NEWS North reaps benefits of direct flights to China By Samantha Mayling


The north of England has seen a 38% increase in visitors from China since the launch of direct flights between Manchester airport and Beijing in 2016. The China Dividend: Two Years In,


by independent consultancy Steer, said more than 175,000 passengers have now used the Hainan Airlines route. Average spending per visit in the north west soared by 94% to £2,167 and is now 5% higher than the national average. The report predicts rapid


growth in demand, as the Chinese economy continues to expand, and businesses across the region are feeling the benefit of increasing numbers from China. Manchester department store


‘Iconic museum is a game-changer’


Scotland’s first design museum is predicted to bring an £11.6 million annual boost to the local economy and create 361 extra jobs. Opened last month, the £80 million V&A Dundee stands at the centre of the £1 billion transformation of the city’s waterfront.


VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “The opening of V&A Dundee is a momentous occasion, the start of an unmissable new chapter in Scottish tourism. “The arrival of such a highly-


regarded attraction represents a truly unique opportunity to take the region, and the country as whole, from a good, to a great visitor destination, showcasing our cultural offering to a global audience. “This iconic structure will


be a game-changer, not just for tourism in Dundee, but also the surrounding areas of Angus,


Perthshire and Fife.” vam.ac.uk/dundee


6 TravelGBI | October 2018


over the past two years. Michelle Brown, Visit York


marketing manager, said the flights marked “a milestone for our relations with China”. “As a major international


gateway into the north of England, the direct flight opens up a world of new opportunities for York, Yorkshire and the north of England, both for tourism and investment generally,” she said. Jennifer Cormack, Lake District


The Lake District is seeing more Chinese visitors thanks to the direct Manchester-Beijing link


Harvey Nichols has welcomed increasing numbers from China, and a spokesperson commented about the route: “It continues to position Manchester as a truly international destination, bringing


benefits to businesses across Greater Manchester and beyond.” Meanwhile, the volume of tax-


free sales from Chinese visitors rose by more than 165% at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet


China Forum chair, said Cumbria is feeling the benefits of the direct connections too. “The Lake District has seen


incredible growth in the number of tourists from China since 2016, creating jobs and bringing success


to our local businesses,” she said. manchesterairport.co.uk


Mamma Mia! The Party heads for The O2 An immersive theatrical and


dining experience based on the Mamma Mia! musical will launch


next spring at The O2, London. Mamma Mia! The Party was


created by executive producer and original Abba member Björn Ulvaeus and producer Ingrid Sutej in Stockholm three years ago. It is based on the Greek taverna


featured in the first film and an audience of about 500 will be seated at tables in the courtyard. While the story of Nikos and


his family plays out in front of them, guests will be served Mediterranean meals – and have the opportunity to dance to dance


to a string of Abba hits. mammamiatheparty.com


SNOW FORECAST AGAIN FOR HOGWARTS: Muggles can see ‘Hogwarts In The Snow’ during the festive season at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter (November 17- January 27). Sets from the Harry Potter films will be decorated, including the Gryffindor common room, the Weasley burrow, the Hogwarts castle model and the Great Hall dressed as it was for the Yule Ball. Visitors can also book dinner in the Great Hall, with dessert served on Platform 9 ¾ (December 10-12). wbstudiotour.co.uk


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©VisitEngland/Rich J Jones


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