Jumat, 08 Juni 2012

Jubilee celebrations did inspire people around the world, despite the wet weather, say tourism chiefs

Jubilee celebrations did inspire people around the world, despite the wet weather, say tourism chiefs

By Sarah Gordon

PUBLISHED: 06:05 EST, 7 June 2012 | UPDATED: 10:21 EST, 7 June 2012

The Jubilee celebrations over the Bank Holiday weekend were a chance to bring the country together, and also show off Brand Britain across the world, perhaps even inspiring more tourists to visit our shores.

But with leaden skies and driving ran for much of the festivities, you'd be forgiven for thinking foreign travellers were somewhat put off planning a UK break.

Not so, say tourism chiefs, who claim Britain's proud pageantry 'outshone the weather' and will have encouraged plenty of foreign holidaymakers to consider visiting Britain.

Prince Phillip with The Queen

High spirits: Rain didn't dampen the good feeling during the Queen's celebrations of her Diamond Jubilee

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford added that the Olympic Torch relay was also proving a tremendous boost to tourism and the Games themselves were a wonderful opportunity to 'showcase the UK to the world'.

Mr Berresford explained: 'Yes, we had some rain this last weekend, but the bad weather was a bit player to the pomp, ceremony and celebration.

'The weather in the UK is always a topic of conversation and without the rain we would not have this green and pleasant land.'

Martine Ainsworth-Wells, director of marketing and communications at the capital's tourist office London Partners, added: 'The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, with the memorable events London hosted over the special four-day weekend giving so many people the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

'London’s theatres, hotels, restaurants and shops were buzzing with people enjoying Jubilee themed afternoon teas and lunches and shopping for souvenirs.'

She told TravelMail: 'The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday in particular represented a really special day for London which highlighted the jewel in our "city crown" - the River Thames.

What better way to show-off our beautiful city to the world, and highlight that London is a city that is ready to celebrate and welcome the world this summer, come rain or shine!'

A picture taken from Chelsea Bridge shows the royal barge Gloriana leading the royal flotilla

What a show: Rainy pictures of the festivities were beamed around the world, but the pomp and ceremony were the focus of most people's attention

Mr Berresford said it wasn't all clouds and rain.

'Fortunately the Torch relay began in fine weather and media coverage of the event from all round the world showed the country in bright sunshine,' he explained.

'The Torch relay is really grabbing people's attention and is also helping to promote the country to domestic tourists.

'Normally, domestic tourism in countries hosting the Olympics does not do that well, but with the Jubilee and the Torch relay, as well as cultural events accompanying the Games, the UK is set to buck that trend.'

Meanwhile, travel advice company Gogobot has warned that much of the attention of overseas tourists visiting the UK this summer is centred on London.

'The UK is in danger of missing a trick unless it does more to publicise areas beyond the capital,' said Gogobot chief executive and founder Travis Katz.

He added: 'Potentially there's over £1 billion of extra tourist income up for grabs in 2012. It's the perfect opportunity for places around Britain to show the world what they have to offer.'

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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It'll only encourage tourism if those same tourists don't come to the olympics first and realise that they're getting ripped off with the price of things here. I refer to the DM report about a pint of beer topping £7 and fish and chips at £ 8. THAT will discourage them

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of course it did. you couldn't move for tourists in barnsley.

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Erm did't inspire me to visit the UK. All events looked like a complete shambles. Now they are over so why bother coming.

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What fool would visit just for the royal family.Get a life

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The main page headline says it DID boost tourism, this headlines says WILL boost tourism. Sounds like a reheated press release to me...

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You know, the nastiness that has been tooing and froing from the countries of Europe and back, the contempt for the UK and the resultant backlash during our jubilee celebrations, has strengthened my belief that a 'united' europe is never going to work. There is too much historical baggage (that CAN'T be forgotten, overlooked BECAUSE of past nastiness) and a very, very different attitude to life/outlook on the world. Let us, for heavan's sake just TRADE together and stop trying - as Mrs Merkle and her mob want - to make one country out of it (with her in charge, of course!). We are all different ... just let us be! Maria - Portugal 13.35 .......... you made your point the first time, luv ... there's no need to make a meal of your vitriol. We get the message. I've got many good Portugese friends ......... pity you haven't got their good nature.

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I have no doubts that British Royalty is a fantastic reason for people to visit Great Britain. I woder that if it was a republic people would be so fascinated as they are...

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I have no doubts that British Royalty is a fantastic reason for people to visit Great Britain. I woder that if it was a republic people would be so fascinated as they are...

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I have no doubts that British Royalty is a fantastic reason for people to visit Great Britain. I woder that if it was a republic people would be so fascinated as they are...

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I have no doubts that British Royalty is a fantastic reason for people to visit Great Britain. I woder that if it was a republic people would be so fascinated as they are...

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