Tag: VisitBritain

Britain’s inbound tourism forecast for 2021 predicts the first signs of a slow recovery

A forecast published by Visit Britain shows a gradual increase in the value of inbound tourism during January to March 2021 with a step-change heading into Easter and the spring, if national restrictions are eased as expected, particularly from short-haul European markets. Overall, VisitBritain is forecasting 16.9 million inbound visits in 2021. While this is an increase of 73% this year, it is less than half of the 40.9 million visits the UK saw in 2019. Inbound visitor spending is forecast to reach £9.0 billion in 2021. Although up 59% in 2020, it is less than a third of the ... Read more

Discovering Devon – A Hidden Gem in Britain

Unspoilt villages, rugged moorland and golden beaches – Devon is brimming with heritage, natural beauty and fresh sea air. From tranquil boat trips along the Jurassic Coast and hikes through National Parks to surfing in azure waters and tucking into locally caught seafood, here’s a taste of all Devon has in store if you’re dreaming of a British adventure… With the Bristol Channel to the north and the English Channel to the south, Devon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain. Why not start with Croyde Bay, in North Devon. This glistening beach is surrounded by ... Read more

UK closes travel corridors from Monday

From Monday 18 January, all international arrivals to Scotland and England (including UK nationals) are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 3 days prior to departure, and provide evidence of a negative result before they travel. This is to help protect against new strains of coronavirus circulating internationally. Passengers will be subject to an immediate fine of £500 if they fail to comply with the new regulations on pre-departure testing. If you are arriving from countries, not on the government’s travel corridor list, you will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of the test result. Last week, ... Read more

WTTC shares its opinion on BREXIT

“The whole Travel & Tourism sector will be breathing a sigh of relief that the EU and UK government have been able to agree on a deal at the 11th hour,” said Gloria Guevara President & CEO of WTTC. “It is good news for a sector which has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and which feared the consequences of a no-deal Brexit. Thankfully this worrying outcome has been avoided and now the sector can look ahead to 2021 with more confidence. “But British holidaymakers could face higher health costs and added red tape. The devil will be in the ... Read more

Britain’s Top cultural experiences for 2021

From a new Banksy tour in Bristol to a deep dive into climate change in London, Britain promises a wealth of interactive experiences to enjoy when we’re all able to travel again. And with 24 January 2021 marking the UNESCO International Day of Education, you can seize the moment and start dreaming of the top cultural experiences that await on a future trip to Britain. Britain’s maritime history You can look forward to delving into maritime history at The Box in Plymouth, the south-west coast’s brand new cultural hub. The fully-accessible museum is currently showing a commemorative exhibition marking 400 years since ... Read more

The life and works of Agatha Christie – an itinerary

With two billion books translated into over 100 languages, Agatha Christie is the undisputed queen of crime; the world’s best-selling novelist, and arguably its most successful female playwright. If you’re one of her legion of fans around the globe, you’ll know this year marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and the introduction of the legendary Hercule Poirot. Kenneth Branagh is set to reprise his starring role as the renowned detective when Death on the Nile hits cinemas later this year too. So, to celebrate this landmark anniversary, why not get ... Read more

Picturesque Britain on the festive silver screen

From quaint snow-covered cottages to regal central squares, Britain’s towns and villages have long enjoyed a starring role in festive hits on the silver screen. These charming locations all helped to inspire some of the best-loved festive films, serving up a joyful helping of spectacular landscapes to go with the Christmas turkey.         Shere, Surrey and Cornwell, Oxfordshire – The Holiday Director Nancy Meyers’ hit festive flick The Holiday uses several striking locations to depict the quintessentially English country setting where stars Cameron Diaz and Jude Law find romance. The picturesque Surrey village of Shere provided one ... Read more

Visit Britain announces flagship travel trade Explore GB Virtual for 2021.

Explore GB Virtual, taking place from the 1 March to the 5 March 2021, will invite international buyers to connect online with travel trade suppliers from across the UK to do business and boost bookings. Attendance is free with registrations set to open from mid-December. Visit Britain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “Using a tried and tested online platform Explore GB Virtual will give travel industry suppliers and destinations from across the UK the chance to get their products and services in front of top global buyers and forge valuable business connections. “As well as the opportunity to do business, ... Read more

Guess which country is getting the longest coastal path in the world

England is creating the world’s longest coastal path – a hiking route, that will run along the entire length of the English coastline. At 2,800 miles long, the England Coast Path will be the longest coastal walking route on the planet when it’s finished. It is likely to be completed in the next two years. The route will link up some already existing stretches of seaside paths (like the South West Coast Path, which runs from Minehead in Devon through Cornwall to Poole in Dorset), improve others and in some places create brand new routes for hikers. The plan is to attract tourists to the country’s pretty coastline, something ... Read more

International Screen Tourism Conference to be held at London Transport Museum

Experts from across Europe will meet to explore the intersecting worlds of film, television and tourism on 29 November 2019 at Seen on Screen, the UK’s leading international screen tourism conference, this year held at the London Transport Museum. The one-day event, presented by Film London and VisitBritain, will kick-start with a keynote delivered by inspirational industry experts Pierre Bohanna, whose incredible career as a prop-maker has seen him play a vital role in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, together with Dan Dark, SVP and managing director of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. As well as exploring strategies for ... Read more