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VisitBritain reveals forecast for Easter bookings
VisitBritain claims that 22% of the UK adult population are planning a trip over the two-week Easter break, but twice as many (61%) are planning an overnight trip in England, compared to going abroad (29%).
“There has been very strong growth in inbound visits to the UK in each of the past three years, and it is expected that although the rate of growth will slow, 2007 should see a further increase in the number of overseas visitors coming to the UK,” it added in a statement today.
“While the impact of increased Air Passenger Duty and visa is not yet known, there are lots of positive influences currently unfolding.
“For example the Japanese economy is looking far stronger, giving the prospect that this vital inbound market may start to recover some of its recent losses.
“The Bollywood Oscars taking place in the UK this summer will be helpful in attracting more visitors from India, a market that has seen healthy growth of late, boosted by a rapidly expanding economy and much improved air access to the UK.
“Most recently Jet Airways announced a new three flights per week service from Ahmedabad to Heathrow.”
Following the the domestic England Rocks! Campaign, VisitBritain is now launching Britain Rocks! for overseas markets, aimed to inspire music lovers to visit rock and pop heritage locations as part of their holiday to Britain.
Meanwhile, VisitScotland’s Spring campaign is targeting consumers from across the UK.
The theme this year is ‘The Spring Collection’, with a focus on the range of activities available across the country.
Visit Wales reports that the main finding of the a survey carried out in January was that almost three out of four operators (84%) felt confident (44%) or very confident (40%) about prospects for the spring and Easter season.
ABTA domestic tour operators are reporting healthy bookings over Easter with the Cotswolds, Peak District and boating holidays performing particularly well.
Bookings were hit by the unseasonably cold weather later in March but have picked up strongly since.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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