A Busy Year Ahead For LDS Tourism Services

Although data published by ONS in the latest Overseas Travel and Tourism Statistical Bulletin shows that inbound travel to the UK was down by 9% in the year to September (contributed to by a 24% drop in business travel to the UK), VisitBritain believes that the UK tourist industry has reached a “turning point” and predicts that inbound tourism will help lead Britain’s economic recovery during the months ahead with modest growth expected in 2010.

More encouraging still is a recent survey by VisitEngland, which has found that almost three quarters of adults (72%) are likely to take a domestic break next year. The study suggests the return of the great British holiday is no ‘flash in the pan’, but a result of changing attitudes as UK residents shun outbound travel for holidays on home soil. According to TravelMole, James Berresford, the chief executive of VisitEngland has said that research “further confirms and highlights” the staycation is “here to stay”.

There is certainly little sign of local tourism operators cutting back on their promotional leaflets and brochures in 2010. If anything, it seems that LDSTS’ clients are scaling back on other forms of advertising in order to increase their annual print-runs and make full use of our popular Network Service.

The use of micro-blogging sites such as Twitter is also gaining rapid penetration within the travel industry. According to a new study by Andy Jarosz, writer and owner of the travel blog 501 Places, managing directors, commercial directors, hotel owners and government officials are actively using social media tools to forge connections with their customers.

Life is as hectic as ever for the management and employees of LDS Tourism Services. In addition to the numerous meetings, tight distribution schedules and newly signed contracts, we are currently giving the Border Distribution Centre a fresh lick of paint.

We recently became a member of The Mersey Partnership, the official Tourist Board for Merseyside. Our advert is now live on visitLiverpool.com and we are looking forward to networking with fellow members of this esteemed organisation.

Incidentally, there are now 669 members of our Brochure Marketing group on LinkedIn – an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world.

Please keep sending us your comments, queries and suggestions, especially concerning the topics and issues you would like to see tackled on this blog.

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Winter Days Out in North Wales & the North West

Although we are out of the main tourist season, there are still plenty of places to visit during the colder months.

If you are looking for something to warm you up, The Palms Tropical Oasis in Nantwich is a brilliant family day out. Pili Palas on Anglesey is another all-weather attraction - as well as being Wales premier butterfly house with mini-beasts, birds and plenty more. Techniquest in Wrexham is a great place to take the children for some hands-on fun. It's all under-cover with fun science shows and on the spot demos.

If you want to try something a bit different, Llangollen Climbing Centre is a great place to start. It is Llangollen and the Dee Valley's only dedicated indoor climbing wall and offers beginner's taster sessions, family sessions and classes for the children. The World of Glass Museum in St Helens has some fascinating information on the areas' glass-making history and the live glass blowing is well worth seeing. However, if you're looking for a unique gift, Blue Planet Aquarium has redcued the price of its Dive Experience especially for Christmas.

If you fancy a great day out but need to watch the pennies, you could try National Museums Liverpool. The National Conservation Centre, Whitechapel, has a brilliant exhibition by Stephen Shakeshaft and Liverpool People features photographs of the City's characters. It's also completely free, as is The Rise of Women Artists at the Walker Art Gallery. There is so much to see at all these museums and galleries - pick up a Family Guide or an Exhibitions and Events Guide from an LDS Tourist Info Point and check out the excellent programme of free events.

If you want to get into the yuletide spirit, Father Christmas is making plenty of visits to our regions' attractions. You can catch him at Chester Zoo Festive Fun, running from 5th December to the 3rd January, and see the carousel and children's train while you are there. He will also be stopping off at Tatton Park, which is beautifully decorated over the festive season. You should also catch the Christmas Shopping Fair on the 21st & 22nd November and enjoy Tatton by Candlelight from the 2nd to the 5th December.

Llangollen Railway is running a Santa's Christmas Special, whereby you can take a ride on a decorated steam train with a visit and gift from Santa himself. Hoo Farm is opening its Christmas World from 28th November - go along and meet Santa in his log cabin but be sure to stick around for his Toy Workshop and the Christmas Bear Wrapping Factory. Father Christmas is a busy man and will also be at Ruthin Gaol on the 5th December with a Christmas Workshop. You can head over to the Santa Experience at Park Hall Farm, with a traditional Father Christmas in a warm welcoming setting, and Croxteth Hall has its Santa's Grotto open from 21st November to 24th December. Here you will discover Christmas Markets on 22nd and 29th November and the 6th and 13th December. You can also visit the Carol Service on the 13th December.

If you fancy getting crafty, the Royal International Llangollen Pavilion has a Christmas Craft Fair on the 28th November, Rhyl Library, Museum and Arts Centre is celebrating Christmas Glitter on 21st December - a chance to make your own cards, decorations and gifts - and Lady Lever Art Gallery has Edwardian Christmas art activities on the 6th December. Liverpool City Centre is becoming an Antarctic Paradise with the launch of Go Penguins - these colonies of Penguins will form a trail around the City following on from the success of Superlambananas - look out for them! There are also activities inspired by the penguins at the Walker Art Gallery and Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Everyone is in the mood for a Pantomime at this time of year, so why not try Cinderella at Hartford Grange Theatre or Hansel & Gretal, Mother Goose and the Snow Queen at Theatr Stiwt. You could also try the fabulous family musical, Bink and the Hairy Fairy at Glyndwr University, Wrexham.

There is plenty more to see and do throughout the region, so why not have a look at your nearest LDS leaflet display - our literature isn't just for the benefit of tourists, you know! You will be pleasantly surprised by what is happening right on your doorstep. Get out there and beat those winter blues!

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