BY HOLIDAYING IN Britain we can all do our bit to boost the UK economy. And big events such as the Royal Wedding, the Ryder Cup, the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games will all help to attract overseas visitors to do the same.
That was the message given by John Penrose MP, minister for Tourism and Heritage, to the British parks industry this week. His comments were made at the industry’s recent conference held by its trade body the British Holiday and Home Parks Association. He said the tourism industry had the opportunity to take its place at the top table in driving forward the economy and that a £100 million marketing budget had been allotted over the next four years to draw tourists to Britain.
Apparently, we Brits spend only 21% of our holiday time in the UK, being much more likely to go abroad. The minister urged sites to promote local attractions and offer value for money to draw more visitors, domestic and international. By attracting visitors sites do a lot to boost local economies.
Colour it green
As well as promoting local attractions, sites were also encouraged to promote the biodiversity of their land to draw in visitors. Rufus Bellamy, who advises the BH&HPA members on conservation and the environment, pointed out how seeing animals and birds while staying on site can really enhance the enjoyment of a visitor’s holiday no matter what their age.
There are hundreds of sites already actively involved in managing their land in an eco-friendly way and promoting their activities to visitors. More than 600 of these sites are listed in the David Bellamy Great Green UK Holiday Parks Guide, which will appear as a free supplement with the May issue of Practical Caravan.
As well as the Great Green guide, the Top 100 Sites guide is free with the April issue of Practical Caravan. It can help you choose a site for a great British holiday, or just a weekend break, and have an opportunity to help boost the economy.
