotland has to offer tovisitors. He added: “We have eventsacross the country and have tried tospread them out throughout theyear – you don’t want all yourevents at one time. The bigmessage with Homecoming is thereis always something to do,particularly for UK visitors. It hashelped to publicise what’s going onand made visitors much moreaware. The events so far which arenot one off’s have had higherattendances than in the past.”

With Scotland’s year ofHomecoming goingstrong and a continuedinvestment in newcampaigns and ideas,Visit Scotland is hopingfor a successful year.Christina Eccles caughtup with chief executivePhilip Riddle to find outhis thoughts andpredictions for tourismin Scotland. The Edinburgh Tattoo is one of the Homecoming Events

Weak pound encouragingfor Scottish tourism

High-profile events drawtourists to Scotland

SCOTLAND has a positivereputation all over the world butthe challenge is converting thisinto actual visits, according toPhilip.

He added: “Around the world,most people have positiveassociations. Our challenge isturning these positiveassociations into a real reasonto visit.

“Our biggest overseas marketis the United States. That marketis a little quiet now although the

dollar is reasonably strong but itwill come back around.

‘We are hoping and expectinggood visitor numbers fromWestern Europe – Germany,France, Spain and Sweden areall good markets for us as well.

“We are thinking about theMiddle East, India and Chinalonger term. We are seeing agrowth but it will take a while. In20 years’ time they will be thedominant markets.”

Conversion challengeEilean Donan Castle is a popular attraction for tourists from allover the world.

DESTINATIONN0RTH EAST

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DIY travel bookletidea for NorthEast visitorsBy Christina Eccles

VISITORS to the North East are nowable to design their own bespoketravel booklet after a decision toscrap the traditional printedbrochure.

After noticing that increasingnumbers of holidaymakers werelooking online for travel information,One North East has decided thatthis will be the last year it will printa brochure.

Instead, visitors to the website willbe able to look through a number ofoptions before deciding what theywant from their break andrequesting the relevant informationto plan a trip to the North East.

Head of marketing Tania Robinsonsaid: “We have totally revamped thewebsite and have a lot of activity onthere.

“The online presence makes ahuge difference – it is the mainresponse mechanism.

“This will be the last year we areprinting the regional holiday guideas more people are looking foronline ideas.

“People have a wide variety ofinterests and so this allows them toprint their own online brochure.”

The website also has an activitygenerator which produces threepossible days out at random –allowing people to considerexploring somewhere in the regionwhich they maybe would not havethought of.

Other marketing initiatives theteam are working on include TVadvertising and leafleting in thenational press – with One NorthEast hoping to build on the successof last year when the region had thehighest rate of growth in the UK interms of visitor numbers outsideLondon.

Tania added: “We are looking tocapitalise on that with more peopleholidaying in the UK and are puttingin place some strong marketing.

“We are currently planning for ourAutumn campaign, which is a bigtime for short breaks.

“We know people are looking forreally good value for money so it willbe driven around special deals suchas three nights for two.”

AS the region’s flagship theatre, SunderlandEmpire is The West End of the North East,showcasing the very best touring productions inthe UK, offering audiences a choice of thebiggest stars and most prestigious shows,making for a sparkling day or night out.

Guaranteeing an exciting programme of eventsat the North East’s premier entertainmentvenue, Sunderland Empire stages season afterseason of record breaking smash hits, from topWest End musicals, to classical ballet, cutting-edge comedy and music concerts to fun familyshows, providing all the dazzling entertainmentyou could ever wish for.

Get it together with a group of 10+ and you willreceive generous savings per ticket, confirmationinvoices to help you keep track, up to eightweeks to pay and all this without a deposit.

What’s more for only £10 per person you canalso enjoy a private bar, drinks on arrival and during the interval, houseprogrammes, cloakroom facilities and a hostess service.

The groups sales service is completely free, all you need to do is pick ashow, pick up the phone and get booking.

The West End ofthe North East

A LANDMARK construction set tochange the face of Stockton-on-Teeswas unveiled with a spectacularlaunch party.

The £15 million Infinity Bridgespans the River Tees and links amulti million pound waterfrontdevelopment with the Teesdale areaand Durham University Queen’scampus.

The footbridge has twosymmetrical flowing archesspanning a total of 180 metres and,at its highest point, stands 40

metres above the river.When reflected in the water, it

forms the mathematical symbol‘infinity’.

Tees Valley regeneration director,Neil Kenley, said: “The InfinityBridge is simply magnificent. It is asignificant milestone in thedevelopment and growth of TeesValley.”

The bridge opened withillumination and entertainments,and an audience of approximately20,000.

The opening ceremony

£15m bridge changesface of Stockton NORTHUMBERLAND National Park

stretches along the border with Scotlandand is England’s most tranquil and leastpopulated corner, although the cities ofEdinburgh and Newcastle are just over anhour away.

400 square miles of crystal clear air,wide horizons, scented heather moorlandsand hidden wooded valleys with musicalstreams make this protected landscape ajoy for those who love nature, walking,horse riding and relaxing.

Friendly and comfortable farmhouse orB&B accommodation provide a perfect base to explore breathtaking viewsfrom the Cheviot Hills, Hadrian’s Wall Roman World Heritage Site and thenatural sandy beaches of the Northumberland Coast.Contact: Telephone: +44 (0)1434 344396Email: tic.oncebrewed@nnpa.org.uk

Northumberland National Park

SITUATED within the town’smedieval walls in the heart ofBerwick just minutes walk fromthe quayside, The King’s Armshas now opened a newrestaurant ideal for the tour andtravel market.

The Old Stables, leading to thewalled garden, has a capacity for100 diners offering a completerange of menus includingmorning coffees, lunches,afternoon teas, high teas andevening meals.

With 28 ensuite bedrooms sleeping a maximum of 52 passengers, the18th century King’s Arms Hotel is perfectly placed for easy access to theGuildhall, Regimental Museum and Barracks, Burrell Art Collection andriverside walks.Tel: 01289 307454Email: enquiries@kingarms-hotel.com

New restaurant for King’s Arms

TAKE a trip to WWT Washington Wetland Centre, where the wonders ofwetland birds and their habitats are brought vividly to life.

Open 364 days, visitors of all ages can enjoy stunning scenery, specialevents and nose-to-beak encounters with some of the world's rarest andmost dramatic waterbirds.

Every season brings new life and in spring, bluebells bloom in Spring GillWood, as young Hawaiian geese hatch and wild lapwing breed on WaderMeadow. See the largest nesting colony of grey herons in the region atWader Lake.

More babies abound in the hazy days of summer, when the insect pondshum with life and butterflies bask in the peaceful wildflower meadows.Watch wading chicks and common tern playing on the shoreline or handlecute ducklings in our nursery tours (May-July).

Bats mate and jays hurriedly bury acorns as autumn creeps in. Migratingwaders stop for fuel on Wader Lake, while other birds go into breedingplumage – changing colour with the leaves. In winter, hundreds of curlew flyn at dusk to roost alongside redshank. Find bullfinches and great-spottedwoodpeckers perching on frosty branches in Hawthorn Wood.

Waterside Café serves up freshly made food every day; plus there areakeside hides, a bird feeding station, sustainable garden, picnic areas,playground and WWT gift shop. Excellent access and free wheelchair hirei l di l i b i )

Bringing the wetlands to life

DESTINATIONNORTH EAST

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A mini invasion by a group of Roman soldiers took shoppers inNewcastle by surprise when they appeared in the city centre.The event marked a weekend of Living Frontier events which brought2,000 years of history to life along Hadrian’s Wall.The Living Frontier featured more than 500 re-enactors and included amarch through Carlisle by soldiers from three eras and the first fullRoman sentry to be stationed on the Wall for more than 1600 years.The event came after a new report revealed a modern version ofHadrian's Wall would cost £400m and take 1,500 workers more thantwo and a half years to build.

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD has appl-ied to be a host city in The FootballAssociation’s bid to host the FIFAWorld Cup in 2018 or 2022.

The application is a partnershipbetween Newcastle City Council,Gateshead Council and NewcastleUnited Football Club and ifsuccessful would see Newcastle-Gateshead beamed across theworld to an estimated TV audienceof 24million viewers.

Leader of Newcastle city councilCoun John Shipley said: “Newcastle-Gateshead will be an ideal locationfor the FIFA World Cup to hold itsinitial group stages. An event of thisscale would have a major positiveeconomic impact on the ‘twin cities’not only in the lead up to and duringthe event but for years to come.”

The process will continue untilNovember when selected cities andvenues will be announced.

City makes bid to net World Cup

HOWICK Hall gardens andarboretum – beautifulgardens, woodland walks,a prime minister and afamous cup of tea.

‘Snowdrops Walks’, ahost of golden daffodils,spectacular woodlandgarden, beautiful bordersand terraces, unusualplanting in the bog garden,and brilliant autumncolour.

In addition, thearboretum covers about65 acres of woodland walks, where you can take on the Family ExplorerChallenge.

'Earl Grey Tea House' offers light lunches and teas - Howick was the homeof the 2nd Earl Grey for whom the famous tea was blended and he was alsothe prime minister whose monument stands in Grey Street in Newcastle.

Howick Hall has so much to offer

WELCOME to the Royal Seat of theKings of Northumbria and theArmstrong family home since 1894.These formidable stone walls havewitnessed dark tales of royalrebellion, bloody battles, spellbindinglegends and millionaire benefactors.Experience the sights, stories andatmosphere of over two thousandyears of exhilarating history.

The castle has fourteen publicrooms and over 2000 artefacts,including arms and armour, porcelain,furniture and artwork. The ‘centrepiece’ of castle is The Kings Hall, aspectacular example of Victorianarchitecture.

The Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum houses a variety of artefactsand memorabilia spanning both World Wars as well as others relating to LordArmstrong’s ship building empire on the Tyne.

Each summer sees the Bamburgh Research Project carrying out livearchaeology on the country’s most important Anglo-Saxon excavation. Eachyear sees new exciting finds helping us to tell the story of castle’s excitingpast. You can even have a go yourself in the test pit.

The summer sees a programme of re-enactments and concerts, with livinghistory and sell out concerts.

Only four miles from the A1 the castle has a cafeteria and the newlyrefurbished gift shop prides itself on supplying many locally made gifts andsouvenirs.

Bamburgh Castle – home tothe Kings of Northumbria.