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 | Lynne Finnigan (right), Tourism Adviser, Business Link, meeting with the owners of the 4 Star B&B The Vines, Great Cressingham |
EDP Announces Tourism in Norfolk Awards
The Annual EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards, supported by Norfolk tourism and sponsored this year by Hoseasons was announced this week. Launched with NT Chair Michael Timewell who said "tourism is Norfolk's biggest industry. It is made up of thousands of businesses big and small and within that there is tremendous quality and it is only right that we have some way of celebrating this."
How can you take part? The EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards are the biggest annual acknowledgement of the important role the industry plays in the county's economy. There are 16 categories for this year's awards. All entries are assessed and the shortlisted entries are visited by a panel of judges. The deadline for entries is 3 September 2010. This year the award ceremony will take place on 19 November at the Holiday Inn, Norwich North. Each finalist is invited to attend the black-tie gala dinner where the winners will be announced and the awards presented by BBC Look East's Carol Bundock.
To find out more and to register your entry, visit www.edp24.co.uk/tourismawards.
Businesses brand the Broads as "Britain's Magical Waterland"
Tourism businesses are working together to promote all that is best about the Broads in a new campaign which brands the area as ‘Britain’s Magical Waterland’.
The Broads Tourism Forum has been working with the Broads Authority to create a new image for the area which is one of Norfolk’s biggest tourism assets and one of the country’s most popular destinations for boating holidays as well as a national angling hotspot and a haven for some of the UK’s rarest birds and wildlife.
The results were unveiled on Thursday 1st July in Norwich along with a drive to raise quality and visitor experience through the East of England’s first gold standard course to improve customer service. The campaign describes the Broads, which is a member of the National Park family, as “a magical place where land and water, people and nature meet.”
For more information and brand guidelines visit http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/visiting/broads-branding-guidelines.html.
Keen to reach the groups market?
For the 12th consecutive year Norfolk Tourism is producing the specialist Travel Trade Manual 2011. This successful publication is direct mailed to 7000 dedicated group operators in October and distributed throughout the year at exhibitions and via www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/groups where it can be ordered by UK operators or downloaded by international businesses. During 2009/10 the PDF was downloaded 4800 times! The manual, which offers advertising opportunities for attractions and accommodation providers, highlights our key products from the Broads and Countryside to our unique Heritage offer. VisitNorwich is producing the manual on our behalf and if you are interested in more information on the promotional opportunities please contact Lisa Howard for a rate card on 01603 727943 lisa.howard@visit.norwich.co.uk.
VisitEngland announce Strategic Framework for Tourism 2010-2020
VisitEngland have announced their Strategic Framework for Tourism, which aims to provides the industry with the necessary robust foundations on which to grow the industry 5 per cent year on year. The framework includes a National Marketing Strategy, Business Tourism Action Plan, review of Quality Assessment including the introduction of a non star-rated entry level for accommodation, and more.
To find out more read their Strategic Framework Quarterly Bulletin online.
News from VisitBritain: New Report on Value of Visitor Econony
An in-depth 102-page study had been published today by Deloitte and Oxford Economics describing the importance of tourism to the economy of the UK and each constituent nation, providing key current metrics and forecasts for 2020. The report, undertaken on our behalf, calculates that the total economic contribution that home and overseas visitors make to the UK is currently £115 billion a year. It predicts that if all goes well the figure is set to rise to £188 billion a year in 2020, an increase of more than 60%.
View the full report online
Sustainable Tourism East
As part of EET's Sustainable Tourism East project they have recently launched four training courses in Norfolk. The courses are:
* Smarter Marketing for Rural Businesses- 19th October at Wayford Bridge Inn, Wayford, nr Stalham (10.00-16.30) £20
* Green Advantage- 11th November at Aylsham Town Hall, Aylsham (10.00-16.30) FREE for businesses in Broadland District only
* Smarter Marketing for Rural Businesses- 16th November at Aylsham Town Hall, Aylsham (10.00-16.30) FREE for businesses in Broadland District only
* Welcome Walkers & Cyclists- 17th November at Wayford Bridge Inn, Wayford, nr Stalham (10.00-16.30) £15
Please note the two courses in Aylsham are free of charge to all tourism businesses in Broadland District only as funding has been provided by Broadland District Council. You can find further details on these courses on the EET website. Please pass this onto any businesses you think maybe interested. Businesses can book by contacting Laura Eaves on 01284 727472 or alternatively book online via the following link:
http://www.eetsurveys.co.uk/sustainabletourismeast/booking.htm
London 2012 - 'Britain - You're Invited' logo now available (news from VisitBritain)
UK tourism businesses are invited to join VisitBritain in extending a message of welcome and invite the world to visit Britain in the run up to, during and beyond 2012 by downloading and using the 'Britain - You're Invited' logo as part of your promotions.
Download this logo at https://www.visitbritainimages.com/search.html?definedgallery=britainyourinvited&userPriv=16 (registration required).
London 2012 - Fair Price Charter for the East of England
Tourism businesses in the East of England are being urged to sign up to the Fair Price Charter for the region which has just been launched by East of England Tourism.
Major global events such as the London2012 Games offer both opportunities and challenges for tourism businesses. Businesses need to maximise profitability – but not at the cost of the region’s longer-term reputation. And, of course, visitors expect value for money and reassurance that the price they pay up front will not be compromised by late discounting.
The Fair Price Charter will allow decision makers to identify accommodation providers and venues in the East of England who have made a firm commitment to reasonable and fair trading terms in 2012.
The Fair Price Charter is recognised, endorsed and promoted by EET, LOCOG (London2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games), VisitBritain and the BHA (British Hospitality Association). Accommodation providers and venues can sign up now, by going to www.eet.org.uk/fpc.
70% off Welcome to Excellence Autumn / Winter courses
East of England Tourism (EET) are offering 70% off their Autumn and Winter programme of 'Welcome to Excellence' courses for paid members of staff. Courses include Welcome Host, Welcome Host Gold, Welcome All (accessibility & DDA) and Welcome International.
To book visit www.eetsurveys.co.uk/training.htm.
New survey shows seaside tourism boost
A new report from Sheffield Hallam University demolishes the myth of the decline of seaside tourism. It indicates that employment in the seaside tourist industry has actually been increasing by a rate of about 1% per year since the late 1990s and is still a growing market. The report, The Seaside Tourist Industry in England and Wales, uses novel methods to disentangle the jobs supported by tourism - in shops, hotels, bars and restaurants for example - from those supported by local consumer spending.
For more about the report and Norfolk's response see the EDP story at http://bit.ly/SeasideBoost, or download the full report at http://www.shu.ac.uk/cresr.
Official Norfolk Tour of Britain website launches
117 miles of Norfolk’s roads will be the route for the county’s largest ever live sporting spectacle, as the Tour of Britain cycle race heads across Norfolk on Thursday 16th September. The Tour of Britain is the UK’s biggest professional bicycle race and a centrepiece of the British sporting calendar – with live television coverage in the UK, live internet coverage, and further television broadcast in over 100 countries. It is also the biggest free to spectate sporting event in the UK – attracting over a million spectators to the roadside.
Norfolk's official website for the Tour of Britain leg has now launched at http://www.tourofbritain.norfolk.gov.uk, and you can also find information on the Tour on Visit Norfolk - http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/norfolk/tour-of-britain.aspx.
During July, Norfolk County Council will be releasing more detailed information on how local business can be more closely aligned with the high profile race. In the meantime, they would be delighted to hear from businesses that are interested in becoming sponsors - James Dunne can be reached on 01603 228989 or email james.dunne@norfolk.gov.uk.
New FREE online direct messaging service from iPatter
iPatter is a new, online Norfolk-based direct messaging service for businesses and organisations to keep customers updated and to promote offers and services, free. More succinct than traditional communication channels, like post or emails, and more tailored than social media platforms, iPatter offers a new medium for connecting to consumers and other businesses. For more details see www.ipatter.com or the iPatter flyer (with special sign-up offer).
EDP Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey
The results of the EDP Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey are online at www.edp24.co.uk/tourismsurvey. As well as the statistics, there are case studies on marketing, green tourism, London 2012 and the internet.
‘World Class Norfolk’ family now includes free Tourism film
The most high profile Norfolk marketing campaign, World Class Norfolk, now offers tourism businesses a free to download film promoting the county’s superb Tourism offer.
Based on one of the original World Class Norfolk commercials, the specially adapted version has a new voiceover designed to give guests and customers a flavour of Norfolk’s heritage, festivals and culture. Lydia Smith, Norfolk’s Director of Tourism said, “the film is a fantastic, free resource which could be used in a host of different ways to give visitors and people considering visiting Norfolk with a really good overview of the county’s culture and heritage.”
Available free of charge to all tourism businesses, the film is perfect for embedding into your website, playing on a loop in your reception area or on your in-room systems, included in presentations or featured on exhibition stands.
The film can also be viewed online at www.youtube.com/user/VisitNorfolk or on www.visitnorfolk.co.uk.
The film is available to add to your website via YouTube (simply click on ‘Embed’ beneath the YouTube video to get the customisable code), can be downloaded via VisitNorfolk, or can be supplied for large scale presentations. If you require more information on how to embed the video, or would like the presentation version, please email janet.robertson@visit.norfolk.gov.uk.
Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010
The hunt is on for the Region’s top tourism businesses, the East of England Enjoy England Awards for Excellence highlight the best of the tourism industry and help to raise the profile of the participants.
The criteria for all categories include commitment to excellent accommodation or facilities, high standards of customer service, care for the environment, innovative business ideas to attract new and repeat business and accessibility for disabled guests.
EET’s Chairman Derek Langslow, who is chairing this year’s judging panel, said ‘The regional Enjoy England Awards offer a wonderful opportunity to show off the great qualities of the East of England. We have a great array of tempting attractions, cosy accommodation and scrumptious food to attract discerning visitors. The winners have the chance to go on and win a prestigious national award.’
Closing date has been extended to the 6 July 2010. See www.eet.org.uk for more information.
Impact of Volcanic Ash Cloud on UK Tourism - from VisitBritain
Last month, following the closure of the whole of UK airspace from 15-21 April, VisitBritain conducted an industry survey on the behalf of the Tourism Industry Emergency Response (TIER) Group to understand the immediate impact of the volcanic ash cloud on UK Tourism businesses - many thanks to all of you who responded to the questionnaire.
We are conducting a follow-up survey as part of the second stage of our monitoring, looking specifically at the impact of the ash cloud on UK tourism after UK airspace reopened on 21 April (we do appreciate that some regions of UK airspace have experienced periods of closure since this date or are currently closed).
The results will be used to inform TIER about appropriate messaging and response measures.
We would be grateful if you could complete our short, 5 minute survey by the end of Friday 21 May 2010.
Prospects for domestic tourism in 2010 and beyond - from VisitEngland
VisitEngland have undertaken research to understand the reasons behind last year’s uplift in domestic holiday travel, and how the 2009 holiday experience will influence travel patterns in 2010 and beyond.
The research indicated that 25% of the population contributed to the staycation phenomenon, and identified two groups responsible for this. “Switchers” (13%) replaced a holiday they would have taken abroad with one in England, while “Extras” (15%) simply took more holidays at home than in the past without this being a replacement for an overseas trip. Switchers tended to be harder hit by the credit crunch and therefore financially motivated, while Extras were driven much more by a desire to see more of their own country.
The experience was an overwhelmingly positive one. Over half of all the Switchers and Extras said that their England break was better than expected, and almost 90% described their holiday experience as excellent or very good.
Of course, in the longer term, holidays in England are unlikely to replace the “big” foreign break, and some people will doubtless return to overseas sun and sand holidays this year. However, there is evidence that 2009 has served as a valuable showcase for what England has to offer, with 70% of “staycationers” expecting that domestic breaks will become a more important part of their repertoires even beyond 2010.
A two page summary and full presentation of these results are available on the VisitEngland website.
Good access is good business - watch the new accessible tourism video from VisitEngland
Working with a broad range of tourism business, VisitEngland has produced a short video that highlights the benfits to be gained in providing access for everyone.
In the short film, ‘Profiting through Accessible Tourism’, some of England's award winning operators explain why they feel that good accessibility has broad appeal and enhances the quality of the visitor experience. Accessibility is viewed as being good for business without having to be expensive to achieve.
Outdoor Norfolk
Outdoor Norfolk is Norfolk Tourism’s the county’s new campaign to promote the area’s world class outdoor activities – boating, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling, fishing, horseriding and walking. A new Outdoor Norfolk activity map and guide was launched at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, which is the home of BBC Springwatch for the third year running.
Lydia Smith, Director, Norfolk Tourism said “Our new Outdoor Norfolk Campaign, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors, is encouraging visitors and local residents to get out and about in the county and go walking, boating, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling, fishing and horseriding at more than 100 locations, using public transport like the CoastHopper bus or The Bittern Line railway whenever possible. Norfolk with its endless skies is the place to enjoy the great outdoors.”
Deb Jordan, Director Pensthorpe Nature Reserve said: ““Pensthorpe will certainly be a huge supporter of the Outdoor Norfolk map guide and website because the key to any really successful holiday or visit to a new county, is being able to find places to visit, which are appropriate to your own particular needs and interests. Pensthorpe, in its third year of hosting BBC Springwatch, is now well known for its aims of getting its visitors closer to and learning more about nature. This wonderful map not only highlights all that is special and typical of Norfolk’s fabulous wildlife, numerous gardens and nature reserves, but also explains how to enjoy the outdoors via cycle routes, long distance footpaths and/or rail and coastal bus links. It will have a huge impact on visitors to the county and allow them to explore areas of which they may have otherwise been totally unaware. A really outstanding guide for all those who love nature and the outdoors!”
The Outdoor Norfolk leaflet will be distributed at consumer exhibitions attended by Norfolk Tourism throughout the UK, as well as being downloadable from www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors.
Partners are invited to help promote Outdoor Norfolk by linking to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors, using the logo or banners (below) or linking to/hosting the brochure itself.
The following banners and logos are available for use:
Outdoor Norfolk logo:
Low res: Right-click & Save Image As
High res: Click to open high res version, and right click & Save Image As
Please use http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/norfolk/outdoor-norfolk.aspx?utm_source=NTPartner&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=OutdoorNorfolk to link to Outdoor Norfolk
Outdoor Norfolk banners:
Right-click and Save Image As
Please use http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/norfolk/outdoor-norfolk.aspx?utm_source=NTPartner&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=OutdoorNorfolk to link to Outdoor Norfolk
Outdoor Norfolk banner 1
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Outdoor Norfolk banner 2 (120x240px)
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Outdoor Norfolk banner 3
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Outdoor Norfolk banner 1
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Outdoor Norfolk banner 2 (120x240px)
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Outdoor Norfolk banner 3
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If you would like a banner in a different format or size, please contact janet.robertson@visit.norfolk.gov.uk with your specifications.
Outdoor Norfolk leaflet
Partner organisations are more than welcome to offer the leaflet to their members / clients. The Outdoor Norfolk campaign is being monitored including leaflet downloads. You can offer the leaflet in one of two ways:
1) Our preferred option would be for you to link through to the brochure so that we can track the downloads directly, using the URL http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/norfolk/shared/fileupload/83.pdf?utm_source=NTPartner&utm_medium=OnlineBrochure&utm_campaign=OutdoorNorfolk
2) If this is not feasible then please feel free to host the leaflet directly - we simply ask that you let us know you are doing so and are happy to provide download statistics.
Advertising your business on www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors
The Outdoor Norfolk campaign is a great tool for marketing your business to target markets interested in walking, cycling, boating, horseriding, gardens, fishing and more.
If you would like your business to benefit, why not take out a web banner on www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors from only £65 per year?
Contact janet.robertson@visit.norfolk.gov.uk for more information and please remember if you want your banner to really stand out, we can design it in-house at a small additional cost.
2009 – The Year of the Staycation (from VisitEngland News)
December results from the UK Tourism Survey confirm that 2009 really was the year of the “staycation.” The total volume of domestic overnight trips taken in England increased by 8% over the course of the year, but this was very much driven by holiday travel, which leapt by 18%, while trips taken for business purposes fell by 1%.
Click here for more information about the latest UKTS results.
Campaign for faster broadband - call for tourism businesses to sign
Shaping Norfolk's Future and EEDA are behind a campaign to develop faster broadband by encouraging suppliers to invest in next generation infrastructure in the East of England.
The EREBUS (Eastern REgion Broadband Uplift Scheme) campaign aims to show that there is enough demand in the region for these services to make commercial investment worthwhile. It does this through encouraging potential/actual customers (domestic, business and public sector) to register the business/individual's name, email and postcode, and also gives an option to give details of the type of service required or why you would like faster broadband.
This project will enable the demand for broadband at to be mapped at postcode level, and the information will be made available to potential broadband service suppliers - although no personal data on individuals will be provided.
If broadband is an issue for you/your business, and you would like to sign up and support this campaign please register on the following link http://www.broadbandnorfolk.com/ or go direct to http://www.erebusonline.org.uk/.
Be a part of Heritage Open Day - register your historic building for this annual event
Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is calling for buildings and events to be registered for this year’s Heritage Open Days (HODs) which is taking place from 9 to 12 September.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest and most popular voluntary cultural event, celebrating its fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to events and interesting properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.
HEART has co-ordinated HODs in Norwich since 2005, with the programme growing year on year and Norwich consistently tops the leader board for the largest HODs programme of any city in England and Wales outside London. The programme involves over 150 open buildings, guided tours, exhibitions, talks, family activities, window displays, music recitals and re-enactments.
HEART would love to hear from anyone who owns or runs a building they think might be suitable and anyone who has an idea for an event that they would like to organise to form part of HODs. Participating venues include museums and tourist attractions; private homes; churches and cathedrals; city centre shops, restaurants and pubs; and offices and workplaces.
Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich HEART said: “Heritage Open Days is a hugely popular and important free festival on the city’s events calendar. It’s a great way of exploring the wealth and breadth of the city’s phenomenal heritage and is another reason why Norwich deserves to be the 2013 City of Culture.”
If you are interested in organising an event or would like to find out more, please contact Sophie Cabot at HEART by emailing sophiecabot@heritagecity.org, calling 01603 305573 or writing to Sophie Cabot, Norwich HEART, The Guildhall, PO Box 3130, Norwich NR2 1XR. All events need to be registered by 31 May. Heritage Open Days will provide insurance for events and HEART will provide marketing, guidance and support for events, such as advice on funding and matching up with volunteers.
The events programme will be available from 2 August across Norfolk. See www.heritagecity.org/hods for more information.
Furnished Holiday Lettings relief (advice from VisitBritain 14th April)
Last week, the Government agreed not to proceed with abolishing Furnished Holiday Lettings Relief. We were advised that the only matters that could be stated with certainty was that the proposed repeal of the relief would not form part of the Finance Bill, and that it would be open for the government in the post-election parliament to revisit the issue. At present, the relief remains in place for qualifying owners on the original terms.
Currently, self-catering operators who manage their own business and let for a minimum number of weeks per year, can benefit from a range of tax breaks, including tax relief on losses, capital allowances, capital gains relief etc, which are now under threat. There are concerns that these changes will discourage owners from reinvesting in their properties, which will have a detrimental effect on local economies and lead to lower quality standards.
Business Link East events
Business Link East have announced their latest round of free business briefings in the county.
Ideal for small and medium sized businesses, the Briefings focus heavily on staff as one of your greatest assets, and also look at how to improve your business website, how to 'green' your business, PR, employment law, fire regulations and staffing issues.
Events:
September
1st Sep - How to Pitch For Finance - Holiday Inn Norwich
8th Sep - An Introduction to Online Selling - Stower Grange, Drayton
14th Sep - Assert Yourself - How to be seen, heard and influence decisions - Novus Centre, Great Yarmouth
21st Sep - Making Projects Happen - Leziate Park, King’s Lynn
29th Sep - An Introduction to Equality and Diversity - Stower Grange, Drayton
For more information, please download the Events infosheet. To book your FREE place, call Business Link on 0845 601 1000 or visit http://www.bookevents.org/.
Launch of 2012 Games website for tourism businesses
In partnership with London 2012’s Nations and Regions Group, Visit Britain have launched a new tourism website, dedicated to helping the tourism industry get involved with the 2012 Games. If you work in tourism and want to know more about the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tourism2012Games.org is the website for you.
You’ll find information about how the UK is preparing to host the biggest event in the world and how your business can make the most of the Games - including how to make your business more accessible and brand protection guidelines to help you understand what you can (and can’t) say about the Games in your marketing materials. And don’t forget to sign up to the Tourism2012Games free e-newsletter to keep up to date as the Games draw near!
Read the first newsletter from VisitBritain's Tourism 2012 Games - the official source of information on the 2012 Games for the UK's tourism industry - including information on Brand Protection Guidelines for Tourism, accommodation partners wanted, free iconic Britain images, and the Cultural Olympiad Open Weekend.
Norwich in Ninety campaign
The Norwich to Ninety campaign aims to persuade the Department for Transport to include a range of improvements to the Norwich to London line as part of the new Greater Anglia franchise specification. Whatever is included in the new franchise will be the service that is delivered for rail passengers on the Great Eastern Main Line for the next decade. We want:
• A ninety-minute journey time between Norwich and London.
• More reliable services, improving upon recent performance.
• New Inter-City style trains including features such as wi-fi.
• More train capacity - but without down-grading the Norwich to London service to commuter-style carriages.
• Station improvements, including better car parking and facilities for waiting passengers.
We will also be campaigning for other improvements including:
• Cleanliness and comfort
• On-board facilities such as wi-fi and catering
• Measures introduced to reduce engineering disruption
• Improvements to rural lines
The Norwich to London line is a crucial economic artery, linking Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to London. Investment is essential to bring it into the 21st century and to allow these counties to remain competitive. For example the 115 mile journey from London to Norwich takes around 1hr 50mins, yet Birmingham (118 miles) can be reached in only 1hr 23 mins and York (180 miles) in 1 hr 59mins. A shorter journey time in high quality trains would encourage more people to switch from cars to the railway, reducing road congestion and carbon emissions, as well as improving the economic competitiveness of the city and county.
Please sign the petition and encourage others to do so and ensure the Department for Transport listens to commuters and train users in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex and train users in general to ensure the new franchise includes the much needed improvements.
www.gopetition.com/petitions/norwich-in-ninety.html
Norfolk Virtual Holiday
Holidays From Home is a social enterprise whose aim is to provide access to the world to people who are unable to travel due to health, financial or environmental reasons. The enterprise specialises in virtual holidays - a specially written book which allows the reader to feel like they are travelling; but without leaving the comfort of their own home - and are now looking to produce a Norfolk virtual holiday, to go alongside their previous holidays to Australia, New York and an around the world chocolate holiday.
Holidays from Home are looking for Norfolk tourism business to get involved and contribute to the project - all contributions will have links to the contributor’s website though the Holidays From Home site, to help promote them.
The holidays are of interest to a number of different sectors. Essentially they are a great way to market Norfolk to people in a fun and unusual way – promoting the beauty or the area and variety of things to do.
1. People who can’t visit due to illness, disability, age.
2. People who live overseas.
3. People who can’t afford a holiday.
4. People who are interested in visiting; but want to take a taster version before committing to pay for a holiday.
5. People who have been in the past and want a reminder.
6. Visitors to Norfolk looking for a souvenir to take home, either for them or to give to someone who couldn’t go with them.
For more information, please contact Holidays From Home Ltd - 07982 463583 / www.holidaysfromhome.co.uk / contact@holidaysfromhome.co.uk.
DCMS - Accessible tourism: Making it work for your business
DCMS has launched "Accessible tourism: Making it work for your business" on behalf of the Accessible Tourism Stakeholder Forum for the 2012 Games. It sets out the business case for accessible tourism and the economic potential in providing better services and encouraging more tourism from disabled people.
With nearly 1 in 5 people in England with a disability, making changes to essential for not only your customers, but for the future of your business.
For more information, please visit the DCMS website to download the Accessible Tourism documents.
The impact of the VAT increase on the tourism industry - From the Chamber of Commerce
The end of the temporary VAT reduction that took place this January 2010 is likely to adversely affect the UK tourism industry as a whole. Although the return of the VAT rate to 17.5% will not have a particularly detrimental effect on accommodation providers and tourist attractions, it is bound to reduce the competitiveness of Norfolk and the UK, particularly in view of recent measures taken elsewhere in Europe. For instance, France lowered the VAT rate for restaurants from 19.6% to 5.5% and Germany announced that it will reduce its VAT rate on accommodation from 19% to 7% in January.
The higher tax rate compared with competing destinations means that visitors to the UK will face higher overall prices, which will make the country less competitive. A comparison of VAT rates in some of the top competing tourist destinations (France, Spain, Italy, the US and Australia) shows that on average, visitors to the UK will pay about 10% more on accommodation and restaurants, and 3.5% more on attractions and other items, than they would in any of those alternative countries. This means that a VAT rate of 17.5% puts the UK tourism sector at a clear disadvantage in what is a very competitive global tourism market.
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Tourism is very important to the Norfolk economy and is well placed to take advantage of the market trend to spend more holidays in the UK and the increase in visitors through the Olympics. However in an increasingly competitive market place the discrepancy in VAT rates needs to be urgently reviewed. Norfolk Chamber is asking the government to review its policy in this area as the lower rate would also encourage investment in the sector, which could reverse the decline in the Balance of Payments and add up to £1.6bn in the first year, with more gains in the successive years.” For more information please visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk.
In the Budget earlier this year, The Treasury announced changes to the way in which the Inland Revenue treats businesses that operate furnished holiday accommodation, to bring it into line with EU rules, to take effect next April. Current guidance from the Revenue states: ‘Landlords with income from furnished holiday accommodation in the UK are currently treated as if they are trading for certain tax purposes, as long as they satisfy certain tests, under the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) rules; these rules will be repealed from 2010/11. Click here to download further details from the Inland Revenue website.
Scam Alert (from VisitEngland)
VisitEngland is warning accommodation providers to look out for a new crop of email booking scams, which many self-catering owners have received recently. Generally, the scam entails someone emailing from abroad, such as France, Greece or elsewhere, wanting to book a number of rooms, always for more than one night, for people wanting to visit England on a tour, a religious programme, or something similar. They ask for details of the price and once received, ask to pay immediately. There are various ways they can then try to ‘scam’ businesses following payment. They may pay by cheque or using a stolen credit card. In some instances, they find an excuse to overpay e.g. they need to pay for a translator; requesting that the additional sum is paid into the bank of the translator. Alternatively, they cancel completely and request a refund is transferred into a specified bank account. However, credit card payments can sometimes be approved when in actual fact the card is stolen and the accommodation providers are held liable. If in doubt, accommodation providers should not take the booking and certainly never transfer funds into an unknown person's bank account as a refund. Any refund due following payment by credit card should always be refunded directly onto the card.
Norfolk Trading Standards also publish alerts for businesses and for consumers, detailing the latest scams, and new variations on old scams. More information can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/businessscams. If you think you have been approached by a scam, report it to Norfolk Trading Standards Tel: 01603 222999 www.norfolk.gov.uk/tradingstandards or the police as appropriate.