THE BRITISH Tourist Authority is focusing on the French and Spanish markets in a drive to boost visitors numbers during 2000.
A 32-page touring guide, titled 2000 Years Around Britain, has been translated into French and Spanish and published as part of the BTA’s Millennium campaign. The brochure features 15 motoring itineraries covering 2,000 years of history – including Roman amphitheatres, Gothic cathedrals and the British Airways London Eye ferris wheel in London.
“The Millennium provides a perfect peg not only to promote our past but also to tell people about the many new attractions and museums that are coming on stream over the next couple of years,” said BTA Millennium marketing manager Deirdre Livingstone.
“Both the French and Spanish markets are very important to Britain’s tourism industry, with more French people visiting Britain than any other nationality in the world. while Spain is number eight in the league.”
In 1998, an estimated 3.1m French people visited Britain. Volumes are forecast to rise to 3.3m in 1999 and more than 3.5m in 2,000. Spain generated 834,000 visitors to Britain last year, and is expected to produce 851,000 this year and just under 1m next year.
n A new publication called A Guide to Conference Marketing is to be produced by the BTA. It will contain advice on conference marketing aimed at large and small venues hoping to break into the meetings market. Copies will be available after June 24. Contact 0181-563 3253 for details.