VisitBritain kicked-off its flagship international travel trade event, Destination Britain 2013, in Bangkok. Celebrating its 10th year, the tourism gathering will open with a record 35% of new suppliers, showcasing their strongest UK travel and tourism offerings.
The event offers British tourism businesses a crucial route to market and a unique opportunity to further boost the 4.2 million visits and record £5.3 billion spent in Britain by visitors from this part of the world. APMEA is a key region for Britain in terms of value, accounting for 28% of total tourism spend, an amount that has grown considerably over the last few years (35% growth since 2008).
Destination Britain APMEA is VisitBritain’s largest overseas trade event, with over 200 companies and travel industry specialists attending over three days. This year is set to break attendance records, with 60 UK companies comprising attractions, hotels, tour operators, regional, and national tourist boards and transport providers taking part.
In the 2012 Olympic year, Britain welcomed 31 million visitors from across the world, spending £18.6 billion. VisitBritain has recently outlined a growth strategy that aims to boost inbound tourism to 40 million visits and £31.5 billion in spend by 2020 (3% year-on-year growth).
A key component of the 2020 growth strategy involves plans to expand the GCC region(1). These markets are becoming increasingly important, accounting for £1.2b spend in 2012, representing 22% of the APMEA total. The organisation will now increase its reach across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait City and Qatar. This larger network along with partner activity will enable VisitBritain to engage with high spending Arab families and the increasingly important youth market.
To support their efforts, and after successful partnerships with British Airways across the world, VisitBritain and Emirates airline have agreed a £2 million, two-year partnership to promote Britain overseas. The deal will include a combination of marketing in kind and cash payments. Emirates cover a vast network of routes and destinations across South East Asia, Australia, India and the GCC.
