DISCOVER LEICESTER TOUR IS BACK FOR FINAL SUMMER SO GET ON BOARD

Popular sightseeing bus tour returns to the city for final time, highlighting major regeneration projects including the opening of Highcross Leicester

Runs from 12 July - 27 September 2008

This summer and for the final time, residents of Leicester and visitors to the city will be able to explore the local area from a unique perspective - an open top tour bus. The Discover Leicester Tour is an open top sightseeing tour bus that takes in the inspiring views and intriguing surroundings of the city of Leicester, and showcases the best attractions the city has to offer.

The Discover Leicester Tour 2008 will run from 12 July to 27 September. It is timed to coincide with the launch of the new £350 million Highcross Leicester shopping centre on 4 September and will celebrate the completion of the first phase of major projects in the city's £3 billion regeneration programme. In partnership with Leicester Shire Promotions, Gold Events Management and Roberts Coaches, the Discover Leicester Tour 2008 will be sponsored by the National Space Centre, Great Central Railway and Dominoes toys.

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions commented: "After seven successful years, it is now time to look at new ways to help people explore and enjoy a 21st Century city. However, I hope that more people than ever will take this final opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective on the transformation of our city from the top of an open top bus."

For summer 2008, plans are well developed for a Heart of the Forest tour. This will link together major Leicestershire attractions in The National Forest - including Conkers - with Leicester and will operate on seven Saturdays from 19 July to 30 August inclusive.

Information on the new routes, timings and tickets prices will be announced shortly and will be posted on the official online visitor guide to Leicester and Leicestershire at http://www.goleicestershire.com/. Holders of Leicester and Leicestershire concessionary bus passes will again be able to travel free on the Discover Leicester Tour this summer.

Information can also be obtained by calling the Tourist Information Line on 0844 888 5181 or by visiting the Leicester Tourist Information Centre in Town Hall Square. Tickets will be available online from the eShop facility at http://www.goleicestershire.com/, from the Leicester TIC or on-board the buses themselves after the tours begin. The open top buses are available for private hire by calling 01530 817 444.

Key achievements of the Discover Leicester and Top Deck Tours services include:

•·           50,000 customers since service started in 2001

•·           Awarded Best Travel Tourism Operator 2006/7 by Going Places magazine

•·           Operator of largest network of urban and rural open top tours

•·           Considerably raised civic pride and awareness of local attractions