Home > Press and Media Enquiries > Tourism Boom for Bristol

Tourism Boom for Bristol

19 July 2007

TOURISM BOOM FOR BRISTOL

Figures released today by Destination Bristol show that for the first time, the value of tourism to Bristol's economy has topped the £3/4 billion mark.

The figures are based upon a region-wide survey conducted by South West Tourism that showed that visitors to the South West region in 2005 spent nearly £9 billion with Bristol emerging as one of the region's tourism hotspots.

The figures are regarded as the most accurate indicator to date, of the health of the region's tourism economy and the data for Bristol shows that the city's tourism sector has grown substantially in the last 10 years.

Commenting on the results, John Hallett, managing director of Destination Bristol said, 'This is a real milestone for the city because just 15 years ago, a report from the University of the West of England suggested that our tourism economy was worth less than £150 million. This spectacular growth reflects the huge investment that has been made by both Bristol City Council and the private sector in the city over this period time and we are certain that we can continue to build on this success. One of the most encouraging features of the survey is that spending by overseas visitors who were staying in the city at one of our hotels or with friends and relatives, now exceeds the spending by UK overnight visitors, reflecting Bristol's growing profile as an international travel destination, and the inevitable impact that Bristol Airport's growing route network is having.'

The study showed that over 15,000 jobs in Bristol now depend upon tourism, a figure that puts the city ahead of the national average for the first time.

Councillor Helen Holland, leader of Bristol City Council and joint chair of Destination Bristol welcomed the results of the study.

She said, 'These figures are extremely important to the city, especially for what they mean in terms of employment and regeneration. Over 8% of jobs in Bristol now depend upon tourism and the encouraging trends we have seen over the last decade have really helped boost investment in the city. One of our highest priorities is to ensure that local people are able to benefit from the employment that comes with the growth in our visitor economy by providing access to training, and helping people develop their skills so that they can progress in their careers.'

'Our projections are that the value of tourism will top the billion pound mark by 2010 and we are well on the way to achieving that. Our tourism sector has become much better balanced in recent years with many more people coming to enjoy our music and arts programmes and our festival and events. With Cabot Circus just over 12 months off completion, we believe that we will see Bristol becoming one of the country's top shopping destinations from next year as well.'

John Hallett added, 'The study has clearly shown just how successful our tourism industry has become. While there are inevitably going to be some periods when we do better then others, and progress is not always smooth, the long term trends are extremely positive. Last year we saw record numbers of overseas visitors coming to Bristol and we are optimistic that this year will be another great year for international travel. While 2007 has initially been more patchy, we are expecting an upturn in business in the summer and the prospects for 2008 look very good indeed.'

- ENDS -

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist
Marketing Executive
Destination Bristol
Tel: 0117 946 2205
Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk
Web: www.visitbristol.co.uk

1. Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.
2. To view or download the 2005 Value of Tourism report please visit: http://www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/swtresearch/vot2005/internetlink.htm
3. The strength of the Regional Economic Impact Value Study is that it is based on robust national surveys, using the most comprehensive databases available of tourism businesses in the South West. It is based on a regional mathematical model (The Cambridge Model) that allows consistent comparisons across local authority areas. This methodology has ensured that the same data is used across the region, at all levels of analysis. The 2005 report should be considered as the new 'baseline' figures for the volume and value of tourism in the region and sub-regions. Only figures calculated using the same model can be comparable. All figures given in the report should be taken as indicative of the scale and importance of visitor activity in the local area rather than definitive. No surveys are 100% accurate and no model can claim to include 100% of linkages.