Tourism - key to Britain's growth in 2013

As 2012 draws to a close, we take a positive look back at the highs of a tourism industry surviving, and not infrequently thriving, during tough economic times.

Many of our clients enjoyed an exciting and, in the case of Beeston Castle, pleasantly surprising year. During a routine ‘hibernation check’ the Cheshire Bat Group discovered lesser horseshoe bats roosting in caves around the English Heritage property. Last recorded at the site in 1948, this plum-sized species (usually restricted to Wales and the Midlands) was a thrilling find for local wildlife enthusiasts.

Last month, SnowdonMountain Railway took delivery of new carriages for the first time since their existing ones were introduced in the 1920s. Providing extra comfort and with space for additional passengers, the modern coaches nevertheless retain an original look and feel of the steam era. Funding was provided in part by the Welsh Government.

A Bactarian camel calf was born at Knowsley Safari Park in March. Hundreds of visitors flocked to see the double-humped youngster, which is endangered in the wild.

Sticking with the animal theme, two Asian short-clawed otters were born at ChesterZoo in May. The babies were named Daley and Rebecca in honour of the popular British Olympians: diver Tom Daley and swimmer Rebecca Adlington.

Nationally, pubs serving food profited from UK diners eating out more frequently (according to Horizons’ Quickbite Survey). Data showed that the average adult eats out almost three times over a two-week period, with pub restaurants accounting for 19% of those visits.

Back in June, the international Passenger Survey revealed that Britain had benefitted from an increase in inbound tourism with a 10% leap during April (a record 2.9 million visits from overseas and spending at £1.4 billion), compared with the same period the previous year. All told, the first four months of 2012 saw 9.3 million visits – a significant 6% increase. Over the year as a whole, inbound tourism contributed 18.7 billion to Britain’s economy, making it the nation’s third biggest earner of foreign exchange.

In August, the number of domestic overnight holidays rose by 13% (Great Britain Tourism Survey), with just under eight million trips taken that month. Figures from the national tourist board also showed that domestic trips had increased during 2012.

So, what can the industry expect from 2013? According to VisitBritain there will be a probable 3% increase in international tourism, which will mean almost one million additional visits to the UK. There is no doubt that we will continue to face many challenges both nationally and locally but, as the Culture Secretary, Maria Miller made clear at the World Travel Market in November, tourism is key to the UK's growth strategy and many think it could be our fastest growing sector over the next decade.

On that upbeat note, we would like to wish our clients, associates, friends and readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Image: Traditional Christmas tree, ©VisitBritain /Britain on View 2010

Chester Zoo: An unforgettable day out

Chester Zoo has enjoyed an eventful year, from leading an international study into heart disease among great apes and hosting a summit of representatives from the UK’s top tourist attractions to unveiling its £30 million Islands development - a unique conservation expedition, which is expected to open for Easter 2015.

On 17th May, The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the gates to the Diamond Jubilee Quarter – a new entrance to the zoo. Long-standing members and other community partners were invited to watch while excited crowds lined the opening. The royal couple took a ride on the attraction’s monorail before Her Majesty had a face to face encounter with the Rhinos.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the management of LDS Tourism Services visited the zoo earlier this month as an end of season treat. A splendid time was had by all: the highlights being the Fruit Bat Forest, Aviary and Meerkats. But there was so much to see (did I mention the new baby Giraffe?) that it was unanimously decided that another visit will be necessary.

A great big thank-you to Chester Zoo for a fabulous day out!

 

 

Image: Chester Zoo, © LDS Tourism Services Ltd 2012

We end the year on a high

As 2011 draws to a close, we share a few good news stories with our readers to brighten up the festive season:

One of the big industry storms of the last few months has been over the closure of popular Tourist Information Centres up and down the country. However, the picture isn’t entirely bleak. The TIC in Mold’s Daniel Owen Square has recently been given a face-lift and is now focusing on promoting Flintshire as a tourist destination. The official opening earlier this month was attended by local dignitaries, including the chairman of Flintshire Tourism Association, John Les Tomos. Rebranded as Mold Visitor Centre, it is hoped that the office will continue to be used on a regular basis by locals and visitors alike.

Last week, Chester Zoo announced that it was celebrating the highest ever number of visitors through its turnstiles. The attraction’s Managing Director, Barbara Smith, said: “Never before in the zoo’s history have so many people visited us in a calendar year and so we’re absolutely delighted – it’s a fantastic feat.”

The zoo has also revealed that a “bigger and better” set of animatronic dinosaurs from the USA is set to return in 2012, following the huge success of Dinosaurs at Large! earlier this year.

Finally, a few random facts and figures to gladden the heart: VisitBritain says it expects about 30.7 million visitors, spending some £17.6 billion, to stay in Britain next year; festivals in North Wales (including the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod) are set to share in a £1.5 million cash boost from the Arts Council of Wales and; newly released data shows that the UK attracted 2.77 million international travellers in October - the best results in three years and just below a record 2.82 million arrivals in October 2007, prior to the global economic downturn.

As regular readers of Swift Flyer will know, LDS Tourism Services has several exciting projects in the pipeline – all will be revealed over the coming weeks. The Company will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012, so it is going to be a very special year for founders, Diana and Paula Bardell-Hedley.

In the meantime, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to a successful and prosperous year ahead!

Domestic tourism remains buoyant

No matter how gloomy the economic outlook may be for 2012, certain sectors of the British tourism industry show every sign of being in robust good health.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, visitor spending in the UK reached an all time high in August (up 3% on last year). Following record levels in June and July, there was a 4% increase (£0.4 billion) in earnings - a total of £11.65 billion to that point.

What’s more, research by the World Travel Market showed that domestic tourism is likely to enjoy another bumper year in 2012. The government's austerity measures, a weak pound, the increased cost of flying and cuts in earnings are deterring travellers from taking overseas holidays. Brits are ‘staycationing’ like never before. Indeed, VisitEngland has revealed that 70% of the population are planning a domestic break next year.

Some fascinating research commissioned by laterooms.com showed that two-thirds of Brits found regular short getaways far less stressful than infrequent long holidays. It would seem that 86% prefer taking weekends away throughout the year; sixty-six percent say battery-recharging breaks every three months or so are necessary to bring down their stress levels and 80% say that a short break with family or friends relaxes them more than regular massages or luxury spa treatments (not great news for larger hotels but promising for visitor attractions).

Another couple of interesting statistics to emerge recently were: British consumers are going out to eat and drink 12% more than six months ago (Taste of the Nation survey) and the number of international visitors to the UK is on the rise (VisitBritain).

Closer to home

In October, Chester Zoo celebrated record membership figures, with over 38,500 people enjoying discount in its shops and cafes, unlimited entry and invitations to special events. The world-famous zoo hopes its membership will be increased still further by people looking for alterative gifts this Christmas.

Our clients have been busily collecting awards in recent months. At the Marketing Cheshire Annual Awards’ ceremony, which took place in West Cheshire College, Chester Zoo won both Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Best Tourism Event of the Year for its Dinosaurs at Large exhibition. Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre picked up the award for best Small Visitor Attraction as well as being Highly Commended for its Live Music Event in the Best Tourism Event of the Year category. At the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards, WWT MartinMere Wetland Centre won Best Visitor Experience for its new canoe safari development and, Marketing Manager, Victoria Fellowes walked away with the Making a Difference award for her contribution to tourism in the region.

As you know, we love to publicise local success stories – especially when LDS Tourism Services has played a part in the proceedings. We are therefore delighted to report that a record turnout of 6,000 residents and locals attended this year’s Frodsham Christmas Festival. The town Mayor, Andrew Dawson, told Chester Chronicle that he had never before seen “so many people in Frodsham at one time, let alone all gathering to have fun!”

Finally, if anyone else would like to take advantage of our Special Christmas Deal at Sandbach Motorway Services, you’ll need to get your skates on. Contact us A.S.A.P. to discuss your requirements.

Image: © Chester Zoo,  2011

Tourism industry enjoyed unexpected autumn boost

Following a cool summer, unseasonably warm weather gave a welcome boost to tourist attractions across the region at the beginning of the month. 

In North East Wales, Wepre Park and Loggerheads Country Park both reported a massive rise in visitor numbers, GreenfieldValley Heritage Park experienced an influx of tourists (having already reported a 10% increase this year) and the Met Office revealed that the village of Hawarden had made it into the record books when temperatures peaked at 28.2C (82.8F) there on 1st October.

Meanwhile, in North West Wales, resorts such as Llandudno had camera crews filming on their busy beaches. Hoteliers were shown putting up ‘No Vacancy’ signs and telling reporters they could hardly believe their luck at a time of year when some were preparing to close for the season. Thousands also headed off for the mountains of Snowdonia.

As Merseyside basked in the heatwave, ticket sales at tourist attractions topped the expectations of even the most optimistic analysts. People visiting Knowsley Safari Park watched baboons slurping ice creams and local newspapers published pictures of the animals basking in Mediterranean-like warmth.

In Cheshire, visitor numbers to Chester Zoo rose by 149% in just one day and over 20,000 people flocked to watch the spectacled bears eat frozen watermelon and the elephants being hosed down by the keepers.

There was also positive news from the hospitality sector with hotels and restaurants recording the strongest increase in consumer spending in September (Visa Europe's Expenditure Index).

Image: © Britainonview / Rod Edwards 2011

A surprisingly successful season

Autumn is almost upon us and we are beginning to take stock of the last few months - comparing the high-season of 2011 with summers past. Halloween and Bonfire Night leaflets are beginning to appear in our VIPs and we are receiving a variety of Christmas literature at the Border Distribution Centre.

It has been an extremely encouraging year up to now for LDS Tourism Services. The latest research shows that Brits continue to holiday at home, with an increase of 4% in trips taken. Visits to attractions in England - including farms, wildlife attractions and gardens - are up 7% according to VisitBritain. Additionally, findings from the latest International Passenger Survey show that a record number of visitors arrived in the UK in June and, more significantly, spent a record amount.

Chester Zoo announced it had welcomed its one millionth visitor of 2011, having seen attendance soar since the opening of its wonderful Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition in July. This milestone was reached almost four weeks earlier than in 2010, a year in which the zoo was declared the most visited (charged) attraction in the UK.

In August, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that foreign holidaymakers had spent £100m in North Wales last year. Over 172,000 overseas tourists spent £13 million more than in 2009, bucking the national trend and delighting local authorities.

Wrexham Council’s lead member for regeneration, Rodney Skelland, was quoted in the Daily Post as saying: “There are two things that may have really helped drive forward our growth in the overseas market. The first is the way the services and facilities we can offer visitors has really developed in terms of both quality and range. The other factor is increased global exposure for Wrexham since it became a university town in 2008 and gained a World Heritage Site in 2009.”

Thousands of people flocked to the Southport Air Show in July, lining the beach, promenade and pier to watch spectacular acrobatic performances over the blue Merseyside skies. Sefton council’s member for tourism, Cllr Mike Booth said after the event that official figures confirmed the weekend was a record breaker.

We were thrilled to receive Approved Partner Status last month from Marketing Cheshire. You can now find us featured on their corporate website under the recommended partners’ page.

If you have leaflets or brochures for distribution during the winter or you would like us to handle your social media marketing over this period, please contact us right away to discuss tactics. 

Image: ©Marketing Cheshire 2011

Dinosaurs at large in Chester Zoo

Last week Jenny and I were lucky enough to be invited to the opening of Chester Zoo's brand new 'Dinosaurs at Large' exhibition.

The exhibition will be at the Zoo until until 8th October and features thirteen incredible life size animatronic dinosaurs. Entry to the exhibit is included in the price of your zoo admission.

We began the day with an opening ceremony by Council Trustee, Peter Wheeler, Chester Mayor, Eleanor Johnson and Chair of Governors, Barbara Smith. After the cutting of the ribbon we entered the exhibition accompanied by a welcome song from pupils of a local primary school.


We couldn't wait for our first sight of the of the prehistoric creatures and weren't disappointed when we spotted our first Triceratops! The animatronic figures are amazingly life-like and treat passers by with movement, sounds and some other surprises too!

Round each corner a new dinosaur comes to life in a natural surrounding. My personal favourite was the Apatosaurus but I would encourage you to visit and discover your own prehistoric preference.

There are plenty of other dinosaur themed events happening this summer, including dino-face painting. Chester Zoo is a full day out with lots to see and do so why not visit this summer and step back in time with Dinosaurs at Large. You can pick up a Chester Zoo leaflet from LDSTS display stands around the region.




Image: Dinosaurs at Large @ Chester Zoo, © LDS Tourism Services Ltd, 2011

Spring brings new growth for local tourism

A great many attractions have reaped the benefits of the double Bank Holiday and glorious sunshine this year. Tourism operators in the region are reporting an upsurge in visitors from France, China and the USA – due in no small part to the low level of the pound – and accommodation providers say they have been forced to turn people away.

Industry insiders are starting to see improvements this spring, in some cases because visitors are changing their habits. For instance, the National Trust (NT) recently conducted research into the habits of British holidaymakers and found that 27% of them were planning to take at least 10 single-day holidays this year. A further 36% said they intended to take between five and 10 'daycations' during the same period. According to NT, these multiple single days off work will allow Brits to make the most of their time off and have shorter holidays more frequently within the UK.

More good news from our clients

Chester Zoo has a delightful baby elephant named Jamilah to thank for helping it achieve a massive 33% increase in visitor numbers at the start of the year. The popular attraction announced it had 104,856 visitors between 1st January and 27th February, compared with 78,833 in the same period last year. The charity also revealed it was the most visited zoo in the UK during 2010, with 1,154,285 people passing through the gates, making it the 17th most popular visitor attraction in the country.

Cadw has allocated £600,000 from its Heritage Tourism Project to allow Denbigh Castle to begin work on a new visitor facility. Enhancements to the 13th century fortress will include new walks, improvements to its interpretation and upgraded links with Denbigh's wider historic landscape.

On Good Friday, Cambrian Heritage Railways started operating a passenger service from a station in Shropshire for the first time since the 1960s. After twelve months of hard work, the service now operates over half a mile on a restored line from Oswestry Station to Middleton Road Bridge. We are delighted to have been asked to market their promotional leaflet and wish all those involved a fun and profitable season.

Promote your business for free

I am now a Foursquare Ambassador, which means that you can access my page to connect with your loyal customers and gain new ones by finding and claiming your establishment. It’s completely free to sign up and you will be able to manage Specials and monitor your Venue Stats. Click this link and follow three simple steps to verify your business on Foursquare.

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding location based marketing or any other service supplied by LDS Tourism Services.

Image: Cherry Blossom, © Eve Parry, 2011

Was Your Summer As Good As Ours?

Carvings at the Cheshire Game & Country Fair

The latter part of the summer may have been somewhat unpredictable in the weather department but August 2010 turned out to be an exciting month for several of our clients.

Both Blue Planet Aquarium and Knowsley Safari Park were shortlisted for the prestigious title of Wildlife Attraction of the Year. To celebrate the best of the best, Eden satellite channel asked the public to vote for their favourite wildlife attraction in the UK – narrowing it down to only ten. Voting closes on 24th September and the winner will be announced in the autumn, so there’s still plenty of time for you to influence the outcome.

Chester Zoo launched its gorgeous new website complete with interactive map, videos and automated news updates. It is bright, bold, colourful ... in other words, lots of fun. Take a look for yourself and while you are there you can follow the progress of Nayan – the zoo’s five week old elephant calf.

Out & About in the Region

Team LDSTS found time to have some fun, too. Diana, Jenny and I went to the Cheshire Game & Country Fair over the August Bank Holiday weekend. This three-day annual event, which takes place at the Cheshire Showground in Tabley, was as action packed as ever. There were falconry displays, equestrian attractions, a mini beer festival, chainsaw carving competitions, over 150 trade exhibitors and even a hamster show.

Treacle & Buster take part in the Charity Companion Dog Show

Earlier in the month, several members of the team went along to a couple of dog shows in North Wales. The first was the Charity Companion Dog Show at Bellis Brothers (in Holt) on 14th August. Frequent bouts of heavy rain did nothing to deter the doggy competitors and their owners from taking part in both pedigree and novelty classes - with rosettes and prizes given for 1st to 4th place in each class. The day was a great success and all proceeds went to Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham.

The sun shone brightly for Dog Day Afternoon at Alyn Waters Country Park on 19th August. Organised by the Friends of Alyn Waters Group (with support from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, PDSA and Greyhound Rescue Wales), this fun dog show was a hugely entertaining event. In addition to competitions there were agility demonstrations, stalls and owners were given the opportunity to have their pets micro-chipped. The show was very well attended and money was raised towards restoring a statue outside the Visitor Centre and carrying out repairs on a damaged newt pond. If you are interested in becoming a member of the group and helping conserve and develop the Park’s flora and fauna, please drop Brenda a line at brenda@maudling.co.uk. There are a series of Drop in Sessions taking place at the café over the next four months (commencing Monday 20th September). Why not nip in for a chat and find out how you can help?

So, where did you go this summer? Did you visit any local attractions, beauty spots or events? Send us your reviews and comments and we may very well publish them in Swift Flyer.

Images © LDS Tourism Services Ltd., 2010

North West Attractions Thrive Despite Recession

VisitEngland’s annual Visitor Attraction Survey has revealed that England’s tourist attractions rose by 2% in 2008 - with the most significant rise around Liverpool, the 2008 European Capital of Culture.

Among the top attractions named in the report were Chester Zoo, Tate Liverpool and Tatton Park, three valued (and long-standing) clients of LDS Tourism Services. Chester’s internationally renowned zoo came in at number three in the Top Paid For Attractions category, beating off the Eden Project, Stonehenge and Roman Baths. Only Westminster Abbey and Kew Gardens were ahead.

Categories which showed the most growth with above average increases included farms (+8%), museums/art galleries (+7%), visitor/heritage centres (+6%) and places of worship (+5%).

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “The uplift in numbers and increasing appreciation of England’s world-class attractions is extremely welcome news. In terms of education, history, our natural landscapes, the quirky and unusual to the just plain fun - we’ve got everything here in England to suit all interests and budgets, whatever the weather.”

Visits to North West attractions increased most significantly with a 13% uplift. The Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 event helped drive the increase with many major attractions in Liverpool experiencing extremely high increases in visitor admissions, including 68% more admissions at Tate Liverpool.

Last week it was also announced that Liverpool has become one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly conference destinations after achieving ‘gold’ from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Pam Wilsher, the acting director of tourism at The Mersey Partnership, told the BBC that the Mersey Ferries, Beatles attractions and museums had also been extremely successful. She said there was evidence that local attractions were continuing to attract large numbers of visitors but “obviously not as many as last year”.

LDS Tourism Services has recently joined forces with a Liverpool-based distribution management firm, which has handled some of the biggest brands in the area over the last ten years. LDSTS’s Managing Director, Diana Bardell-Hedley, commented: “We’re delighted to be working so closely with such a reputable organisation, especially as it gives us unprecedented access to establishments in Liverpool City Centre.”

If you would like further details about distribution and display in Liverpool and the North West, please drop us a line.

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The Only Way is Up For Tourism in North West England

It has been all hands to the deck over the past couple of days with the monthly delivery of What’s On in Chester & Cheshire to hotels, attractions and other leisure facilities in the City and surrounding area. The glossy A4 magazine is a free guide to eating, drinking, shopping and entertainment in the area – although it will be downsizing to a “chic and petite publication” next month with a “dynamic and vibrant new look”. It is also getting a bigger print run because - according to editor, Gerald A. Tattum - Chester City Council, “just can’t keep pace with the demand” for this popular life-style guide.

According to Superbreak: “Figures show that provincial UK cities and resorts are performing well with bookings through agents in January up 14% year on year…” Indeed, the operator predicts that more than 65,000 people will book short breaks through agents for the two week Easter period and fully expects more people to holiday at home this Easter as apposed to visiting euro zone countries. In addition, Easter falls later this year giving spring a chance to set in properly, which could be excellent news for companies offering short breaks “within two and a half hours drive from home”. If so, this will no doubt have a very positive knock-on effect for tourism and leisure facilities throughout Britain.

One of our longest-standing clients, Chester Zoo has recently unveiled an ambitious £225 million plan that will see it transformed into the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe. The project – given the working title Natural Vision – will involve a £90 million first phase which will include the only domed ecosystem in the UK. Called ‘Heart of Africa’, the bio-dome will be an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of Gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, Okapi (rare giraffe-like creatures), and a wide variety of tropical birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes and invertebrates, moving freely among lush vegetation. The first phase – planning permission for which will be sought later this year – will also include a 90-bed hotel, a Conservation College, a key element of which is the ‘Futures’ education centre, and a revamped main entrance linking to a marina development on zoo land beside the Shropshire Union Canal. All we can say is: “Way to go, Chester Zoo!”

Chester Zoo Promotion for North Wales Hotels

LDS Tourism Services are extremely pleased to report that they are working with Chester Zoo on an exciting and innovative promotion. Chester Zoo are offering 3 for 2 admission vouchers and offers to celebrate Cheshire's Year of Gardens.

The promotion is designed to reward guests for their booking by enhancing their stay with a 3 for 2 offer at Chester Zoo. The offer is being made available through attractive, reversible door hangers designed to be displayed in guest's rooms on arrival.

We have already approached a number of establishments across North Wales with a view to participating in this new promotion. Currently the offer is only available to accommodation providers in North Wales and the vouchers are valid until 24.10.08.

Chester Zoo is always developing as an attraction and has plenty of reasons for people to visit year after year.

• The cheetahs have returned to the zoo...view them from the new Bat Bridge!


• Zulu Dancers - Back by popular demand to entertain visitors.


• A brand new Butterfly house is opening Autumn 2008.


• Pumpkin Festival - Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November.


• The return of the spectacular Frost Fair 27th November -11th January.


• Orchid Festival - February 2009 with a chance to meet the horticulturists.

If you are an accommodation provider in North Wales who hasn't already been contacted, then please feel free to e-mail us with your details and the number of door hangers required. We are starting deliveries this week, so the sooner we get your order the sooner you'll have the door hangers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to boost local tourism and enhance the stay of your guests!

As a thank you, all order forms will be entered into a prize draw to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to Chester Zoo on a day of their choice plus a cuddly toy of their choice to take back to the hotel.

Midsummer Madness for LDS Tourism Services

It may be mid-summer but we’re busier than ever. There has been a massive increase in the leaflet pick-up rate this year, so we’ve got our work cut out trying to keep our stands topped-up and tidy!

One wonders why this is happening when the economy is supposed to be in so much trouble. One reason could be that a great many Brits are opting to stay on home soil this summer. Indeed, TravelMole is reporting that Britain is the top holiday destination for more than three quarters of UK internet users – that’s 21 million adults! It would seem that data produced by the research firm, Continental Research has revealed that over 40% of respondents are fed up with air travel, 37% believe it is kinder to the environment to stay in the UK and 44% worry less if they fall ill. Amongst the 58% of internet users taking a paid-for short break in 2008, the survey showed that the UK dominates the destinations visited, with many people mentioning the great scenery (56%) and no language barrier (47%) as two of the main reasons. This has to be very positive news indeed for the local tourist and leisure industries.

Believe it or not, Chester Zoo has started planning for its Frost Festival! The 110-acre attraction received a visit from Father Christmas last week and it is currently seeking sponsors for the extravaganza, which will open to the public on 29th November. A range of benefits are offered to sponsors including free tickets, PR coverage and exclusive company use of the ice rink. For further information, please contact Michelle Duma on 01244 650265 or drop her a line at development@chesterzoo.org.

We’ll finish with a couple of interesting links we came across recently:

Fuel Prices Hit Leaflet Distribution Nationwide
http://www.mailboxnationwide.com/blog/fuel-prices-hit-leaflet-distribution-nationwide/185

Printed page – and beyond

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ew/2008/04/28/stories/2008042850110300.htm

A Hectic Spring For LDSTS

Spring has most definitely ‘sprung’ for LDS Tourism Services. Our packers and distributors are working flat out and brochures continue to arrive by the wagon-load. Never have we been quite so busy before – but we’re not complaining!

We have successfully completed distribution of the maiden issue of What’s On in Chester & Cheshire - previously known as Welcome to Chester. In fact, we recently updated our contract with Chester City Council and will continue delivering this classy guide to selected outlets at the end of each month. Look out for an article about us in the May issue!

Chester Zoo is on course for another outstanding year. The attraction will host Sensory Awareness Days on 12th- 13th April and 6th-7th September, to enable visitors with sensory disabilities to make the most of their visit. Braille leaflets will be handed out and animal talks will be given by a British Sign Language interpreter.

While on the subject of Chester Zoo, we were delighted to hear of a gorgeous new resident on Penguin Island. Aero (so named because the keepers decided on a chocolate theme during Easter) is a Humboldt Penguin chick. He was incubated for 46 days by parents Warty and Hislop and weighed just 85 grams when he emerged from his egg. It is hoped that he will soon be joined by 20 other chicks between now and the middle of this month, so now would be a great time to pay a visit to the zoo.

Paula Bardell-Hedley, our Director of Research & Marketing, has become a member of The Tourism Society on behalf of the Company. The society is all about providing a forum for professionals involved in the tourist industry and offers an opportunity to network and develop acquaintances within it. The Society’s Annual Conference will take place in St Helens on 19th-20th June this year, which will be a great opportunity for members in the North West to meet up and exchange ideas.

Finally, we would like to congratulate our friends at the Holyhead Breakwater Railway Company for winning Best Visitor Attraction in the Anglesey Tourism Awards 2008. Well done!

Festive Fun at the Frost Fair!

Last week Jenny and I were lucky enough to be invited to an opening night at Chester Zoo. This is the second year of the Frost Fair, which has proved very popular over the winter period. It is such an innovative way of attracting people all year round. The zoo has already had a good year with record breaking visitor numbers and the Frost Fair is sure to sustain that popularity.

I had fully prepared for the evening by wrapping up in my woolly hat and scarf. Walking up to the entrance of the zoo, I could see it had been transformed into a Winter Wonderland. There were twinkling lights to guide us to the entrance and as we walked through the gates we even got a blast of snow to get us in the mood. It looks so magical when you first walk through, not like the Chester Zoo I'm used to.

Robin Cousins was the special guest for the evening and he declared the Frost Fair open. Unfortunately there was no ice skating display from himself but we were able to see some of the skaters from Deeside Ice Rink show off their skills. Jenny and I decided we wouldn't showcase our skating skills that evening, so we went exploring to see what else the Frost Fair had to offer.

As you can see from the picture, we came across some interesting characters on our travels. There was so much to see and it is an excellent attraction for families. There was a carousel, face painting, Santa's Grotto, mulled wine, mince pies and you can even go and see the Asian Elephants getting ready for bed! The shop is still open late into the evening, so we took the opportunity to find some unusual Christmas gifts.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Frost Fair, and we were full of festive spirit by the time we had to leave. I can't wait to return and enjoy it with my family and I may even risk a spin on the ice this time. Why not take your family along as a Christmas treat?