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Tourism Key to Boosting Economy
Listed under: News
Published: Friday, May 29, 2009
Discouraging people from travelling abroad this year could contribute more than £35 billion to the UK economy this summer, according to a recent report from independent information provider Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Despite the economic downturn, new research from national tourist authority VisitBritain has found that up to 55% of people in the UK are currently planning to holiday overseas this year, meaning it is more important than ever for retailers to pull out all the stops when it comes to promoting their businesses this summer.
Commenting on the findings, Phil Orford, chief executive of business information association Forum of Private Business (FPB), says, "In spite of the recession, holidays are still seen as essential and are not being sacrificed easily. There is a potential market of holidaymakers increasingly viewing the UK as an attractive destination, including many who already live here. The value, diversity and level of service provided by small businesses should be shouted from the rooftops as it is vital for economic recovery."
Mike Bedingfield, marketing director of VisitBritain, agrees it is essential for retailers to go that extra mile this year, adding, "As the research shows, we are reluctant to give up the holidays that are an increasingly important part of our lives. Now is the time to be investing in marketing campaigns to remind consumers of the value-for-money experiences they can enjoy."
However, Tessa Young of specialist craft shop Very Crafty in Fife, is unsurprised by the FPB's reaction to the findings. She says, “In a recession, it is only natural that businesses will do everything in their power to survive. We started this business right in the midst of a recession 22 years ago and it thrived. Many smaller companies don't have the money for big marketing campaigns and can't afford to make big changes to their stock. At the end of the day, the strongest will survive. We certainly won't be doing anything particularly different this year. Having said that, we have noticed an increase in our sales over the past three or four months, so we are feeling quite hopeful about the summer ahead.”
Despite the economic downturn, new research from national tourist authority VisitBritain has found that up to 55% of people in the UK are currently planning to holiday overseas this year, meaning it is more important than ever for retailers to pull out all the stops when it comes to promoting their businesses this summer.
Commenting on the findings, Phil Orford, chief executive of business information association Forum of Private Business (FPB), says, "In spite of the recession, holidays are still seen as essential and are not being sacrificed easily. There is a potential market of holidaymakers increasingly viewing the UK as an attractive destination, including many who already live here. The value, diversity and level of service provided by small businesses should be shouted from the rooftops as it is vital for economic recovery."
Mike Bedingfield, marketing director of VisitBritain, agrees it is essential for retailers to go that extra mile this year, adding, "As the research shows, we are reluctant to give up the holidays that are an increasingly important part of our lives. Now is the time to be investing in marketing campaigns to remind consumers of the value-for-money experiences they can enjoy."
However, Tessa Young of specialist craft shop Very Crafty in Fife, is unsurprised by the FPB's reaction to the findings. She says, “In a recession, it is only natural that businesses will do everything in their power to survive. We started this business right in the midst of a recession 22 years ago and it thrived. Many smaller companies don't have the money for big marketing campaigns and can't afford to make big changes to their stock. At the end of the day, the strongest will survive. We certainly won't be doing anything particularly different this year. Having said that, we have noticed an increase in our sales over the past three or four months, so we are feeling quite hopeful about the summer ahead.”
