Issue 24 September 2008 £2.75

By Nicola Hyde

THE operators of London Dungeonhave started legal proceedingsagainst a rival attraction accusing itof copying its format and misleadingcustomers.

Merlin Entertainments has issuedproceedings in the High Courtagainst the nearby London BridgeExperience which it claims is poach-ing customers from the Dungeonqueue and misleading them intothinking it is the same attraction.

David Sharpe, Merlin’s divisionaldirector, London, said: “While webelieve in fair competition, the typeof illegal activity we have seen fromthe London Bridge Experience istotally unacceptable, and is notsomething we will tolerate. Our pro-posal for a consensual resolutionhaving been rejected, we have noalternative but to put a stop to thisbehaviour through formal legal chan-nels in order to protect the LondonDungeon brand.”

Merlin claims that while the histori-cal period covered by the LondonBridge Experience is different to theDungeon, its marketing and promo-tional materials is not. A spokesmanadded: “Merlin has considerable evi-dence that some visitors have beenconfused into thinking that the twoattractions are related or even the

same, something which is potential-ly extremely damaging to the LondonDungeon brand.”

The £2m London BridgeExperience, built using Hollywood-style special effects, has attracted40,000 visitors since it opened inFebruary. Owners Danny and LeeScriven deny the allegations andclaim Merlin has laid down somerules which would be impossible tofollow – which include not promotingtheir own attraction within 200metres of the Dungeon.

Danny said: “We are very disap-pointed to find ourselves at themercy of the Merlin Group. Eversince we opened they have maderepeated demands to us to restrictour activities because the LondonBridge Experience is located closeto their London Dungeon attraction.We have a great haunted attractionourselves and we will fight on.”

The brothers claim the battle –which has been going on since April– has also seen them ordered tostop using words or pictures suchas ghosts, ghouls and the effect ofblood dripping from wording, or fromusing costumed actors interactingwith visitors. Merlin deny the 200-metre ruling, insisting they have onlyever asked the London BridgeExperience staff to stay away fromthe Dungeon queue.

THE government is failingto provide UK tourism withthe support it needs,according to a controver-sial report on tourism.

The Tourism Report saidit was concerned tourismwas being treated as an‘afterthought’ and that thegovernment shouldimprove the way it repre-sented the industry.

It said: “The committeeis concerned by the lackof confidence that thetourism industry appearsto have in DCMS, whichhas been widely criticisedfor not adequately repre-senting the industryacross government. Weare also discouraged thatresponsibility for tourismhas been so frequentlytransferred between dep-artmental ministers – sev-en ministers since June1997 – creating an impr-ession that tourism isviewed by the governmentas an afterthought. Wewould like to see moreconsistent evidence thattourism is becoming amainstream issue in gov-ernment.”

The report made severalrecommendations whichincluded: governmentreconsider its decision tocut VisitBritain’s funding;raising the quality of acco-mmodation and adjustingvisa regulations.

Call fortourismsupport

Travel writer Bill Bryson has launched anew website for County Durham TourismPartnership.Developed for visitors to thecounty, the site is designed to be a ‘virtualwindow’ into Durham, using technology tobring attractions and heritage to life.

Rival Londonattractions inlegal battle

3

Entertainmentnews inCentrestagestarting on Page 13

Pennine Yorkshire Page 21

Leisure resorts Page 16-17

Bosses hopelaughter

will drawtourists

Page 10

ContactsEDITORIALAndrew Harrod group editor 01226 734639 ah@whpl.netNicola Hyde news editor01226 734459 nl@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 734477Web: www.destination.uk.com

Industry should do morefor environmental issuesTHE industry should do more tomeet the public’s demand forenvironmental sustainability,according to a report.

The Department for Culture,Media and Sport Committee’sTourism Report said althoughprogress has been made in thisarea, there are still more steps tobe taken.

It said: “We are encouraged bythe growing profile ofenvironmental issues in thetourism sector. However, whilesignificant progress has beenmade in recent years, there isclearly still scope for the industryto become more environmentallysustainable. The public isbeginning to demand a betterperformance from tourismbusinesses on “green” issues,

and we encourage the industry torespond to this demand.”

Transport is a majorconsideration as many peopletravel to and from a destinationby car or plane – with 86 per centof UK staying visitors arriving attheir destination by car.

However the report doesrecognise some areas wherethere have been positive movesto combat this – including theWelsh Assembly’s efforts toencourage those visitors whoarrive by car to explore Wales bypublic transport or bike once theyhave arrived.

It also makes recommendationsfor rural tourism businesseswhere the only viable means oftransport is by car.

The report added: “We

recognise that it is not alwayspossible to provide sustainabletravel options to touristattractions, particularly when theattractions are remote or do notattract large numbers of visitors.

“However, where opportunitiesdo exist, we encourage the publicand private sectors to work inpartnership to reduce the relianceon the car and the pressure thisplaces upon the localenvironment.

“In places such as Hadrian'sWall Country, where there is aconcentrated group of touristattractions, it is financially viablefor a bus service to operate.Similarly, the Derwent Valley MillsWorld Heritage Site in Derbyshirebenefits from a railway line alongits entire length.”

Take young travellers seriouslyBy Mary Ferguson

THE tourism industry has beenwarned to take young travellersseriously or miss out on a growingsector.

Dick Porter, chairman of theBritish Education TravelAssociation (BETA), claims youngtravellers are bigger business thanmainstream tourists, and toldDestination UK that the industryneeds to ‘up its game’ if it is tomake the most of it.

He said: “The traditionalperception of the backpacker isvery much gone – today’s youth isvery consumer orientated and isprepared to spend more.

“The UK is welcoming a lot morewealthy travellers. many who areyoung and whose ideas of‘roughing it’ are just not the sameas they used to be.

“If the industry wants a share ofthis market it needs to stop thecomplacency, up it’s game andstart taking young travellersseriously.”

Dick claims that today’s youngtravellers stay longer and spend

more overall than mainstreamtourists, with the average spendper trip increasing by 40 per centin just five years.

According to statistics, in 2006visitors to the UK to study spentan average of £1742 per visit, andstayed longer, compared with just£527 for business travellers and£470 for general holiday visitors.

In the same year, 16 to 34 year-old visitors spent an average of£565 per visit, more than 35 to54 year-olds at under £500.

“Another big shift is that 15years ago, people were taking oneor two trips a year, but now youngpeople especially are taking six orseven – and many of them arenow domestic. We are seeing a lotmore regional visits from theyoung.”

Dick added: “The new youthmarket has high expectations, andthe industry needs to respond tothat – for example many ‘old’hostels are improving theirproducts to include higher qualitycatering and facilities. There hasto be an understanding that theyouth market has upgraded itself.”

Celebrity chef James Martin will behosting the AA Centenary Awards2008, celebrating one hundredyears of quality and service in thehospitality industry. The event willhonour hotels, restaurants andindividuals, with categoriesincluding Hotel Of The Year. Pub OfThe Year and Hotel Group Of TheYear.

DESTINATIONNEWS

Northern Ireland Page 18-20

Exhibition to cover new trends and developmentsAdvertiser’s announcement

WORLD Travel Market is gearingup for another successful show tobe hosted in November.

The business-to-businessexhibition for the internationaltravel and tourism industry bringstogether suppliers, buyers andtravel agents.

There will be a comprehensiveeducational programme which willcover new trends anddevelopments, to help businessescash in on emerging markets.

A number of new exhibitors havesigned up to participate. Fiji

returns to exhibit within the PacificIslands and Bhutan will beexhibiting within the Asian regionfor the first time. There are anumber of new companies withinthe UK and Ireland including CuttySark, Folio Hotels, SevenstarAviation, Wandrian and WestexLtd. Joining the European regionto exhibit this year is Azerbaijan.

A comprehensive conference andseminar programme on a varietyof subjects including technology,the state of the global economyand responsible tourism runsacross three days beginningTuesday 11 November.

WTM Global Economic Forum –Thursday 13 November

The WTM Global EconomicForum provides senior travel andtourism executives with an in-depth look at the state of theglobal economy moving forwardfor 2009-2010.

The Business Case forResponsible Tourism – Thursday13 November

An extension of WTM WorldResponsible Tourism Day, thisconference investigates thefinancial profitability for practicingresponsible tourism within an

organisation and follows twotracks; hoteliers and touroperators.

Technology and Online Travel –Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13November

This remains one of the fastestgrowing sectors at WTM andpromises to be an even biggerdraw this year. The Eye for Travelconferences and technologySeminars will showcase the mostrecent advances in the digitalworld and focus on the latestonline travel trends.

4

Euro strengthbrings influxof touristsBy Christina Eccles

THE strength of the euro isencouraging more European touriststo holiday in Britain, according toleisure and travel retailerlastminute.com.

The favourable exchange rate forEuropeans visiting the UK has led toan increase of more than 20 percent in visitor numbers for themonths of July, August andSeptember, according to figuresfrom lastminute.com’s continentalbusinesses. One euro is now worthalmost 80p compared to aroundonly 66p last year.

The company has seen a bigincrease in the number of Germantourists visiting the UK and inparticular Edinburgh where Germanbookings to the city have almostdoubled compared to this time lastyear.

French visitors have alsoincreased by nearly 10 per cent withthe airports of Cardiff,Southampton, Birmingham and

Manchester all showing increases inFrench passengers.

Visitors from Italy have risen by 11per cent with popular spots forItalians including London andDublin. London is also a populardestination fo Spanish tourists, withnine out of 10 visiting the capital.

The research also revealed thatmore Brits will be holidaying athome this summer with UKdomestic holidays bookings onlastminute.com up by 14 per cent.

lastminute.com UK managingdirector John Bevan said: “The UK’spopularity this summer is amazing.The UK appears to be the place tobe for all of Europe’s nationalities.

“Traditionally an expensivedestination for European tourists,the UK’s in-resort pricecompetitiveness has improveddramatically due to the fall of thepound against the euro. This hasplayed a major part in the UK’sincreased popularity amongstEuropean tourists.”

Tourism minister Margaret Hodge goes 'back to the floor' atSpinnaker Tower

TOURISM minister Margaret Hodgewent back to the floor at one of theUK's premier visitor attractions –the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

She spent a few hours beingshown how the attraction is run withJuliana Delaney, deputy chiefexecutive of Continuum, theoperating company for theSpinnaker Tower.

The tower, which is at the centreof the £38m Renaissance ofPortsmouth Harbour redevelopmentproject, has received over onemillion visitors since opening in

October 2005.She completed her visit with

leafleting the waterfront areasurrounding the tower to helppromote the attraction to the nearbytourists.

She said: "The Spinnaker Towercontinues to be a great successstory and symbolises the first ratetourism offer in the UK. It was greatto meet many of the people whosehard work means the towerflourishes and helps to attractthousands of visitors to the SouthCoast each year."

Tourism minister sent to Tower

The Park Royal hotel in Stretton,near Warrington, has been giventhe prestigious award ofExcellence in Business Tourismat the Visit Chester and CheshireAwards.The four star hotel, part of theQHotels group, beat off stiffcompetition from finalistsChester Grosvenor, De VereCarden Park, Moorside GrangeHotel and Trafford Hall.Jacquie Hanson, general managersaid: “This award is a recognitionof the hard work and dedication

of the team. “We are delighted to berecognised for our businessfacilities, an area that we andthe QHotels Group considers tobe of growing importance.”The hotel will now have theopportunity to represent thecounty at the NorthwestRegional Tourism Awards inOctober, which recognisesexcellence within the tourismindustry and rewards both groupand individual achievements overthe past year.

Cheshire’s charm to be showcased in JapanCHESHIRE is to be showcased inJapan after a group of Japanesejournalists were shown the area’shighlights.

The tour – organised by tourismboard Visit Chester and Cheshire –profiled pubs, hotels, attractionsand rural landscapes over a fiveday visit which stopped at Tatton

Park, Ness Gardens, The ChesterGrosvenor and Spa, the AlvanleyArms, Cholmondeley Castle,Nunsmere Hall Hotel, the Cocko’Barton inn, and the Cotton Hoteland Spa.

VCC chief executive Chris Brownsaid: “Our partners have helped tounderline all that’s best about

Cheshire and the writers wereclearly impressed with what wason offer. Japanese people areparticularly enthusiastic aboutBritish stately homes and gardens.Our Year of Gardens 08 events,combined with the tremendouschoice and quality of our food anddrink, accommodation and retail

experiences, make Cheshire anattractive choice for thesemarkets.”

The impact on Chester-Cheshire’svisitor economy from overseasvisitors is growing year by year.Estimates suggest more than360,000 overseas visits a yeargenerating in excess of £114m.

Visa decision couldhit inbound tourismBy Christina Eccles

INBOUND tourism from some keyemerging markets could be badlyaffected by the government’sdecision to scrap a visa waiveragreement for 11 countries,according to an organisation.

The Home Office and the UKBorder Agency (UKBA) have revealedplans to re-introduce visas for 11countries which currently have visawaiver agreements with the UKgovernment.

But – according to UKInbound –Brazil, Malaysia and South Africawhich have been allocated as keyemerging markets could be put offvisiting the UK due to the extracosts.

Chief executive Stephen Dowd

said: “Whilst supporting theconcept of strong and secureborders for the United Kingdom weare, like many other organisations,deeply concerned that thesemeasures, just like the chaoticintroduction of biometric visas, arean ill conceived overreaction byUKBA prompted by the desire of theHome Office to be seen to be toughon illegal immigration irrespective ofthe damage to trading links withthese countries of which tourism isjust one of many.

"This important change was madewithout consultation with thetourism industry and announced onthe very day that the latest Houseof Commons Select Committeereport on tourism was published.”

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

5

East Midlandsbid to attractScandinaviansBy Nicola Hyde

A £60,000 marketing campaign hasbeen launched to encourageScandinavian visitors to the EastMidlands.

East Midlands Tourism, EastMidlands Airport and VisitBritain arerunning the campaign until Spring2009 to capitalise on theintroduction of new routes by low-cost Scandinavian carrier, SterlingAirline.

Tourists from Sweden, Norway andDenmark will be offered holidays onkey themes like history andheritage, motoring, canal boatingand golf.

Dedicated language websitesoffering themed itineraries andcompetitions will be supported withonline advertising and tailorednewsletters informing Scandinavianvisitors about special offers, eventsand places to stay.

Ruth Hyde, tourism director ofEast Midlands Development Agency,said: “For the first time visitors fromScandinavia have direct access tothe East Midlands with the threeroutes from Oslo, Stockholm and

Copenhagen.“This provides us with a great

opportunity to grow the region’svisitor economy, attracting evenmore staying visitors from overseas.The key themes that have beenchosen reflect consumer interestsin the Scandinavian market and arealso designed to show the breadthof experiences that await potentialvisitors to the region.”

East Midlands Tourism, EastMidlands Airport and VisitBritainhave each contributed £20,000 withadditional support from Sterlingincluding links through to thecampaign websites and free seatsto support media and promotionalactivity.

Tom Wright, chief executive ofnational tourism agency, VisitBritain,added: “Visits from Scandinaviahave rocketed by 40 per cent in thelast five years alone with nearly twomillion now made to the UK,spending £792m here. With a hugevariety of city break destinations,heritage attractions and inspiringlandscapes, the East Midlands iswell placed to attract thesevisitors.”

Dominic Stokes of Sheffield City Hall and Emma France of YST

YORKSHIRE South Tourism will begoing head to head withpartnership venue Sheffield CityHall in this year’s White RoseAwards.

They are competing for theBusiness Tourism Award of theYear category, at the ceremonytaking place in September at TheSpa in Bridlington.

The awards, which recognise andreward excellence in tourismacross Yorkshire, are in their 19thyear and will see seven YorkshireSouth venues be nominated acrossthe different categories.

David Andrews, chief executive ofYorkshire Tourist Board, said: “Wehave been overwhelmed by thenumber and quality of entries thisyear and it has been very difficultto shortlist the finalist.

“The value of winning aprestigious White Rose Award isrecognised by the region’s tourismbusinesses and we thank everyonethat entered.

“We now wish the very best ofluck to those that have beenshortlisted and look forward to theglittering award ceremony.”

Battle for tourism award

UKINBOUND has appointed MaryRance as chief executive.

The former CBI regional directorand operational manager has takenover the post from Stephen Dowd.

She said: “I am delighted to bejoining UKinbound at this significantand challenging time for inboundtourism. With the growing economic,environmental and regulatorypressures faced by the industry, Iwill strive to ensure that the agendaand profile of UKinbound remain atthe forefront of Governmentthinking.”

UKinbound chairman Philip Greensaid: “The recruitment panel metsome very talented candidates andwe believe Mary has the qualitieswe are looking for at this time. Shebrings with her excellent all roundexperience in lobbying, networking

and membership management. Weare sure Mary is the right person tolead the association.”

Chief executive appointed

Mary Rance

PONTIN’S has announced its futuresummer bookings and year to datesales have increased, with bookingsfor the rest of the summer also up10 per cent.

Pontin’s was acquired in Marchthis year by Oceans Parcs, aninvestment company headed byGraham Parr, for £46m.

Graham said: “In this day and age,with constant rising costs, this is

clearly a demonstration that moreand more people are choosing torevitalise the great British holiday.

“It is also pleasing to note howmany regular customers are comingback to our sites year on year andhow many new customers arevisiting us and planning to visit usto join in the great British summerparty.”

Holiday company reportedincreased sales and bookings

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

6

By Mary Ferguson

HALF of those going on holidaythis summer will be staying in theUK, it has been claimed.

Research by LateRooms.comshows that rising living costs andthe ongoing effects of the creditcrunch have influenced 51 percent of holiday-goers to stay in theUK this summer.

The survey also revealed that 75per cent of Brits say nostalgia istheir main reason for visiting UKbeaches, and say they try toreturn to the places they weretaken to as children.

According to the website, moreobscure UK beach destinationsare increasing in popularity andattracting new visitors, with thelist of top beach destinationstopped by Torquay, followed by St.Ives. The tenth most popularbeach resort is Skegness.

Over half of holiday-makers saidthey had decided to stay in the UK

because of the strong Euro, whichis giving little return on the pound.

And almost a third wanted toshun carbon-heavy flights in favourof closer destinations.

Kathy Gwinnett ofLateRooms.com said: “It’s greatthat British beach holidays areenjoying a renaissance and thatsome of the less obvious resorts,such as Weymouth and Torquay,are getting rediscovered by ayounger generation.

“We all remember the fun ofgoing to the seaside as kids andwith the credit crunch, high livingcosts and the strength of theEuro, there’s no better time to digout that bucket and spade andstay at home for your holidays.”

To celebrate the British beachrenaissance, LateRooms.comcreated the world’s first sandhotel on Weymouth beach,allowing British holiday-makers tonot only claim the best spot onthe beach but never have to leave

it.The hotel was built by sand

sculptor Mark Anderson and

designed to look like a giant sandcastle, with both a twin anddouble bedroom.

The giant sand hotel on Weymouth beach

Nostalgia turns tide for UK beaches

Seaside resorts come back in to fashionTHE traditional British seasideholiday is being revived asfamilies look for ways to beat thecredit crunch.

Research from insurance and

investment group LV= hasrevealed that seven out of tenparents are concerned abouttheir personal financial situation,and more than half of all adults

are opting to stay in the UK for their holidays this year.

Families could save up to 38per cent more than going to

European destinations such asGreece, Majorca, the Algarveand Italy, suggesting beachesacross the UK could be busierthan ever.

Expertpanel isunveiledAN expert panel has beenannounced for the GroupLeisure and Travel TradeShow which takes place atBirmingham NEC inSeptember.

The experts areconfirmed as: SandieDawe, strategy andcommunications director,VisitBritain; Andy Harmer,business developmentdirector, Association ofCruise Experts; KevinBrown , vice chairman,Guild of British CoachOperators; Mike Newman,marketing and recruitmentmanager, Group TravelOrganisers Association;Sean Tipton, press officer,Association of BritishTravel Agents.

Organiser Emma Cashsaid: “The panel sessiongives visitors theopportunity to pick someof the best brains in thegroup leisure and traveltrade industry, promotingan open forum fordiscussion from the stage,incorporating a wide rangeof experience andknowledge. It proved verypopular last year and we’revery grateful for ourexperts continuing tosupport our show.”

Hoteliers blast boom claimsBy Mary Ferguson

BRIDLINGTON hoteliers have blastedclaims that the credit crunch will resultin a boom in domestic tourism.

The East Yorkshire town ofBridlington has traditionally been atourism hotspot, but Glenn Holmes,president of the town's hotel andguest house association, said thereare still plenty of spare beds this year.

He told Destination UK: “It’s been avery slow start to the season. Thereare reports everywhere that thedownturn in the economy will meanmore people taking their holidays inthe UK, but we’ve seen no evidence ofthat here. I believe a lot of it is justmedia hype.”

Glenn said that despite there beingno rush of business, bookings areslightly up on last year. But he citesbetter weather and the opening ofBridlington Spa for better figures – notthe credit crunch.

He has also noticed visitors bookingshorter breaks – three or four daysinstead of the usual week.

And people tend to leave theirdecision to go on holiday down to thelast minute – depending on the

weather – resulting in a drop inadvance bookings.

“People will wait and when there hasbeen a couple of days of sunshine,they will decide to visit the coast for ashort break.

“Because of this change, we rely verymuch on repeat business andencourage the hotels in theassociation to do all they can toattract people back.

“We make sure we bend over

backwards for people and recently hada couple stay that enjoyed their timeso much, they came back a few weekslater.

“That’s what Bridlington needs.”Glenn added: “Even though there are

not that many people using the hotels,I’ve definitely noticed a lot of peoplearound town which suggests touristsare coming here for day trips – there isdefinitely still a buzz aboutBridlington.”

A beach in Bridlington

Eco tourism site reports sales growthA WEBSITE which promotes ecotourism is reporting sales growth of37 per cent for the last six months.

Responsibletravel.com said Englandhas risen from 14th position toknock Thailand off the number onemost booked country spot – with a

sales growth of 95 per cent.Manager director Justin Francis

said: “The responsible travel andtourism market is slowly becomingbetter established.

“Increasing numbers of consumerswant to know how holidays are

made, by whom and with whatconsequences for the environmentand local people.”

He believes the key to the growth isthat tourists increasingly want locallydistinctive holiday experiences ratherthan cloned resorts.

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

7

£10m investmentset to benefitseaside townsBy Christina Eccles

THREE of England’s seaside towns areto benefit from £10m of investmentthanks to the government’s Sea Changegrants.

The project aims to boost regenerationin coastal areas through investment andthe grants awarded to Blackpool, Doverand Torbay are the first to be awarded ina three year programme worth £45m.

Blackpool will receive £4m to create a20,000 capacity outdoor performancespace to showcase cultural events onthe central seafront and the streetscapefrom the Tower to the Headland will beredesigned and enhanced.

Culture and tourism minister MargaretHodge said: “The Sea Change schemeis all about kick starting regenerationthrough cultural investment in ourseaside communities, helping topreserve their heritage and encouragingnew and exciting projects. I’m delightedthese fantastic plans for Blackpool,Torbay and Dover are now going ahead.Not only will they encourage new visitorsto the area but they will also helpsupport and enrich the community.

“These three large grants are the first

in this programme and I hope they willinspire other coastal resorts to dreamup similar innovative and creativeplans.”

Plans for a possible cable car at aheritage site in Dover from the WesternDock to the Castle will also bedeveloped after just over £3.8m wasawarded to the city. Improvementsaround the historic castle, includingupdating the secret wartime tunnels, willallow new presentations of its historyand heritage. The Bleriot Monument,which commemorates the first crosschannel flight will also be refurbished.

Torbay will receive a grant of just over£2.2m being awarded to develop twoprojects in the English Riviera Geopark.Artistic regeneration is at the heart ofthe plans with the creation of ten newstudios as well as gallery space and arefurbished visitor centre.

This also means people will havebetter access to the heritage andnatural environment of the landscape ofBerry Head on the Edge, which is hometo a Napoleonic fort and the largestguillemot colony on the Channel coast.

A celebrity waxworks wasinstalled at a touristinformation centre to helpcelebrate BarbaraWindsor’s 71st birthday.The waxworks were onloan from MadameTussauds to the Britainand London Visitor Centre,Britain’s flagship touristinformation centre.The display ran for twoweeks and was free ofcharge to promote theBest of British exhibition –showcasing waxworks of

some of Britain's mostloved icons.Jaco Coetzee, Britain andLondon Visitor Centremanager said: “Britishcelebrities are renownedall around the world andI’m delighted that theBarbara Windsor waxworkwill be able to celebratethe real lady’s 71stbirthday with visitors tothe centre.”Pictured: BLVC staffmember Maria Illes and‘Babs’.

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

DESTINATIONSCOTLAND

8

VISITSCOTLAND is aiming to attractmore visitors from Russia bylaunching its first-ever Russianlanguage website.

The website,www.conventionscotland.com/ru,has been developed by thebusiness tourism unit to attractmore Russian business tourists toScotland.

The website offers Russianmeeting and event organiserseverything they need to know aboutbusiness tourism possibilities inScotland.

Russia is an expanding market forleisure and business tourism, withthe number of passengers leavingDomodedovo Airport in Moscowincreasing by 22 per cent last year.Flights from Russia to Europe alsorose by 17 per cent last year.

Business travel is the mostpopular reason to travel to the UKwith VisitBritain reporting 42 percent of all Russians visiting comeon business.

Head of VisitScotland’s businesstourism unit Caroline Packman said:“We have existing strong links with

Russia and are continuing to buildon this. The new Russian languagewebsite will showcase the bestvenues, suppliers and eventproviders Scotland has to offer andgive buyers an insight into thediverse range of facilities we havefor meetings, incentive travel andcorporate hospitality.

“There are many reasons whyScotland is the destination ofchoice for meeting planners such asstate of the art conference centres,unique venues surrounded bydramatic scenery and the warmth ofScottish hospitality. Getting toScotland has never been easier withconnecting flights from Russiathrough London, Frankfurt, Parisand Amsterdam.”

VisitScotland will also host aScottish workshop and eveningreception in Moscow and StPetersburg later this year.

Russian meeting and eventorganisers, as well as leisureoperators, will have a chance tomeet with 20 representatives fromScotland’s best hotels, venues andservice providers.

Scotland learnsthe lingo toattract Russians

VisitScotland is hoping to attract more Russian tourists with thelaunch of its new website

Tourism industry facing ‘significant challenge’By Mary Ferguson

THE Scottish tourism industry facesa ‘significant challenge’ to achieveits target of 50 per cent growth by2015, it has been claimed.

In a report to the ScottishParliament by the Economy, Energyand Tourism Committee, membersblame economic circumstances andlack of awareness amongst theindustry for making it hard torealise the ambition.

The report was the result of aninquiry into the feasibility ofmeeting the Scottish Government’sambition for a 50 per cent increasein revenue from tourism by 2015.

A spokesman said: “It is clear tothe committee that meeting theambition will be a challenge.

“This was the case at the veryoutset when the target was set in2006 and since that date, theeconomic circumstances facing thetourism industry have changedmarkedly – and the operatingenvironment has toughenedsignificantly.”

VisitScotland indicated that thetotal value of tourism to Scotlandactually decreased by around twoper cent in 2006, representing asignificant fall off from the previousgrowth year of 2001 onwards.

To achieve 50 per cent growth, an

average annual growth rate ofaround four per cent is needed.

The report identifies one of theproblems as a low awareness andbuy-in of the target.

In their feedback to thecommittee, a number of tourismbusinesses and hotel chainsclaimed the target is not known orunderstood by businesses, withsome blaming VisitScotland for alack of communication.

A spokesman from Smart CityHostels said: “We don’t believe thatthe 50 per cent growth target iswell known or understood bybusinesses, nor what they need todo to contribute or be involved.

Businesses just ‘get on with theirjob’, without reference to the target.

“With some limited exceptions, wedon’t find industry communicationby VisitScotland coherent orconsistent.”

The committee believe that inaddition to setting a target, it isimportant to be able to respondflexibly as different conditions arefaced.

The report added: “This meansbeing able to take remedial actionand also respond tactically tochanging economic circumstancesor trends in tourism over the comingdecade.”

Scotland’s first ever Whisky Bus has been set up to give visitors a tasteof the Highlands.

Bus trip is just theticket for whisky loversVISITORS to Glasgow looking toget a taste of the Highlands arenow able to take advantage ofScotland’s first ever Whisky Bus.

The bus will take visitors on awhisky themed experience to theGlengoyne Distillery with a dailydoor-to-door service from six ofGlasgow’s largest hotels andGeorge Square.

An onboard Glengoyne Whiskyexpert will host each journey,bringing the distillery to life withstories from its 175-year past,from Rob Roy to whisky smuggling.

Brand heritage manager forGlengoyne Stuart Hendry said:

“With the rising popularity ininternet holiday planning over thepast few years, there has been agrowing trend towards independenttravel.

“This has resulted in morevisitors than ever before arrivingby car. This new trend, combinedwith increasing internationalawareness of drink driving, proveda peculiar problem for the distilleryand one that The Whisky Bussolves perfectly.”

As well as appealing to tourists,it is hoped that locals and whiskyloving day-trippers will takeadvantage of the bus.

10

DOMESTIC tourists are beingencouraged to exploredestinations linked to England’scomedic history, thanks to acampaign launched by EnjoyEngland.

Comedy England – a campaignwhich runs until next January –explores England’s greatestcomedy related attractions andlocations and has a dedicatedwebsite featuring a map of morethan 150 of these.

The map pinpoints birthplacesand landmarks of well knowncomedians, locations featured insitcoms and details of comedyrelated events. Users are alsoable to watch clips of comedymoments online and discoverwhere to find them.

Locations on the map include: � Torquay – the location for FawltyTowers� Holmfirth in Yorkshire – locationof Last of the Summer Wine� Billericay in Essex – famed forGavin and Stacey� Turville in Buckinghamshire –famous for the Vicar of Dibley� The Laurel and Hardy Museum

in UlverstonEnjoy England’s general manager

for England marketing atVisitBritain Laurence Bresh said:“England is renowned forproducing some of the bestcomedy in the world and oursense of humour is a trait that theEnglish are famous for. Comedy isan integral part of our heritageand culture and the ComedyEngland campaign will encouragevisitors to explore some of theregions, locations and attractionswhich have contributed to this andfurther increase the 100 milliontrips that Brits take in their owncountry every year.”

The campaign also reveals someof the lesser known links tocomedy in England including howMatt Lucas found inspiration forthe Little Britain character VickyPollard while filming in Bristol orhow the monument grave of 18thcentury actor and comedian JohnKane faces west rather than eastbecause he wanted to face theaudience, not the stage.

Each region also links to localcomedy heroes for example LennyHenry in Birmingham and PeterKay in the North West.

Tourism bosseshope laughterwill draw tourists

A number of the UK’s most popular music festivals haverecognised the tourism draw of comedy by including comedians attheir events. Festivals including Glastonbury and The Big Chill havededicated comedy areas while stars, including Noel Fielding, of TVcomedy The Mighty Boosh (pictured) even hosted their own eventat The Hop Farm in Kent.

Norfolk’s newest Visitorattraction, Cromer’sAmazona Zoo, has officiallyopened.The zoo, which specialisesin South American animals,has been developed by KenSims, owner of Thrigby HallWildlife Gardens near GreatYarmouth.The zoo which is openevery day until October, ishome to over 80 differentspecies.

Mobile phones will keep tourists up to dateBy Nicola Hyde

FIVE tourists boards that cover theNorth West have signed up to adeal that will see touristinformation sent to visitors’ mobilephones.

The project – led by Visit Chesterand Cheshire – includes coveragein Merseyside, Cumbria, Cheshire,Lancashire and GreaterManchester.

Visitors can register for theTravel Buddy service to receivelocal activities, events,restaurants, clubs and weatherforecast details on their mobile.

Jason Rivolta, commercialdirector, said: “The UK strategy tooffer Travel Buddy to visitors andresidents right across the UK isgoing well. We are delighted to beworking with the five tourist boardsin the Northwest. A marketing

campaign is being rolled out toincrease the numbers using theservice which will start togenerate revenues and allow thetourist boards use of the SMS‘Broadcast System’ for directmarketing.”

James Berresford, director oftourism at the Northwest RegionalDevelopment Agency (NWDA),added: “Visitor information isevolving and visitors are becoming

more discerning; it is vitallyimportant that we put relevant andtimely information at the fingertipsof our visitors if we want tomaximise their time in the regionand the economic benefits thatthey bring.”

Travel Buddy now has proprietarycontent for over 1,200destinations as well as a mobiletranslator in 11 differentlanguages.

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

11

Jobs to be axedafter cut in agency fundingBy Christina Eccles

TOURISM agency Visit Britain hasannounced swathing job cuts after acut in government funding.

The government has revealed thatfunds will be cut from £49.9m in2007–08, to £40.9m in 2010–11,despite VisitBritain exceeding itsreturn on investment target set byDCMS.

Now, staff posts in London will bereduced by 40 per cent (to about135), with staff in overseas officescut by 25 per cent (to about 145.)

Chief executive Tom Wright said:“This restructure is designed toimprove the efficiency andeffectiveness of the nationaltourism organisation, taking intoaccount the devolution of tourismover the last few years.”

UKInbound has condemned theredundancies revealing worries thedecision will impact greatly onVisitBritain’s abilities to promotethe UK.

Chief executive Stephen Dowdsaid: “Having already shed over 120posts within the last two years

these latest cuts will seriouslyundermine VisitBritain’s ability todeliver its core functions; let alonethe additional demands ofpromoting the UK during the run upto the 2012 Olympic Games.

“This announcement can onlydemoralise an organisation that hasbeen restructured four times in justfive years by a Government that isunable, or unwilling, to appreciatethe value and importance ofinbound tourism to the UKeconomy.”

The cut back was also condemnedby Bob Cotton, chairman of theTourism Alliance who said thedecision was ‘extremelydisappointing’, especially as theindustry is still being consulted onthe British Framework Review.

He added: “To undertake thisrestructuring before the results ofthis review are known pre-empts anyconclusions which the review mightreach. One can only assume thatVisitBritain has been forced into yetanother round of redundancies as adirect result of the government’sinability to take tourism seriously.”

The Environment Agency isreducing the licence fee for allnew holiday hire boats on theRiver Thames, which will savehire businesses around £200 foreach boat.The announcement comes after apoor season last year and it ishoped that the reduction willhelp businesses increase thequality of their boats and attractmore holiday makers and daytrippers. The river also has threenew boat businesses, includingtwo hire boat companies and aholiday ownership boat business,as well as five existing boating

companies upgrading their fleetswith eight new boats.Chris Clark of Kris cruisers,based at Datchet, has updatedhis fleet with a new motorcruiser and new electric day boatand believes the reduced licencefee is good news for thebusiness. He said: “Customerstoday want high quality boatswith modern interior furnishings,decent facilities and a goodamount of space. This year’sreduced licence fee is good newsand will help us to givecustomers what they reallywant.”

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

12

By Lyndsey Smith

A GEORGIAN manor house,claiming to be haunted, hosted itsfirst solstice weekend over thesummer.

Tour company, Fright Nights,hosted the event with formerMost Haunted medium, DavidWells, at Milton Hill House inOxfordshire.

A solstice ritual took placeinside the grounds and there wasan opportunity for visitors to beintroduced to Wicca, a Paganwitchcraft tradition and Qabalah,an aspect of Jewish mysticism.

Guests took part in a “MeetingOf The Dawn” ritual to welcomethe day and watch the sunrise, aswell as group meditation andworkshops designed to help themunderstand more about the worldand show them how to usemagical tools and create theirown wand.

Martin Jeffrey, director of FrightNights added: “We were delightedto host our first Solstice weekendwith David.

“It was full of activity anddesigned to be a personalexperience where guests weresurrounded by people with similarbeliefs and it is a bonus MiltonHill House is notoriouslyhaunted.”

Milton is renowned for itsparanormal activity and has adark and varied history, with theproperty playing host to a numberof royal visitors such as Peter theGreat, Emperor of Russia andKing William III.

Over the years many have heardunexplained footsteps and doorsopening. Others have smeltstrong lavender perfume in emptycorridors and many have claimedto have heard the sound ofchildren in the middle of thenight.

WITH a host of events in‘notoriously haunted’ locations, itappears the public are determinedto tap into their gruesome side,according to Visit Britainspokesman Elliot Frisby.

The lead up to Halloween hasseen events arranged such as anine-day ghost festival at OxfordCastle and a Ghostly GaslightHalloween event at Blists Hillvictorian town, Shropshire.

Elliot said: “Programmes suchas Most Haunted provide a drivinginterest and have certainlyincreased the popularity ofhaunted tours.

“They are popular family breaksand you tend to find a lot ofplaces sell themselves through ahaunted connection, of having aghost.

“It’s part of our culture with allthe history and heritage we havein this country. We are alwaysfascinated with finding out aboutthe past.”

Increasing popularity is shownthrough the rise in the number ofpre-booked visitors at OxfordCastle this year, an increase ofover 300 per cent. The attractionhas gone from nearly 4,000 pre-booked visits last year to nearly13,000.

Emily Hirons, visitor centremanager, said: "Paranormalevents are becoming increasinglypopular and more mainstream,capturing the imagination of

ordinary people. “Since we appeared on Most

Haunted, visitors have realisedthere's more to the castle thanmeets the eye and our ghost festwill hopefully uncover some of thesecrets.”

The festival is organised byFright Nights, UK ghost huntingspecialists, and Martin Jeffrey,events director added: “Weinitially ran an online magazineabout the paranormal and peoplebegan contacting us regardingghosthunting and a friend of minesuggested we set up a company.

“I thought no one would beinterested in sitting in a cold,damp house overnight but wewent ahead and held our first oneon Halloween 1999.

“It was a success so we formedthe Fright Nights company and atthe time there was really no othercompany in the country or theworld that organised ghost hunts.

“When we started we wereorganising 25 - 30 events peryear and now we organise around35 a month such as been theupturn in their popularity.

“A lot of people believe theinterest is down to shows likeMost Haunted and Living TV’spush of the paranormal but a lotdon’t realise the Millennium had abig impact on people’s spiritualbeliefs and the year 2000 wasexceptionally busy for us.

“We are serving an area where

we are filling people’s spiritualvoid and although the Britishinterest is picqued due to

sceptism other countries such asGermany and the Baltic countrieswidely accept that ghosts exist.”

The British penchant for all things spooky is being reflected in the upturn of hauntedtrips and tours. Lyndsey Smith reports.

Cells at Oxford castle Pictures: Mark Bassett

Ghostly goings-on capturethe public’s imagination

Manor house hostssolstice ritual

Oxford Castle is cashing in on fright breaks.

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM

Crunch failsto halt WestEnd boomBy Christina Eccles

WEST End theatre is stillexperiencing a boom despite fearsover the credit crunch, new figureshave revealed.

According to theatre ticketsspecialist discounttheatre.com,bookings for popular showsincreased by 20 per cent in Mayand June, showing a shift intheatregoers looking online to get the best deals on their seats.

Discount Theatre marketingdirector Chris Ryan said: "Ourfigures are in-line with the holidayindustry in showing that people areso fed up with the doom mongersthat they are determined to have agood time.

“But they still want a bargain. Theaverage customer is a lot moreprice savvy now and they know thattop theatre tickets for a hit WestEnd show don't have to cost £60 –and they needn't spend a lot ofmoney on dinner either.”

Chris also said in order to

increase sales, the company hascreated special offers for thosecustomers looking for a bargainincluding free tickets when you buya night in a four star hotel.

Chris added: “This is a goodexample of how to leverage stronglinks within the travel industry toprovide short break deals thatwould be unthinkable for many other London Theatre Tickets websites.

"By making a few smart movespeople can come and see showslike Woman in Black – and stay inthe black.”

The industry is hoping to repeatthe success of last year as WestEnd theatre was more popular in2007 than ever before. SOLT’sannual report revealed thatattendances were a record-breaking13.6m – a rise of 1.25m visits toplays, musicals, opera and dance inthe capital.

As an industry the economicimpact of West End theatre is over£1.8 billion.

BBC News markedthe 100thanniversary of thebirth of the WestEnd theatre industrywith a special seriesof TV and radioreports.

The BBC TheatreDay featured arange of interviewsand featuresventuring backstagewith top shows andquizzing industryfigures includingnew SOLT PresidentNica Burns.

Nica said: “We are100 years old and inrude health withrecord-breakingattendances tosome of the besttheatre in the world.

“We createfabulousentertainment,we’re doing it betterthan ever, and that’swhy so many peoplefrom both the UKand overseas lovethe West End.”

Hollywood star Josh Hartnett will make hisWest End debut later this month in Rain Man.Josh will play Charlie Babbitt in the play –which opens at the Apollo Theatre – and willbe joined on stage by Olivier nominated actorAdam Godley as his autistic brother Raymond.Writer Dan Gordon and director David Grindleyhave re-imagined the multi Oscar Awardwinning 1988 film for the stage, resetting thisstory in the present day. Performances run until December.

Industry100thmarkedby series

Supported by

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

14

ABERDEEN Performing Arts haslaunched its What’s On brochure forthe new season, featuringproductions at APA’s three cityvenues – His Majesty’s Theatre, TheMusic Hall and The Lemon Tree.

Shows include The Witches ofEastwick starring Wet Wet Wetfrontman Marti Pellow and Cabaretwith I’d Do Anything finalistSamantha Barks and Wayne Sleep.

Aberdeen Performing Arts chiefexecutive Duncan Hendry said:“This is a first for Aberdeen – allthree venues in one brochure – and

the line-up for the coming seasonmust be one of the strongest wehave ever had.

“This is the first time we have hada brochure that promotes shows atHis Majesty’s, The Music Hall andThe Lemon Tree and we feel this isan exciting new development thatwill allow our customers to see at aglance what is on offer.

“We have some fantasticproductions at our venues over thecoming months and I’m sure therewill be something of interest foralmost everyone.”

Marti Pellow

Trio of shows marksa first for Aberdeen

UKINBOUND celebrated the importance of musical theatre in tourismat its annual summer ball, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.The industry partied in style at the musical-themed event with AiofeMulholland – star of the Sound of Music – who thanked guests fortheir support of the London’s west end theatre productions. The eventwas sponsored by the Really Useful Theatre Company, DewyntersTourism and Barceló Hotel and Resorts.

Holiday On Ice – the most visited show ever according toGuinness World Records – has announced a new UK tour. Theshow has been seen by 320m visitors in its 65-year history andthe new show – Mystery – includes Olympic standard,international skaters performing dazzling routines on and abovethe ice, with bold, aerial acrobatics, remarkable lifts and livelygroup ensembles, highlighted with beautiful lighting and dramaticback drops. The show will call at venues including BrightonCentre and Cardiff International Arena.

DESTINATIONCENTRESTAGE

15

I’d Do Anything star RachelTucker has landed a role in hitWest End musical We Will RockYou. Rachel takes over the partof the sassy rebel Meat in Queenand Ben Elton’s hit musical frommid-September. Rachel said: “It is a dream part.We Will Rock You is one of myfavourite shows. I first saw it

when I was a student at theRoyal Academy and loved it. I ambeside myself with excitement. Ijust can’t believe it.”We Will Rock You is now playingits seventh year in London withproductions across the world.Over six million people have seenthe show at the DominionTheatre.

RSC set to tour with Romeoand Juliet productionTHE Royal Shakespeare Companywill tour Romeo and Juliet inOctober and November before ittransfers to The Courtyard Theatrein Stratford-upon-Avon.

Featuring a company of 23 actorsand a seven-piece live band onstage, this new staging ofShakespeare's story of twoteenagers torn apart by theirfamilies' vendetta, reunites award-winning director, Neil Bartlett, anddesigner, Kandis Cook – thecreative team behind the 2007 sell-out production of Twelfth Night.

Neil said: “I'm very excited to begoing back to the RSC – and to beworking with a company of thirtyperformers. I'm going to tellShakespeare's story on a barestage, but with costumes from theItaly of the 1940's and 50's – think

of early Fellini and Visconti movies.For the story to catch fire, thecompany has to be able to move asfast as the emotions of the loversdo, and the world of the play has tobe harsh, Catholic, sexy, violent -so the beautiful, hot-blooded poetryis going to be punctuated by theflash of knives, and the sound of anItalian street band, playing live onstage with the actors. Our tourtakes us to some really finetheatres and I'm especially excitedby the fact that this particular playalways draws a crowd – both ofyoung people who've never seen aShakespeare play before, and ofpeople who know and love it as oneof the best stories ever writtenabout how the world can conspire todestroy all that is brightest andmost beautiful.”

Timothy’s first Regent’sPark season underwayTIMOTHY Sheader’s first season asartistic director at the Open AirTheatre, Regent’s Park is nowunderway.

Following the production of TheBoy Friend in 2006, and Lady BeGood in 2007, the 2008 season’smusical will be Gigi.

Written by Lerner and Loewe,famed for their widely known

musical My Fair Lady, Gigi has notbeen seen in London for over 20years and will mark a return to theLondon stage for Millicent Martinand Topol.

The popular Sunday concertsseries will also continue in 2008 and includes acts DanielKitson, Jimmy Carr and SethLakeman.

Singer Jane McDonald hasstarted a UK tour, calling attheatres including Torquay’sPrincess Theatre.In the 10 years since she firstcame to public recognition, onBBC documentary series TheCruise, she has sold hundreds ofthousands of albums andperformed for royalty. She is alsoa regular on ITV's Loose Women.Jane said: “I seem to haveplayed out much of my life infront of thousands of people andI feel very lucky to have beengiven such a rare opportunity.What’s happened in my life hasbeen a dream come true. Andbest of all variety is coming backin a big way. Look at Saturdaynight TV. Variety dominates. I'mquite trendy now."

Doctor Who actor stars in new RSC productionA NEW RSC production of Hamlethas opened starring Doctor Whoactor David Tennant.

The play at The Courtyard Theatre,Stratford-upon-Avon runs untilNovember.

RSC chief associate directorGregory Doran said: “Hamlet is aplay that waits for the right actor tocome along.

“This Hamlet will be to some

extent who David is.

“You have to have an actor whocan be, as Ophelia describes him,‘the poet, the soldier, the scholar’.

“He has to be someone who ischarismatic and can be brutal andcoarse, and can be witty andmoving and can physically take onthe demands of the part.

“I believe that David’s skills fill allthese criteria.”

DESTINATIONHOLIDAY PARKS

16

TWO holiday parks have beenacquired at a cost of £15m by thelargest holiday parks operator in thesouth of England.

Park Holidays UK, based inHastings, East Sussex, has bought two parks in DawlishWarren, Devon, with a fundingpackage from The Royal Bank ofScotland.

The operator already has 25 parksin Devon, Dorset, Hampshire,Sussex, Kent, Essex and Suffolkand the new additions – theadjoined Golden Sands andPeppermint Holiday Parks – have amix of lodges, caravans, chaletsand touring and camping facilities.

Tony Clish, Park Holidays UK’scommercial director said: “We aredelighted that these two prestigiousparks are to become part of thePark Holidays UK group.

“With current trading at both parksahead of last year’s levels – as isthe case for the group as a whole –we anticipate a successful season.Our thanks go to Jon and the teamfor their dedicated support – it’sgreat to have such enthusiasticbanking partners helping us drivethe business forward.”

Park Holidays intends to developthe businesses further by offeringhigh quality caravan holiday homesfor sale – either for their own use orthrough Park Holidays’ managedletting service.

Jon Skeet, director, PortfolioManagement, RBS Corporate andStructured Finance, added:

“We were delighted to fund theselatest acquisitions. RBS has arelationship going back 25 yearswith Park Holidays, and it isimpressive to look back on the

ParkHolidays Al Loch (Park Holidays), Jon Skeet (RBS), Jeff Sills(Park Holidays) Tony Clish (Park Holidays) & Sarah Moody (RBS)

Parks operator acquirestwo new sites for £15m

terrific growth it has achieved inthat time. This is just the latest innumber of funding packages RBShas provided to support thecompany’s growth ambitions. We

look forward to many moresuccessful years ahead.”

The company has acquired sixholiday parks in Devon since May2006.

Acts from popular TV show Britain’s Got Talentheadlined at Butlins this Summer. The line-upincluded Signature, Nemesis, Andrew Muir,Strike, Kate and Gin, Hoop La La, Irresistibleand Jeremy Lynch.

Text ideawins awardBUTLINS has won an award for aproject which allows guests totext message staff working at theholiday parks.

It has been given Best Use ofTechnology in a Hospitality andLeisure Environment award at theEuropean Retail Solutions Awards.

Butlins receives about 1.5mguests per year, and more than80 per cent now use textmessaging to report any issuesthey may have.

Allan Lambert, head of retailsales at Bourne Leisure said:“Customer satisfaction is anumber one priority for us here atButlins. By communicatingdirectly with our guests, resolvingtheir issues and answering theirenquiries efficiently, we canensure happier guests at ourResorts and remain the numberone choice for UK holidays.”

Five-star park opens spa complexBy Nicola Hyde

HAVEN’S five star Rockley Park inDorset has opened a multi-millionspa complex with jacuzzi, saunaand steam room facilities.

Rockley Park also now offersguests the Platinum Caravanexperience, which has flat screenTVs, DVD players, microwaves,heating throughout, private parking,

double glazing and fridges. Gas and electricity, bed linen

and towels are already included.

It now has wireless internetaccess available across the wholepark.

Allan Lambert, head of retailsales, said: “The new luxury spaadds great value to Rockley Parkand has been launched to meet

the increasing demands of ourcustomers for luxury touches totheir holidays such as spatreatments.

“Our Platinum caravans havebeen rolled out to Rockley Park fora similar reason and offers agents the perfect opportunity togain even more commission by up-selling to the platinumrange.”

Holiday firm reveals sell-out monthBy Claire Lodge

HOSEASONS has revealed that it was fully booked in August with the month being a sell-out.

Holidays in cottages and holidayparks in the most popular areas ofDevon and Cornwall always sell outfor the school summer holidays,

but this year other areas such asDorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wightand parts of Wales also sold outfast.

The surge in UK holiday bookings is believed to be down to the strength of the Euro and wider economicuncertainties.

Chief executive Richard Carrick

said: “We have found that morecustomers than ever before wantto jump in a car with the family andavoid the hassle and increasedcosts of an overseas break.

“This isn't solely an economicissue however, a growing numberof holidaymakers are alsorediscovering the joys of a UKbreak.”

DESTINATIONNORTHERN IRELAND

18

Belfast overnightvisitor figures up by 18 per centTHE number of overnight visitors toBelfast has increased by 18 percent in the last year, new figureshave revealed.

The latest figures released by theBelfast Visitor and ConventionBureau from the tourism monitorconducted by Belfast City Councilalso revealed the number of visitorscoming into the city last yearreached an all time high at 6.9m,bringing an estimated £313.3m oftourism revenue into the localeconomy.

Chairman of the City Council`sdevelopment committee CounMichael Browne said: “It iswonderful to see that visitors fromall over the world are enjoying thevibrancy of a city that boasts topclass hotels and visitoraccommodation, outstandingshopping and a range of productsand festivals that offer somethingfor everyone.

“We at Belfast City Council aredelighted to see that these figuresare continuing to rise year on yearand we are very hopeful for thefuture development of the tourismindustry here.”

Belfast Visitor and Convention

Bureau chief executive, GerryLennon also said the growth ininbound tourism was very positive.

He added: “It is very encouragingto see such steady growth ininbound tourism, particularly in thenumber of out of state visitorsstaying for at least one night inBelfast.

“The figures show that almostseven million people came toBelfast in 2007 which isremarkable, particularly when youconsider that in the last three yearswe have seen an increase of 38 percent in overnight stays, with out ofstate overnight visitors increasingby 43 per cent during that period.

“This is an exciting time forBelfast as we will soon be launchinga new brand identity that willprovide a strong focus for thecontinued marketing of the city andits tourism and hospitality sector toan international audience.

“We have already seen largevolumes of visitors and enquiries inthe first half of 2008 and with anew Belfast brand driving themarketing of the city into 2009, weare confident of passing the sevenmillion mark this year.”

County Down landscapehas plenty to offerMAJESTIC sweeping landscapes,fine country houses, surprisingtreasures and always a warmwelcome await you in this diverseand captivating region. Travel toCo. Down and you’ll discover thedelightful 18th century mansionCastle Ward, an architecturallycurious mixture of classical andgothic styles set against a breathtaking backdrop of beautifulparklands and the wild andwonderful Strangford Lough.Visitors can enjoy windingwoodland and lakeside walks totake in some of the country’s mostspectacular scenery. Close by,Rowallane Garden provides gardenlovers with genuine inspiration withits dazzling array of exotic plantsand stunning displays of shrubs,spring bulbs and wildflowermeadows. There is also a notableRock Garden to explore that hasbeen recently restored to itsoriginal splendour. Over in Co.Fermanagh, you’ll find a warmwelcome, some particularly fineinteriors and a glimpse into lifebelow stairs at Florence Court, theformer home of the Earls ofEnniskillen. Make time to wanderthrough the outstanding groundsand see the unusual outbuildings,including a sawmill, an ice-house and summer house. Take a look aroundthe gloriously rich Regency interiors of nearby Castle Coole, including a tourof the newly opened basement, before taking a refreshing walk around thepicturesque wooded landscape park that surrounds the house.Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/traveltrade. Call the property you wantto visit or regional office on 028 9751 0721

Coach firm takes touristsaround IrelandIRISH Coaches can be seen travellingaround the North of Ireland ladenwith tourists from Canada, USA,UK,Japan and European visitors.

Part of the 32CC group is localNorthern Ireland coach operatorsClassic Coaches in Co.Down andLynch Coaches Co.Tyrone share insome of this work.

The NI operators also handle theirown local and inbound tours withinthe province from other parts of theUK with deluxe coaches from small to large and of the highest standards

Hello Ireland Tours – a subsidiary within the 32CC group package andprogram Northern Ireland for all categories of Group Travel.Details from 00-353-1-8788894/98, www.32ccgroup.ie,www.irishcoaches.ie or www.helloireland.com

DESTINATIONNORTHERN IRELAND

19

LEADING journalists from India havevisited Northern Ireland, invited byTourism Ireland and the NorthernIreland Tourist Board.

Their visit included a tour ofBelfast, afternoon tea at theMerchant Hotel as well as shopping

at Victoria Square. They also enjoyed a walking tour

on the walls in historic Londonderryas well as a visit to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Giant’sCauseway.

Jim Paul, Tourism Ireland’s head

of new and developing markets,said: “Media visits such as theseare extremely important to helpbuild awareness of Northern Irelandamong potential holiday makers inIndia.

“This visit will result in extensiveand positive publicity for NorthernIreland across a range of differentpublications.”

Tourism Ireland research hasshown that the key reasons whyvisitors from new & developingmarkets such as India wish to visitthe island of Ireland are thefriendliness of the people, thebeauty of the scenery and the

cultural and heritage experiences onoffer.

Jim added: “The Indian marketoffers exciting possibilities fortourism to Northern Ireland, and tothe island of Ireland, in the mediumto long term.

“The World Tourism Organisationhas forecast that the Asia-Pacificregion will be one of the fastestgrowing regions for outbound travel.

“Growth in travel from long-haulmarkets such as India will reshapethe global tourism landscape, withsignificant implications for tourismto the island of Ireland.”

Indian journalists enjoy afternoon tea at Belfast’s Merchant Hotel

Indian journalists visit Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland TouristBoard draft corporate plan2008-2011OVER the past decadeNorthern Ireland tourismhas experiencedcontinuous growth.Revenue generated bytourism has almostdoubled since the mid1990s and 2.1 millionvisitors came to NorthernIreland in 2007.

Despite the economicdownturn, the potentialfor tourism growthremains very positive and,by 2011, the NorthernIreland Tourist Board aimsto increase visitornumbers to 2.5 million and tourism revenue to£520 million.

Achievement of these targets, set out inNITB’s recently-launched Draft Corporate Plan2008-2011, is dependent upon our ability tocreate a unique destination through thedevelopment of the five Signature Projects; todeliver a top quality, world class visitorexperience; and to attract not only morevisitors from the Republic of Ireland, but toincrease Northern Ireland’s share of visitors tothe island of Ireland.

For further information log on towww.nitb.com/draftcorporateplan2008to2011 For more information on the NorthernIreland Tourist Board contact OrlaMcNeaney or Elaine Craig on 028 90441645 or email them ato.mcneaney@nitb.com or e.craig@nitb.com

Ireland’s oldest survivingsubscriptionlibrary FOUNDED in 1788 the library is located inBelfast’s thriving city centre. It is renowned forits unparalleled Irish and Local StudiesCollection which sit alongside the most recentbestsellers and classics in the extensivegeneral lending collection.

The library also hosts a calendar of eventsranging from exhibitions, theatre and music to readings and lectures. With acoffee shop and gift shop, the Linen Hall Library is a desirable destinationfor literature lovers, scholars, researchers, tourists and the general public.Contact details: Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North, Belfaston +44 028 9032 1707, email k.collins@linenhall.com or visitwww.linenhall.com

DESTINATIONNORTHERN IRELAND

20

Barometer shows successful 2008 By Christina Eccles

NORTHERN Ireland’s tourismindustry is so far having asuccessful 2008 despitechallenging economic conditions,new figures have revealed.

The Northern Ireland TouristBoard’s Tourism Barometer – asurvey of over 400 tourismbusinesses – showed a strong hotelsector with growth from theRepublic of Ireland and domesticNorthern Ireland markets as well asoverseas with the self cateringsector also experiencing overseas

demand. Activity providers such asgolf courses, cycling and walkingcompanies also reported growth asdid car hire and coach companiesand visitor attractions.

With the exception of B&Bestablishments, whose ownersexpect no change, all otheraccommodation sectors wereoptimistic regarding the prospectsfor business for the period mid Juneto the end of September, withexpectations of growth strongestfrom the hotel and caravanning andcamping sector.

Golf club managers and

proprietors of walking and cyclingestablishments forecast growth.Coach operators, car hirecompanies and visitor attractionsare optimistic while cruising andequestrian establishments predict afurther softening of demand.

NITB chief executive Alan Clarkesaid: “The favourable exchange ratein respect of the euro, and theimproving image of NorthernIreland, have undoubtedly led to astrong performance so far this year.However, tourism businesses areclearly not complacent andrecognise that they must take

account of changing conditionsacross a variety of markets. Themost successful businesses will bethose who can adapt in the face ofthe challenging economic climate.”

The report concludes there isclear evidence tourism enterprisesare operating in a more challengingbusiness climate than was the casein 2007. The increasing cost ofenergy, local authority servicecharges, unfavourable exchangerates and inflation were allmentioned as causes for concern,with rising energy costs causingmost concern.

Irish airline Aer Arannhave launched a ‘loveplane’ service for coupleswho visit the country toget married. Costingaround £250 per person,the service caters for thehundreds of couples whotie the knot in Irelandevery year.Colin Lewis, head ofsales and marketing,said: “The sky’s the limitfor couples who want tomake sure that they andtheir wedding guestsmake it to the receptionon time.”

Museums offer a richflavour of Northern IrelandNORTHERN Ireland alsooffers a rich and captivatinghistory. There is much toexplore in this intriguingregion and one of the bestways to get a flavour of thisis through NorthernIreland’s many wonderfulmuseums. NationalMuseums Northern Ireland,which includes the UlsterMuseum, Ulster Folk &Transport Museum, UlsterAmerican Folk Park, W5 andArmagh County Museum,offer some of NorthernIreland’s leading cultural,educational and tourismdestinations.

The Ulster American FolkPark (Omagh, County Tyrone)and Ulster Folk & TransportMuseum (Cultra, CountyDown) are multi award-winning living historymuseums. The UlsterAmerican Folk Park, whichhosts one of Europe’s largest Bluegrass Festivals each year, is currentlyNorthern Ireland’s Visitor Attraction of the Year.

National Museums Northern Ireland also include the Ulster Museum whichis currently undergoing a multi-million pound rejuvenation. Reopening in2009, the Ulster Museum’s redevelopment is one of the most importantcultural regeneration projects ever undertaken in Northern Ireland.

Armagh County Museum is set in Armagh City’s beautiful mall and is awonderful way to discover the past of this unique cathedral city.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park andUlster Museum are also spectacular venues for corporate events includingmeetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. For further information on National Museums Northern Ireland visitwww.nmni.com, 028 90428 428, businesstourism@nmni.com

DESTINATIONPENNINE YORKSHIRE

21

A NEW restaurant and bar hasopened in the Yorkshire village ofBurley in Wharfedale, with plans toadd more accommodation andbecome a quality offering fortourists.

The Malt has stood for over 100years, and after changing handsnumerous times recently, a localbusinessman has taken the reins –and is determined to do thingsdifferently.

Adam Lewis, who also runs TheYard pub in Ilkely and a bar inMalton, said: “There is so muchhistory to the place that it would beinsensitive of us to ignore it.

“It’s a stunning building and beinga local myself, I had driven past somany times thinking ‘if only I couldget my hands on that’ and now Ihave, it’s a dream come true.”

One of the changes that Adam hasmade is keeping the bar andrestaurant areas very separate –appealing to two different sets of

people and creating areas withdifferent identities.

There is also a private dining roomwhich seats up to 12, and a largefunction room on the second floor,with a capacity for up to 150people.

“The building has been here over100 years and has a real presence– people know of it all over thecountry.

“So we didn’t want to make toomany drastic changes, but whatwe’ve done is give the building aheart and a soul – when I came in itwas just a vast empty space with noatmosphere.”

And Adam’s plans for The Maltaren’t over yet. A 1904advertisement stated there werespacious bedrooms as well as thechoice wines and spirits on offer.

So, in keeping with tradition,phase two will see The Maltbecome a restaurant with luxuriousrooms.

Adam Lewis

Adam has big plans for The Malt

Tourist board announces finalistsYORKSHIRE Tourist Board hasannounced the finalists for the2008 White Rose Awards followinga record number of entries.

The winners of the 17 categorieswill be crowned at a glitteringawards ceremony to be held atBridlington Spa on 25 September,and will be put forward asYorkshire’s nominations for thenational Enjoy England Awards forExcellence 2009.

Yorkshire South Tourism will begoing head to head with partnership

venue Sheffield City Hall for theBusiness Tourism Award of the Yearcategory. Nominees for othercategories include the Captain CookMemorial Museum in Whitby,Harewood House in Leeds, FarGrange Holiday Park in Skipsea andthe Jorvik Viking Festival in York.

Last year’s hosts and winners ofthe Business Tourism Award –Magna Science Adventure Centre inRotherham – have this year beenshortlisted for the Visitor AttractionOf The Year award.

The Barn at HolmfirthTHE Barn at Holmfirth hasthree bedrooms whichconsist of one doublebedroom with luxury en-suite;a twin and a bunk room. Allare fitted with countrycottage style bedding andfurniture and have centralheating.

The upstairs is completedby a luxury family bathroom,with power shower and aluxurious double-ended bathwith sky light above for theromantics who enjoy star gazing whilst bathing. Downstairs is a very largeand open plan living/dining area, laid with oak flooring throughout. Thisleads into a very well equipped kitchen, giving you a total home from homefeel.Details from www.thebarnatholmfirth.co.uk, Adrian Cunliffe,adrian@thebarnatholmfirth.co.uk, 07766 278 689.

Experience the countrysideHEIRLOOM carriage driving toursoffer breath-taking, panoramicviews of the Yorkshire Penninehills. Experience a gentle drive outinto the beautiful countryside or afast and exhilarating ride acrossthe rugged and rustic tracks ofthe moors.

One hour’s drive is only £40 perperson including free pub lunchand is perfect as a team buildingactivity for any number of people.For anyone wanting an extratouch, we also offer a 10 per centdiscount for booking both a carriage driving course and a stay at our familyowned B&B. Excellent group rates are available – please ask for details For furtherinformation, www.heirloomcarriagedriving, e-mailinfo@heirloomcarriagedriving.co.uk

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENTWITH all that's on offer in PennineYorkshire, the most difficult part ofarranging your group visit is fittingeverything in. Fill your shoppingbags in the high street stores,galleries and mill shops; explore thelocations made famous by thetelevision series Last of theSummer Wine and uncover thearea's history in museums andattractions.

Pick up a bargain at Yorkshire’saward-winning Dewsbury Market anddon't miss the Yorkshire Mill Mile.Stops along this marathon stretchwith ample parking for coachesinclude The Mill, Batley, the UK’slargest retail mill, and Redbrick Mill,a beautiful converted Victorianweaving mill that’s now home to acollection of lifestyle stores.

Groups looking for a heritage visitcan explore Brontë connections atthe Red House Museum andOakwell Hall. Built in 1583,Oakwell Hall appeared as‘Fieldhead’ in Charlotte’s novelShirley, and is now surrounded byperiod gardens and an award-winning Country Park. Alternatively,groups can visit Longley Old Hall,one of Sir Simon Jenkins 'ThousandBest Houses', or the longest,highest and deepest canal tunnel in

England at Standedge in Marsden.For pure nostalgia, step into the

wellie boots of the Last of theSummer Wine characters on thevintage tour bus tour in Holmfirth –groups will see first hand wherefilming takes place.

For further information or torequest a group travel brochure call01484 221686 or emailtourism@kirklees.gov.uk

A great place for all agesPONDEROSA is a non-profitmaking organisation and housesan abundance of rare breedanimals.

On site facilities includerestaurant, ice cream parlour,gift shop and play areas. Allfacilities are wheel chair andpush chair friendly.

Ponderosa is set in its owngrounds with beautiful gardensand lakes. Seating is situated around the grounds and provide the perfectplace to sit and take in the stunning gardens. Ponderosa is a great placefor all ages and abilities to visit. We are open 10 - 4pm every day.Excellent group rates are available for all.For further details, please call 01924 235276, e-mail

ponderosa.farm@btinternet.com or visit the website – www.ponderosa-centre.org.

Redbrick Mill, Batley

Oakwell Hall, Birstall

22

Learning from the Chinese experience by Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance

BEHIND the spectacular openingceremony and the almostbottomless funding that theChinese Government has pouredinto the Beijing Olympics, thereare numerous reports emergingthat the expected boom intourism that China expected hasfailed to materialise.

The predictions that half amillion people would travel to thesee the Games are now beingrevised down to 3-400,000 ashotels in the city cut their rates togenerate sales and airlines suchas BA and Virgin report that seatsare still available on most flights.

Even the Beijing TourismAdministration has been forced toadmit that tourism numbers to thecity are down 20 percentcompared to the same time lastyear – although there are reportswithin the industry that the realfigure could be almost doublethis.

This is bad news for the city’shotel sector which has balloonedfrom 506 hotels in 2001 toalmost 850 today in expectation

of the bonanza that awaited. Commentators are busy putting

forward a number of explanationsto account for the lack of visitors.These range from increasedsecurity making it difficult toobtaining a visa to enter China,the lack of tickets being madeavailable outside the country tothe Sichuan earthquake andspeculation about the impact ofpollution in the city deterringnervous visitors.

Yet the fact that the supposedbonanza has not materialisedshouldn’t come as a surprise.This has been the experience ofmany host countries. Take forexample Greece, which had atourism downturn of almost 15per cent in 2004. Even Barcelona,which is held to be a shiningexample of how the Olympics canboost tourism, was unable tomatch the average global tourismgrowth rate in 1992.

Even last month in their inquiryinto tourism, the Culture Mediaand Sport Select Committeeinvestigated the notion that theOlympics provide a boost fortourism. They concluded thatthere was little evidence that the

Games themselves could boosttourism. However, they also notedthat the Games provided aconsiderable opportunity for thehost country to use the mediaattention to gain unprecedentedexpose in overseas markets whichcould be used as a foundation forfuture growth, especially inemerging markets which haveless knowledge of the hostdestination.

And this is the critical factor – itis easy for a host destination toget lulled into the belief thatsimply hosting the Games isenough to ensure a tourismlegacy. It’s the same type ofthinking that Mac and Betamaxhad in taking on Windows andVHS – simply having a betterproduct does not mean that youwill win the battle for consumers’money.

We have a great tourism productin London and the Olympics butthat really isn’t going to accountfor much unless we are able toconvince people overseas thatthis is the product that they wantto buy.

You don’t see Coca-cola or Nikeexecutives sitting round and

saying “we have a world leadingbrand so let’s not bother aboutdoing any marketing this year”.

Yet this is exactly what the UKGovernment is doing. It is “happy”to spend over £9b on the productbut has reduced the marketingbudget of VisitBritain under theimpression that the Games willmarket themselves. As theChinese are finding out – this isnot the way it works.

Kurt Janson

Olympic medallist tospeak at EVENTUKEVENTUK will be held atBirmingham NEC from September16 to 17.

It boasts a seminar programmewith over 20 free sessions takingplace. Topics include: improvingyour career in events; creditcrunch survival; how to obtain apiece of the 2012 Olympics pie;delivering on equal opportunitiesand marketing trends andcreativity.

Keynote speeches will be madeover the two days. Speakers willbe Olympic medallist Gail Emmswho is the current badminton

World Mixed Doubles championand Silver Olympic medallist fromAthens.

Gail plans to retire after Beijingto concentrate on a career in themedia and motivational speaking.

The other speaker will beMaarten Vanneste, event guru, who founded MeetingSupport.

His talk will cover topics likerevolutionising the meetingsindustry, present and futuretechnology and how to transformevents.

The Berkeley Skirmish – the newtwo-day medieval event atBerkeley Castle – attracted6,000 visitors to its firstweekend. The event run byPlantagenet Events inassociation with SkirmishMagazine was such a successthat from next year, theadmission price will allow access

to Berkeley Castle.Tim Davies, marketing manager,said “We have been extremelypleased to hear so much positivefeedback from the Skirmishwhich has been very wellreceived. We look forward verymuch to developing the event,and building it up in comingyears.”

Programme proves popularWARNER Leisure Hotels hasrevealed it has sold 5,000Experience Breaks this year.

The programme offers over 600different options across 13properties, and the most popularhave been dancing breaks like theSimply Ballroom Experience, tripsto sporting events including theGrand National or Racing atGoodwood and York as well asspecial trips on The OrientExpress and Mini Cooper TreasureHunts.

The most popular locations havebeen Gunton Hall in Suffolk,

Cricket St Thomas in Somersetand Sinah Warren in Hampshire,which have each received 13 percent of customers.

Allan Lambert, head of retailsales at Bourne Leisure, said:“The Experience Breaksprogramme offers a wide range ofculture and heritage breaks withexperts that are really able tobring the experience alive, fromantiques to art, country houses,castles and more. We hope thattravel agents will continue to sellthese popular breaks and reapthe commission rewards.”

24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER - NEC BIRMINGHAM