Category: Tourism & Travel

1. UK bikers are already a lucrative market as they contribute nearly £400 million to UK tourism

   Posted on 10:04am Friday 14th Aug 2009

   In its survey of more than 2,000 riders and non-riders from across the UK, the MCI found that 84% of the UK's 1.5 million riders prefer to holiday by motorcycle for holidays, short breaks and days out - even though the majority have access to a car.

   One-quarter of riders use motorcycles as their preferred mode of transport to enjoy days-out in the UK. One-in-six take weekend short-breaks by bike and one-in-fifteen holiday on two-wheels . The average spend by motorcyclists is £68 per day on accommodation, food and entertainment.

   In the current economic climate, where the tourism industry is encouraging British people to enjoy a 'staycation', it would seem wise to capitalise on the potential European bike market too.

   "Holidaying by bike is an excellent way of seeing more of the UK's tourist attractions and stunning scenery at your own convenience.  It contributes a significant amount to local and national tourism and now is a good time for the UK to try and open this up to markets further afield."   Mark Wilsmore of Ace Cafe London said "As a destination venue, motorcycle tourism is increasingly important.  At the cafe we ensure that we give riders a reason to get out and enjoy riding their bikes and visit us".

2. 2009: Year of the Great British holiday

   Posted on 10:09am Monday 26th Jan 2009

   THE falling pound could mean a summer boom for the British tourists industry, according to a New Year forecast from the Caravan Club.

   For 2009 it looks like the “Great Escape” will become the “Great British staycation” as people rediscover the delights of domestic breaks at a choice of some 3,000 destinations UK-wide. Quarterly travel and tourism figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that the number of visits abroad by UK residents was down by 6% for the three month period between August and October 2008 compared with the previous quarter; and in a recent survey by VisitBritain, the majority said they would consider British holidays.

   And the statistics show that although 90% of British people claim to be saving money in this tough economic climate, few plan to cut back on holidays. In light of the decrease in overseas visits, this suggests that Brits are still holidaying, but doing so without leaving the country.

   Nick Lomas, Director of Marketing for the Caravan Club said, “We confidently predict that 2009 will be the year that welcomes the return of the great British holiday, something Caravan Club members have enjoyed for over a Century.”