Confidence high amongst Leicestershire tourism businesses

The results of a new survey have shown that confidence is high amongst tourism businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire. The Tourism Business Barometer surveyed over 100 tourism businesses in the city and county during May 2010 and the results show a positive outlook with advance bookings for the summer up for 26 per cent of businesses, with 45 per cent at the same level as last year and 80 per cent of operators saying that they are confident for the summer season.

Results of the survey included:
• 21 per cent of businesses say domestic visitors are up compared to 2009, with 58 per cent saying the level has remained the same and 17 per cent reporting a decrease
• 26 per cent of businesses have more advance bookings for the summer compared to this time last year and 45 per cent have the same level
• 80 per cent of operators say they are confident for the summer season

Heather Thornton, Director of Sales & Marketing at Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel in Leicestershire said: "The concept of ‘staycationing' forced its way into the thinking of the travel industry last year when the economic climate persuaded many people in the UK to enjoy their holidays and short breaks domestically. Advanced bookings - spurred by long-term forecasts of good weather and the ongoing financial climate - suggest that we have good reason to be confident about business during the summer season."

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions added: "The Tourism Barometer gives us a good indication of the relative business performances and confidence of our local tourism partners. Some people have been predicting that the staycation bubble would burst following last year's success with many people choosing to stay in the UK for their summer holidays. These latest results indicate that Leicester and Leicestershire could benefit from a continued focus on taking domestic breaks."

The Tourism Business Barometer Survey is commissioned by East Midlands Tourism four times a year to measure tourism business performance in the region during key periods. Leicester Shire Promotions commissioned extra interviews in Leicestershire to ensure that the county's results are robust enough to be reported separately. 101 local businesses were interviewed representing serviced hotels, other serviced accommodation providers, self catering, caravan and camping, and attractions.

About Leicester Shire Promotions:
Leicester Shire Promotions is a private, not-for-profit company formed in July 2003 as a partnership between Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and East Midlands Development Agency. The company is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) responsible for promoting Leicester and Leicestershire to visitors, based on a coordinated place marketing strategy that focuses on destination leadership and coordination, attracting and visitors, services for and visitors, and services for the tourism industry. For more information, please visit www.goleicestershire.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/l_p_l

For further media information, please contact:
Simon Gribbon
Leicester Shire Promotions
T: 0116 225 4001
simon.gribbon@l-p-l.com