• 20 Nov 25

  Partner News
  Best of destination Britain on show to top travel buyers as VisitBritain leads China trade mission

    VisitBritain is gearing up to host its ‘Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia’ (DBCNEA) ...Read more
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  Best of destination Britain on show to top travel buyers as VisitBritain leads China trade mission - News & announcements

    VisitBritain is gearing up to host its ‘Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia’ (DBCNEA) trade mission to China to grow inbound tourism and drive economic growth with British tourism suppliers set to show top buyers why Britain is the destination to visit now.   Taking place from 26 to 28 November in Chengdu, China, the three-day trade event sees dozens of tourism industry suppliers and destinations, many of whom are attending the event for the first time, meet to do business with about 90 top buyers from China, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan and South Korea, with trade media also in attendance.   More than 2,000 pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings are taking place, alongside networking events and seminars from destinations, showcasing the latest products and experiences on offer. International buyers will have the opportunity to learn about Britain’s premier export-ready tourism products and its competitive visitor offer, broadening travel itineraries to drive visitor spending across the nations and regions.   VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates, who is leading the trade mission to China, said:   “This major trade mission brings our very important and highly valuable China and Northeast Asia markets together with British suppliers to do business, shining the spotlight on the fantastic products and experiences on offer and making sure those are sold in international markets.  “While we have seen a relatively slower recovery and build back from China and Northeast Asia compared to the overall long-haul average, the longer-term trajectory is encouraging, underscoring the importance of this event with our trade missions a proven catalyst for business. “Building product and destination knowledge also broadens travel itineraries so visitors explore more through our regional gateways, spreading the benefits of visitor spending across our nations and regions.    “The size of our delegation shows the enthusiasm from tourism suppliers to do business across these important markets and to hear first-hand from buyers on the motivations driving outbound travel as well as trends in digital tools and booking platforms. We are looking forward to showcasing our warm welcome as well as all the great reasons to book a trip right now.”   Tourism’s importance in building cultural connections and positioning the UK as a welcoming, vibrant, culturally diverse destination that people want to visit, is also in the spotlight.   Suppliers joining the trade mission include hotels, visitor attractions, transport providers, retailers, tour and sightseeing operators spanning the length-and-breadth of the nations and regions.   Destinations including Visit Lake District, Cumbria, Marketing Manchester, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Visit Shakespeare’s England, Visit York and Visit West are attending, highlighting their respective products and experiences. VisitScotland and Tourism Ireland are also joining the trade mission.   VisitBritain’s teams in market will also be running seminars and networking events to support tourism suppliers to engage and do business with trade from across China, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan and South Korea, providing insights on market and consumer trends.   The trade mission comes as VisitBritain continues to roll out its global ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ screen tourism campaign. The campaign is harnessing the powerful draw of film and tv locations to inspire more visitors to choose Britain, discover more and stay longer, driving visitor spending into local destinations. VisitBritain’s research shows that more than 9-out-of-10 potential visitors to the UK are keen to visit locations used in filming and seen-on-screen during their trip. Spending by visitors from China, Japan and South Korea, when combined, is forecast to be worth £1.4 billion this year to the UK economy, with an average visitor spend from these markets of £1,528 per visit, more than double the all-market average spend of £818. Looking ahead to 2026, 667,000 visits are forecast from China to the UK, up 28% on the estimate for this year, worth £1.3 billion to our economy. Visits from Japan are forecast to reach almost 300,000 in 2026, up 23% on this year’s estimate while 219,000 visits from South Korea are expected, up 21%. As well as its DBCNEA trade mission, VisitBritain continues to work closely with industry and partners in market to promote the outstanding tourism offer and experiences that visitors can only have in Britain.

• 18 Nov 25

  NEWS
  VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction winners announced

  VisitEngland named the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025.    Awards went to 78 ...Read more
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  VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction winners announced - News & announcements

  VisitEngland named the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025.    Awards went to 78 English attractions covering various elements: ‘Welcome’; ‘Best Told Story’; ‘Hidden Gem’; ‘Quality Food and Drink’ and ‘Gold’. The accolades were awarded based on scores that attractions obtained following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment. VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades put England’s outstanding attractions in the spotlight.  They acknowledge the people who give the warmest welcomes, provide the most mouth-watering food and tell the stories that delight visitors.” “The excellence on show underlines the quality within the industry, ensuring fantastic visitor experiences.” VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades, now in their 11th year, are awarded to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme across a range of tourism attractions, These span historic houses, gardens, country parks and farm attractions to galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals. Participating attractions are supported by experienced independent assessors who deliver advice and guidance on improving and promoting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of their facility. Winning attractions can display the Accolade logo at their attraction, online and in their marketing materials. The VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades 2024-2025 were presented to winners at a lunch at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire last week. The full list of VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025: VisitEngland Quality Assessment Services | VisitBritain.org  

• 23 Oct 25

  Partner News
  VisitBritain/VisitEngland activity boosts economy by £562 million as agency sets out plans to drive growth

    International visitors spent an additional £562 million across Britain as a result of activity ...Read more
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  VisitBritain/VisitEngland activity boosts economy by £562 million as agency sets out plans to drive growth - News & announcements

    International visitors spent an additional £562 million across Britain as a result of activity by national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland, latest figures show.   Results also show that 60% of this estimated additional spend, £336 million, was in destinations outside of London.   The agency reported the figures, which cover its activity for the 2024-2025 financial year, as it was set to bring industry leaders together at its annual review event ‘Behind the scenes: driving regional growth through the visitor economy’ on 21 October, outlining its priorities and activities to grow the visitor economy and support the UK Government’s ambition of 50 million international visitors annually by 2030.   Separately the agency also shared results for the initial phase of its ongoing ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ global campaign, which is using the powerful draw of screen tourism to inspire visits to the nations and regions today. The campaign is estimated to have generated £217 million* in additional spending by international visitors from its launch in January to June this year. It means that for every pound invested in the campaign, visitors spent an additional £20 in Britain. Launched in collaboration with international film and TV studios the campaign also promotes Britain’s creative industries.   Speaking ahead of the review, British Tourist Authority Chairman Nick de Bois said:   “These figures represent not just numbers on a balance sheet, but the millions of additional pounds generated by VisitBritain’s activity that flows into our high streets, our hospitality businesses, our cultural institutions and our communities across every nation and region of Britain.   “Tourism is one of our greatest industries that creates opportunities for all, from the small and medium sized businesses that make up the backbone of our world-class industry to our destinations and attractions that draw visitors from across the globe.   “By working in partnership with industry and the UK Government we can realise tourism’s huge potential to create immediate and sustained economic growth, delivering jobs and prosperity to communities across Britain.”   VisitBritain’s annual review comes as its just published inbound tourism forecast estimates £34.6 billion would be spent by international visitors in the UK this year, up 6% on 2024. Looking at visits to the UK, 44.3 million visits are forecast, up 4% on last year.   Mr de Bois said that while it was good to see the overall estimated growth this year on 2024, longer term forecasts are showing that the UK is starting to lose its competitive position internationally as a visitor destination, both globally and against some major western European rivals.   “Tourism to the UK is already generating growth in value of 6% year-on-year. VisitBritain’s analysis shows that if tourism to the UK was growing at the same pace as current forecasts for Western Europe, the industry would be worth an additional £4.4 billion per year by 2030 to the economy. But tourism is extremely competitive, and visitors have a lot of choice. Like every export industry we need to be telling our story about why people should come to Britain not one day, but today.   “Tourism also frames how people around the world see Britain, building positive perceptions. Those who have visited are 16% more likely to invest in the UK’s businesses, products and services,” he said.   To convert the interest to visit Britain into bookings, VisitBritain had been with working with partners across its major inbound markets including Australia, France, Germany and the United States (US), generating £12 million of additional cash and marketing-in-kind activity in the last financial year.   Its work with global travel trade had ensured British products were sold internationally, hosting major trade missions for markets showing growth including Australia, India and the US, connecting hundreds of British businesses with international buyers and generating almost £100 million in sales. Of product sold, 64% of itineraries and tours developed had featured destinations outside of London.   VisitBritain’s support had also seen the business events industry win, and scale, international conferences and exhibitions. Looking longer term its business events growth programme had achieved, from 2018 to 2024, £60.6 million in direct economic return to the UK economy with 91 business events supported across 18 cities throughout England, Scotland and Wales.   Domestically the priority for VisitEngland had been supporting the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme, simplifying a regional structure for English tourism. A cohort of LVEPs have been created focused on robust destination management, regenerative visitor growth, integrated planning to benefit communities and economies and working with Combined Authorities on local growth plans. Destination Development Partnerships (DDPs) were also part of the restructuring. They are made up of a number of LVEPs, setting regional priorities and receiving government funding. Two DDP pilots have been underway in the North-East of England and the West Midlands to demonstrate the power of this approach with tourism considered strategically in local planning, transport development and investment decisions.   “As decision making is increasingly devolved, it has been fantastic to also see LVEPs engaging with Mayoral authorities, ensuring tourism is recognised as a sector that delivers on regional economic growth and promotes pride-in-place.   “However, despite the success of the DDP pilots and the hard work of LVEPs to gain accreditation, I am disappointed that there is still no long-term funding commitment from government. Afterall the structures of tourism have responded and it would be timely now for government to do so too, to secure the future of destination management across England,” said Mr de Bois.   Domestic overnight trips in England currently being down 8% year-on-year also demonstrated the ongoing operational challenges and cost of living impacts faced by the industry.   VisitEngland was continuing its targeted support to small businesses with new guidance and tools, from regenerative tourism to accessibility, on its Business Advice Hub. Free trade initiatives including the new ‘Taking England’s Wine to the World’ programme was supporting businesses to reach new customers and grow their revenue.   Tourism is one of Britain’s largest and most valuable industries, its third largest service export and a major part of British trade, supporting hundreds of thousands of small businesses and employing millions of people across the nations and regions.

• 10 Sep 25

  Partner News
  Winners of VisitEngland’s 2025 ROSE Award announced 

    VisitEngland has today Wednesday 10 September revealed this year’s winners of its Accommodation Quality ...Read more
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  Winners of VisitEngland’s 2025 ROSE Award announced  - News & announcements

    VisitEngland has today Wednesday 10 September revealed this year’s winners of its Accommodation Quality Scheme 2025 ROSE Awards.   The ROSE (Recognition Of Service Excellence) Awards showcase the accommodation providers who deliver the warmest of welcomes and where the staff provide incredible experiences for their customers irrespective of star rating, style or type of accommodation.   VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:   "The ROSE Awards honour England's outstanding accommodation providers who combine excellent hospitality with exceptional service to create lasting memories for their guests. These establishments anchor great holidays, encouraging visitors to discover more locally whilst generating vital tourism income for communities. From boutique glamping to premier B&Bs, characterful pubs to family holiday parks, and working farms to secluded retreats, England's diverse accommodation sector offers something special for every taste and budget."   The ROSE Award winners were nominated by VisitEngland’s Quality Scheme Assessors and selected from Assessor comments and online feedback from overseas and domestic visitors. Recipients of the awards include all types of accommodation from B&Bs/guesthouses, self-catering and hotels to parks, glamping sites and hostels and cover a range of ratings from three to five stars, as well as accredited properties.   ROSE Award recipients are all part of the VisitEngland Quality Schemes and demonstrate a commitment to delivering innovation and excellent service.   The VisitEngland ROSE Awards 2025, now in their ninth year, were presented at an event on Wednesday 10 September at The Post Barn, Old Oxford Road, Newbury, Berkshire.   Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, delivering economic growth right across the country.   See the full list of ROSE Award 2025 winners go to: VisitEngland Quality Assessment Services | VisitBritain.org

• 03 Sep 25

  NEWS
  UK destinations showcased by VisitBritain to US, Canada and Brazil buyers

  VisitBritain is gearing up to host its ‘Destination Britain Americas’ trade mission in the Americas. ...Read more
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  UK destinations showcased by VisitBritain to US, Canada and Brazil buyers - News & announcements

  VisitBritain is gearing up to host its ‘Destination Britain Americas’ trade mission in the Americas. It will present British tourism suppliers to top buyers from across the USA, Canada and Brazil. Taking place from 10 to 14 September in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the three-day trade event sees 53 British tourism industry suppliers meet with 47 top buyers. International buyers will have the opportunity to learn about Britain's destinations, and experiences from Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, the Cotswolds, County Durham, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxfordshire, the Peak District and the West Midlands alongside Scotland and Wales. Activities include one-to-one meetings, networking events and seminars to help drive visitor spending into regional economies. VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates, leading the trade mission, said:  "This major trade mission brings our incredibly important Brazil, Canada and USA markets together with British suppliers to do business and drive economic growth.” “We are shining the spotlight on the products and experiences on offer across Britain, making sure those are sold internationally, boosting Britain’s economy.” "Building product and destination knowledge broadens travel itineraries, so visitors can explore more of Britain spreading the economic benefits of visitor spending across our nations and regions.” British suppliers joining the trade mission include hotels, visitor attractions, transport providers, retailers, tour and sightseeing operators. The trade mission comes as VisitBritain continues to roll out its international ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign. Launched earlier this year, the campaign is using the draw of film and TV locations and places seen-on-screen to inspire visitors to discover more of Britain. Destination Britain Americas is a cornerstone of VisitBritain’s programme of international sales missions. Inbound tourism is worth an estimated £34.9 billion to the economy in 2025.

• 20 Aug 25

  Partner News
  £4.1 billion boost to the economy estimated as 11.2 million Brits planning a holiday at home this August bank holiday

    VisitEngland’s August bank holiday trip tracker survey, published today, shows that 11.2 million Brits ...Read more
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  £4.1 billion boost to the economy estimated as 11.2 million Brits planning a holiday at home this August bank holiday - News & announcements

    VisitEngland’s August bank holiday trip tracker survey, published today, shows that 11.2 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this bank holiday weekend, bringing an estimated £4.1 billion boost to the economy.   The figures are just up on last year, when 11 million Brits planned to take an overnight trip in the UK during the August bank holiday weekend. Looking back at 2023 the figure was 9.7 million. This would give a much needed boost to the industry which has seen year-to-date domestic overnight trips decrease by 5% from 32.6 million in 2024 to 31.1 million in 2025 at the end of May.   Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:   "From Cornwall and Cumbria to The Gower and Glasgow, Britain is blessed with so many fantastic destinations.   "The tourism industry is a vital part of the economy and it is great to see that this year, even more people are planning to make the most of the August bank holiday weekend by heading off on an overnight trip. This will not only provide millions with fantastic days out, but will also help create jobs and drive economic growth across the country."   VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:   “It is very encouraging to see many of us are planning a domestic break for the August bank holiday weekend. From our globally renowned museums and art galleries to our buzzing food and music scene, from our great pubs to our beautiful coast and countryside, there is a destination to suit all tastes and budgets.    “Businesses will be looking to the long weekend for a critical late summer lift after what has been a very mixed year for many destinations. We can also see from our latest consumer research that the cost of living remains a concern. Brits are still keen to take their breaks however many are booking last minute, making it difficult for businesses to plan in advance, and wanting to save on accommodation, activities, eating out and searching for good value options. So do please get out and support our amazing destinations, first class attractions and local events this long weekend and beyond.”   The survey also showed that a further 7.3 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in England during the bank holiday weekend. The top reasons are ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’, ‘waiting to see what the weather will be like’ and ‘waiting to see if there are any deals / special offers’.   Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, delivering economic growth right across the country.   The full VisitEngland August bank Holiday trip tracker survey can be accessed here: Domestic Tourism Bank Holiday Trips Data | VisitBritain.org.   For ideas on what’s on this August Bank Holiday across England, from food festivals to live music by the sea, please visit: VisitEngland’s 2025 Summertime News | VisitBritain.org.   Notes to editors:   

  • VisitEngland commissions online omnibus surveys, ‘trip trackers’, periodically in order to collect data on the number of GB consumers who plan to take an overnight trip at key times throughout the year.
  • In this August edition, the survey was carried out on an online omnibus by Kantar TNS, with a representative sample of 1,231 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain.
  • The fieldwork for the survey took place between 12^th and 14^th August 2025.
  • Trip volumes are based on an estimated adult (16+) population of 56 million in GB for 2025 (Office for National Statistics).
  • Economic impact is based on the average domestic overnight holiday spend of £369 per trip (Great Britain Tourism Survey, 2024 annual figures).
  • For the full report, visit VisitEngland’s bank holiday trip tracker page.

    VisitEngland’s latest domestic consumer sentiment research towards travel, published on 22 July, can be accessed here https://www.visitbritain.org/domestic-sentiment-tracker

• 06 Jun 25

  Partner News
  VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 winners announced

    VisitEngland has revealed the winners of its VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, highlighting the ...Read more
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  VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 winners announced - News & announcements

    VisitEngland has revealed the winners of its VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, highlighting the very best of England’s outstanding tourism industry.   Gold, Silver and Bronze winners have been announced across 17 categories ranging from ‘New Tourism Business of the Year’ and ‘Pub of the Year’ to ‘Business Events Venue of the Year’ and ‘Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year’. The awards were presented at an evening ceremony on 4 June hosted by VisitEngland Advisory Board Chairman Lady Victoria Borwick at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.   The prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been running for more than 30 years. This year’s winners were selected from hundreds of tourism businesses across England including hotels, self-catering accommodation, B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums, forwarded to the national competition via local and regional competitions across England.   VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:   “These annual Awards are an opportunity to applaud and showcase the businesses and individuals who provide outstanding customer service and continuously improve their products and offer for visitors.   “From a captivating science museum in Merseyside to a fully accessible hotel in Bournemouth, from cow cuddling on a farm in Yorkshire to fine dining in Lancashire, this year’s winners show just how varied and diverse our industry is and what makes it great.   “Competition this year was fierce, reflecting the excellence evident across each category and I congratulate all the 2025 winners, and especially those who won Gold, an achievement cementing their place as the standard bearers of our world-class tourism industry.”   In addition to the 16 core category award winners, three special awards were also presented this year including an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award,’ a ‘Travel Content Award’ and a ‘Tourism Superstar Award’.   The Tourism Superstar Award 2025 went to port volunteers the Southampton Saints, a team of 13 welcome ambassadors who greet visitors at the city’s port.   The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award went to ‘Railway 200’, the 200th anniversary celebration of the first passenger railway, in recognition of its valuable role in highlighting the importance of our railway heritage and rail travel to domestic and inbound tourism in England.   The Travel Content Award, which recognises the media’s important contribution in championing domestic tourism, was won by Jane Anderson with her Isle of Wight wellness story for The i Paper entitled ‘The UK’s sunniest island vying to become a sauna isle’.   Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, generating about £76 billion annually for the economy in domestic visitor spending.   See below full list of VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 winners:   Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award : GOLD - Eureka! Science + Discovery, Merseyside Silver - Marsham Court Hotel, Dorset Bronze - The Courtyard, Herefordshire   B&B and Guest House of the Year: GOLD - Sunnyside Guest House Southport, Merseyside Silver - Abbots Grange Manor House, Worcestershire Bronze - Boscastle House, Cornwall   Business Events Venue of the Year: GOLD - Keele University Events and Conferencing, Staffordshire Silver - Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, Cheshire Bronze - The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Tyne & Wear   Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: GOLD - Polmanter Touring Park, Cornwall Silver - Mendip Basecamp, Somerset Bronze - Hippersons Boatyard, Suffolk   Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages: GOLD - Sunnyside Guest House Southport, Merseyside Silver - The Quiet Site, Cumbria Bronze - Battlesteads, Northumberland   Experience of the Year: GOLD - Cow Cuddling, Dumble Farm, East Riding of Yorkshire Silver - The Wizard Walk of York, North Yorkshire Bronze - Introduction to Sailing, Mylor Sailing School, Cornwall   International Tourism Award: GOLD - The Beatles Story, Merseyside Silver - World of Wedgwood, Staffordshire Bronze - St Mary's Guildhall, West Midlands   Large Hotel of the Year sponsored by Ecclesiastical: GOLD - Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, Warwickshire Silver - Sandburn Hall, North Yorkshire Bronze - Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Merseyside   Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Raw Charging Network Ltd: GOLD - Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands Silver - National Space Centre, Leicestershire Bronze - Liverpool Football Club Tours & Experiences, Merseyside   New Tourism Business of the Year: GOLD - Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, Northumberland Silver - Eureka! Science + Discovery, Merseyside Bronze - Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire   Pub of the Year: GOLD - The Farmers Arms, Devon Silver - The Blind Bull, Derbyshire Bronze - The Griffin Inn, Leicestershire   Self Catering Accommodation of the Year sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages: GOLD - Treworgey Cottages, Cornwall Silver - Trevase Cottages, Herefordshire Bronze - Wolf Wood Treehouses, Devon   Small Hotel of the Year: GOLD - Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Dorset Silver - Seaham Hall, County Durham Bronze - The Montagu Arms Hotel, Hampshire   Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: GOLD - No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath Silver - King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicestershire Bronze - Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorset   Taste of England Award: GOLD - The Cavendish Hotel, Derbyshire Silver - Searcys at The Pump Room, Bath Bronze - The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire   Unsung Hero Award: GOLD - Hannah Clapp, Muncaster Castle, Cumbria Silver - Caitlin Brown, The Escape Key, Tyne & Wear Bronze - Andrew Hurley, Avoncroft Museum, Worcestershire   Travel Content Award: GOLD - Jane Anderson, The i Paper – ‘The UK’s sunniest island vying to become a ‘sauna isle' Silver - Phoebe Smith, The Guardian – ‘Saving the seas one dive at a time in Northumberland' Bronze - Hannah Summers, The Times – ‘The British seaside town at its best (and cheapest) in winter’   Tourism Superstar 2025 Award: Southampton Saints   Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award: Railway 200

• 09 Apr 25

  Partner News
  10.6 million Brits plan a UK holiday trip for the Easter weekend, bringing a £3.9 billion economic boost

    VisitEngland’s Easter Trip Tracker survey, published today, indicates that 10.6 million Brits are definitely ...Read more
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  10.6 million Brits plan a UK holiday trip for the Easter weekend, bringing a £3.9 billion economic boost - News & announcements

    VisitEngland’s Easter Trip Tracker survey, published today, indicates that 10.6 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK for the Easter weekend, bringing an estimated £3.9 billion boost to the economy. This is also more than the 6.7 million, 12% of Brits, who are planning a trip abroad this Easter.   The figures are roughly on par with last year’s Easter Trip Tracker when 11 million Brits had definitely planned an overnight holiday trip in the UK for the long weekend. In 2023, the figure was 6.5 million.   A further 3.4 million people surveyed this year were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Easter weekend. The top reasons for those were around ‘waiting to see what the weather is like’ and ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’.   VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:   “Tourism businesses and destinations will be looking to the critical Easter weekend for much needed cash flow after the lean winter months so it’s encouraging to see many of us are planning a holiday at home. From walking in our beautiful countryside with the promise of a pub lunch or on a city break exploring contemporary culture in our buzzing cities to enjoying fish and chips on the beach in our stunning seaside locations, there really is nowhere quite like Britain in springtime.   “We also know from our latest research that the cost of living remains a concern and while people are still keen to take a break, many are booking late, taking shorter breaks, wanting to save on accommodation, activities and eating out, making it difficult for businesses to plan in advance. So a rallying cry to please go out and explore the amazing destinations and attractions here on our doorstep this spring, tourism businesses will be very pleased to see you.”   Of those definitely planning an overnight domestic trip during the Easter break, the majority were planning a short-break of one-to-three nights.   For information about what’s on this spring in England from hotel launches to foodie festivals and new look museums please see VisitEngland’s springtime news here: VisitEngland’s 2025 Springtime News | VisitBritain.org

• 01 Apr 25

  Partner News
  VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finalists announced

    VisitEngland has today, 1 April, announced the finalists who will go forward to the ...Read more
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  VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finalists announced - News & announcements

    VisitEngland has today, 1 April, announced the finalists who will go forward to the tourism industry’s national Awards for Excellence.   The 52 finalists, selected following a rigorous judging process by handpicked tourism industry experts, go on to compete in 16 core categories at the national awards in June.   The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been championing the best in England’s tourism industry for more than three decades and celebrate quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service.   VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:   “England’s tourism industry has good reason to celebrate. As the finalists demonstrate, businesses across every region provide outstanding customer service along with high quality experiences while constantly innovating to find new ways to give more to visitors and the communities they serve.   “The applications to this year’s awards and the list of finalists are a testament to the range of first-class products on offer to both domestic and international visitors. I congratulate all the finalists who are already winners, and I wish them the very best of luck.”   The awards' categories range from ‘B&B and Guest House of the Year’   and ‘Experience of the Year’ to ‘Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year’ and ‘Large and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’. In addition to the 16 core categories, two special awards are also being presented including a ‘Travel Content Award’ and the ‘Tourism Superstar Award’.   This year’s awards worked in collaboration with 21 local competitions from across England with winners automatically put forward for the national awards.   There were 1,800 applications to the 21 aligned local awards with 360 applicants forwarded for judging in the VisitEngand Awards for Excellence. These were made up of businesses including hotels, self-catering accommodation providers, B&Bs, glamping operators, visitor attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums.   Finalists are invited to attend the national awards ceremony, held at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on 4 June, where Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced at the black tie event.   Tourism is one of England’s largest, most valuable industries, supporting more than 200,000 businesses, employing 2.6 million people and generating about £76 billion in domestic visitor spending.   VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finalists:   Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award:   Eureka! Science + Discovery, Merseyside Marsham Court Hotel, Dorset The Courtyard Trust Limited, Herefordshire B&B and Guest House of the Year: Abbots Grange Manor House, Worcestershire Boscastle House, Cornwall Sunnyside Guest House Southport, Merseyside Business Events Venue of the Year:   Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, Cheshire Keele University Events and Conferencing, Staffordshire The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Tyne & Wear   Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year:   Hippersons Boatyard, Suffolk Mendip Basecamp, Somerset Polmanter Touring Park, Cornwall   Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages :   Battlesteads, Northumberland Sunnyside Guest House Southport, Merseyside The Quiet Site, Cumbria   Experience of the Year:   Cow Cuddling, Dumble Farm, East Riding of Yorkshire Introduction to Sailing, Mylor Sailing School, Cornwall The Wizard Walk of York, North Yorkshire   International Tourism Award:   St Mary's Guildhall, West Midlands The Beatles Story, Merseyside World of Wedgwood, Staffordshire   Large Hotel of the Year sponsored by Ecclesiastical:   Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, Warwickshire Sandburn Hall, North Yorkshire Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Merseyside   Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Raw Charging Network Ltd:   Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands Liverpool Football Club Tours & Experiences, Merseyside National Space Centre, Leicestershire   New Tourism Business of the Year:   Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, Northumberland Eight at Gazegill by Doug Crampton, Lancashire Eureka! Science + Discovery, Merseyside   Pub of the Year:   The Blind Bull, Derbyshire The Farmers Arms, Devon The Griffin Inn, Leicestershire   Self Catering Accommodation of the Year sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages:   Trevase Cottages, Herefordshire Treworgey Cottages, Cornwall Wolf Wood Treehouses, Devon   Small Hotel of the Year:   Seaham Hall, County Durham Summer Lodge Hotel, Dorset The Montagu Arms Hotel, Hampshire   Small Visitor Attraction of the Year:   King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicestershire No.1 Royal Crescent, Somerset Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorset   Taste of England Award:   Searcys at The Pump Room, Somerset The Cavendish Hotel, Derbyshire The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire   Unsung Hero Award:   Andrew Hurley, Avoncroft Museum, Worcestershire Hannah Clapp, Muncaster Castle, Cumbria Caitlin Brown, The Escape Key, Tyne & Wear

• 15 Mar 25

  Partner News
  VisitEngland announces venue and date of Awards for Excellence 2025

    VisitEngland has announced that this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be held at the ...Read more
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  VisitEngland announces venue and date of Awards for Excellence 2025 - News & announcements

    VisitEngland has announced that this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be held at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on 4 June.   The 35^th national awards will see finalists from 21 regional competitions recognised as Gold, Silver and Bronze winners across 16 core categories. Award categories range from the ‘Experience of the Year’ to the ‘Taste of England Award’ and from the ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ to the ‘New Tourism Business of the Year’.   VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:   “This wonderful heritage venue with its rich association to arts and culture in one of England’s tourism gems, Brighton, is an ideal destination to celebrate our outstanding industry.   “The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence shine the spotlight on England’s world-class tourism offer and the creativity and innovation thriving within the industry. The awards also honour the people and businesses and the amazing customer service they deliver, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.”   Chair of East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex interim LVEP Board Hedley Swain said:   "We are absolutely delighted that Brighton & Hove has been chosen to host the 2025 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. This prestigious event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our vibrant city and all that Sussex has to offer, building on our aspirations in our recently launched Sussex Visitor Economy Strategy for Growth. We look forward to welcoming attendees and hope they take the time to extend their stay, exploring our stunning coastline, rich heritage, and outstanding hospitality."   There were more than 1830 applications from the 21 aligned regional competitions with the winners then automatically entered into the national awards.   In the lead up to the Awards in June, VisitEngland will announce the three finalists for each category.   In addition to the 16 core categories, special awards are also being presented including the ‘Travel Content Award’ and the ‘Tourism Superstar Award’.   Tourism is one of England’s largest, most valuable industries, supporting more than 200,000 businesses, employing 2.6 million people and generating about £71.6 billion in domestic visitor spending.   Core Categories:  

  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Business Events Venue of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Experience of the Year
  • Small Hotel of the Year
  • Large Hotel of the Year
  • International Tourism Award
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Taste of England Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

    The 21 local and regional competitions aligned with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 are:  

  • Beautiful South Tourism Awards
  • Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards
  • Cornwall Tourism Awards
  • Cumbria Tourism Awards
  • Devon Tourism Awards
  • Dorset Tourism Awards
  • Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Tourism Awards
  • Lancashire Tourism Awards
  •  Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards
  • Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards
  • Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards
  • North East England Tourism Awards
  • Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards
  • Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs)
  • South West Tourism Excellence Awards
  • Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards
  • Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards
  • Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards
  • Visit York Tourism Awards
  • Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards
  • West Midlands Tourism Awards

• 11 Feb 25

  Partner News
  VisitBritain partners with Expedia Group to boost inbound tourism across the nations and regions

    National tourism agency VisitBritain, in partnership with Expedia Group, has this week launched an ...Read more
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  VisitBritain partners with Expedia Group to boost inbound tourism across the nations and regions - News & announcements

    National tourism agency VisitBritain, in partnership with Expedia Group, has this week launched an international campaign to put regional destinations in the North East of England, Scotland and Wales in the spotlight and drive bookings.   Underway from early February to March, the ‘GOT THE SHOT’ campaign uses Expedia Group’s global reach to inspire visitors in Australia, France, Germany and the USA to book a trip to Britain right now.   The campaign is part of VisitBritain’s global campaign ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ which is using the powerful pull of screen tourism to boost tourism to Britain. VisitBritain’s screen tourism research shows that more than 9-out-of-10 potential visitors to the UK would be keen to visit film and TV locations during a trip.   VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said:   “Partnering with Expedia Group we’re converting the inspiration to visit Britain into bookings, showcasing to visitors from our valuable Australian, France, Germany and USA markets why our regional destinations are the real star of the show.   “The campaign not only shines the spotlight on our destinations but also on the exciting experiences visitors can enjoy in the North East of England, Scotland and Wales. From our stunning countryside, our rich heritage and history to our vibrant cities, Britain is the backdrop to so many great stories. ‘GOT THE SHOT’ inspires visitors to put themselves in the picture and book a trip to Britain today.”   Senior Vice President, Expedia Group Media Solutions, Rob Torres said:   “We are excited to partner with VisitBritain to amplify the destination’s beautiful stories, cultures and landscapes through our industry-leading travel media network. According to our recent Unpack ‘25 travel trends report, 66% of travellers say their travel choices have been influenced after seeing it on screen. We can’t wait to see what the power of visual storytelling can do to drive tourism to Britain.”   Content includes a three-part series filmed by BAFTA award winning Director Chris Faith which sees comedy duo Lara Ricote and Stevie Martin set off on an adventure across Britain searching for destinations to experience iconic movie genres. Their search sees them visit destinations and tourist experiences whilst scouting locations for epic fantasy battles in Wales, spy thrillers in Scotland and period dramas in the North East of England.   Destinations featured include Durham and Newcastle in the North East of England; Glasgow and Loch Fyne in Scotland; and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and Cardiff in Wales.   As well as the series, the campaign will feature immersive video content, digital ads and a dedicated Expedia hub with market specific microsites to convert inspiration to visit Britain into bookings.   Inbound tourism is one of the UK’s most valuable service exports and a major part of British trade, worth an estimated £32.5 billion to the economy in 2024 in visitor spending.

• 29 Jan 25

  NEWS
  VisitBritain rolls out global screen tourism campaign

  National tourism agency VisitBritain has this week officially launched the highly anticipated global screen tourism ...Read more
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  VisitBritain rolls out global screen tourism campaign - News & announcements

  National tourism agency VisitBritain has this week officially launched the highly anticipated global screen tourism campaign. The campaign kicked off with a blockbuster-inspired film with Britain the star of the show. The ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ launch film draws on iconic film and TV moments from Mission: Impossible to Bridget Jones; Spider-Man to Succession; House of the Dragon to Harry Potter; Mary Poppins Returns and more. The film takes viewers on a cinematic journey through Britain, showcasing familiar movie locations. The launch film was directed by Academy Award-winning British director Tom Hooper. It is supported by a wider advertising campaign which is underway across the UK’s most valuable inbound visitor markets including Australia, the GCC countries, France, Germany and the US. VisitBritain’s screen tourism research shows that more than 9-out-of-10 potential visitors to the UK would be keen to visit film and TV locations during a trip. Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “We want visitors from home and abroad to immerse themselves in the scenery and locations made famous thanks to film and TV.” “Our tourism industry is already worth £74 billion to the economy and this campaign will help drive more growth by encouraging millions of tourists to visit even more parts of the country.’ The first phase of the international ad campaign started from 20 January and runs until the end of March 2025. As well as the launch film, the multi-media advertising campaign uses a mix of channels to showcase destinations across England, Scotland and Wales. The campaign on large digital billboards in locations including Kurfürstendamm in Berlin, to Gare du Nord Station in Paris. The advertising also directs viewers to a screen-tourism hub on VisitBritain’s global consumer website with itineraries themed around film genres from romance to fantasy, action to adventure. A digital map links to film inspired locations, attractions and experiences across the nations and regions.

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