NEWS Tourism bosses take pressure off hotspots By Samantha Mayling


Councils and tourism bosses are working together to tackle overcrowding, as the issues of overtourism caused conflict in several resorts this summer.


From Cornwall to Skye, and the


Cotswolds to Cambridge, popular destinations found it difficult to balance the needs of locals with the demands of tourists, especially as hot weather buoyed business. Edinburgh council is considering


a £2-a-night bed tax, which would be ploughed into improved services and facilities – a plan being watched by other Scottish authorities in communities such as Skye and the North Coast 500 route. However, Scottish ministers are


concerned by protests from the hotel and tourism industries that it would deter visitors. Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland


chief executive, said: “VisitScotland is listening to and working with the tourism industry on Skye as part of the Skye Tourism Task Force. “We are working closely with


the destination management organisation (DMO) Skyeconnect, to


Cambridge is trying to balance the needs of tourists and residents


find ways to mitigate issues caused by increased numbers of visitors. “This includes promoting less


well-known parts of Skye and the Highlands and encouraging potential visitors to consider planning their holiday outside the traditional tourism season.” Visitor numbers to Cornwall soared


by an estimated 20% this summer, causing traffic jams and overflowing litter bins at beauty spots. In response, the tourism board


stopped promoting popular beaches


for the first time, and called for different school holiday periods across the UK. Emma Thornton, chief executive of Visit Cambridge & Beyond, said residents claim that overtourism affects their quality of life and enjoyment of Cambridge’s city centre. The DMO is working with the


local council to alleviate problems caused by coaches and trains dropping off daytrippers to explore Cambridge’s medieval cityscape – and is working with


other regional tourism partners to promote destinations farther afield. “Cambridge is the attractor brand,


but the greater Cambridge area holds many attractions that would, particularly with improved transport links, enhance the visitor experience and extend their economic value to the region,” she said. Cotswolds Tourism is trying to


redirect visitors away from the town of Burford where peak season overcrowding creates a “horrible” experience for locals and visitors. Partnership manager Susie Hunt


told the Oxford Mail that the DMO is promoting trips in the shoulder months of spring and autumn, and to other areas of the Cotswolds. Dr Harold Goodwin, World Travel


Market’s responsible tourism advisor, spoke about overtourism during Countryfile Live at Blenheim last month. He said that when the show attendance reaches 35,000, the gates are closed. “35,000 people have a quality


day out, all their litter and sewage is removed, the visitors pay for the site


to be managed and restored,” he said. ◗ For more on Visit Cambridge & Beyond see p25.


Bumper summer bodes well for 2019


The market for next year is looking buoyant, thanks in part to this summer’s heatwave. Regional tourist boards expect 2018’s figures to surpass those of 2017 – and anticipate early bookings for 2019. VisitBritain predicted record


numbers of Brits taking an August bank holiday trip, as more than seven million planned a staycation – bringing an estimated £1.75 billion boost to the economy. Patricia Yates, VisitEngland


PIE HIGH: The art of traditional pie-making was celebrated this summer at the annual PieFest in Melton Mowbray – dubbed the UK ‘capital of pies’. Visitors could sample the wares of award-winning pie makers, attend pie workshops, and put their pie queries to a ‘pie panel’ of experts. Next year’s event will be on July 27-28.


◗ For more news from the East Midlands and East Anglia, see p24-25. 4 TravelGBI | September 2018 ukpiefest.co.uk


director, said: “Many destinations and tourism businesses say they are experiencing a strong summer. The certainty of budgeting for a holiday at home, the ease and convenience, are all contributing to people choosing to take domestic trips.” Pete Waters, Visit East Anglia


executive director, said: “Domestic accommodation providers report good bookings, and with customers thinking this summer’s fine weather is the new norm, are experiencing strong bookings for next year.” Private equity firm ECI identified


the domestic and inbound sectors as ‘good bets’ for investment. Partner Chris Watt said: “We’ve had such a long, hot summer, these holidays look increasingly good-value. ” Diane Glover, marketing manager


at The Beatles Story in Liverpool, said: “We are delighted to have broken attendance records for the fourth year running, having welcomed more than 300,000 visitors for the first time during the 2017/18 season, with the majority of these travelling from overseas.”


travelgbi.com


©Benedictus/Shutterstock.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28