Tourism boosts the local economy

We may be in the throes of a double-dip recession, but tourism operators across the country will no doubt welcome the news that domestic trips and holidays have increased to record levels for the third consecutive year. Recent surveys have shown that domestic tourism has grown by 14%, expenditure on day trips is now almost £54 billion per annum and spending by tourists is at a record high of £125 billion.

There have been many encouraging reports from clients within our service area. For instance, Wirral tourism boosted Merseyside’s economy by £3 billion in 2011, mainly due to a string of high-profile events, and Wirral Borough Council say that the area is now very much on the map as a destination choice for affluent visitors.

According to Marketing Cheshire, tourism is now worth more than £2 billion to the Cheshire and Warrington economy and supports around 30,400 full time equivalent jobs. Recent figures have also revealed that more people are visiting Cheshire East - the value of tourism is up by 6% in the area and is worth around £578 million to the local economy.

The newly extended Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has brought a significant number of new visitors to rural North East Wales. A 230sq km (89sq mile) area of land in Wrexham and Denbighshire was designated part of the AONB following an order by the Countryside Council for Wales. It would seem that the total tourism revenue for Denbighshire alone is worth more than £91 million.

A fascinating visitor survey showed that tourists staying in North Wales rated the friendliness of its people the chief draw for their holiday or break in the region. Over 80% of UK and international visitors to the area had been before and ‘the environment’ was named as the biggest pull for day trippers, scoring over nine marks out of 10 on average in a scale of satisfaction.

There are plenty of reasons to feel positive, even during these difficult times. Here are just a few recent 'good news' stories concerning our clients and service areas: 

Ø  Liverpool’s World Museum has been shortlisted for a national award (the Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence takes place on 16 May). 

Ø  Guest house owners in the borough of Conwy are reporting that bookings are up for 2012 and visitors are staying much longer.  

Ø  St Asaph has been granted city status, which has been bestowed by the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. 

Finally, we have had a phenomenal response to our previous blog post about Waitrose. If you would like your literature displayed in this upmarket retail outlet (or in any of our exclusive sites), please drop us a line for further details.

Image: Daffodil, ©Copyright Free Photos 2012

Display your leaflets in Waitrose

We are delighted to announce that LDS Tourism Services is to supply Waitrose stores with complementary literature stands.

Our partner company in South Wales has negotiated an exclusive contract to display printed materials in Waitrose outlets throughout the UK. We will be responsible for selling and restocking pockets within our usual service area.

There are stores throughout England, Scotland and Wales, but over the next five years, the retailer plans to open at least ten new shops in the North West. The company aims to spend £100 million on new sites throughout the region, including a second Chester branch at Boughton Retail Centre. Much to the delight of Anglesey residents, a new Waitrose store also opened in Menai Bridge last March, taking over the old Co-Op premises. 

Since Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor opened their first small grocery shop at 263 Acton Hill, West London in 1904, Waitrose has become one of the UK’s leading food retailers – combining the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop. 

Our stands will contain literature on community based events, sports, arts, theatre and tourism. The artwork on the holder will incorporate Waitrose’s logo alongside our own (or that of the local distribution company – depending on the area). However, no third party unauthorized literature will be allowed, so please contact us if you would like your promotional print displayed in any local or national Waitrose store.