Home > News > featured news > VisitEngland Announces Virtual English Tourism Week from 25-31 May, Explains Agenda

VisitEngland Announces Virtual English Tourism Week from 25-31 May, Explains Agenda

VisitEngland | May 22, 2020

  • VisitEngland has today announced that this year’s English Tourism Week to highlight the economic importance and value of tourism to local economies across England is going virtual.

  • VisitEngland has this year asked MPs to record video messages for use on their social media channels during English Tourism Week.

  • VisitEngland has been working across the industry and with the UK Government to ensure that tourism is able to recover as quickly as possible once restrictions are lifted.


VisitEngland has today announced that this year’s English Tourism Week to highlight the economic importance and value of tourism to local economies across England is going virtual.

English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, a week dedicated to showcasing England’s tourism offer. For this year’s event, being held from May 25-31, VisitEngland and local destinations are asking MPs, local authorities, the UK Government and other stakeholders to shine the spotlight on the importance of tourism to the local, regional and national economy and pledge their support to the sector’s recovery.

"English Tourism Week recognises the important role the industry plays in our local, regional and national economies, supporting jobs and attracting investment. This is a challenging time for the industry and we're providing support through an unprecedented government package for businesses and workers. I hope everyone will use English Tourism Week as an opportunity to celebrate the sector, and we'll be encouraging people to book a great British holiday as soon as it is safe to do."

English Tourism Week is all about highlighting the economic benefits that tourism brings to local economies, celebrating our diverse and exciting sector, and showcasing the quality, range and value of English tourism.

~ VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes


"While we cannot run events as usual this year, the spirit of the week has never been more important. Tourism has been one of the first and hardest hit economic sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic and this year’s virtual week is dedicated to showing support for the industry, the millions of people who work in it and the hundreds of thousands of businesses impacted.

"It is also about looking towards the future recovery and doing everything we can right now to ensure that tourism can bounce back to once again become one of the most successful and vibrant sectors of the economy."

VisitEngland has this year asked MPs to record video messages for use on their social media channels during English Tourism Week, pledging their support for tourism and highlighting the sector’s economic importance to their local economies.

On Thursday, May, 28, as part of English Tourism Week, VisitEngland is also asking MPs to share photos and social media posts from previous English Tourism Weeks or from their favorite English holiday destinations using the hashtags #ThrowbackThursday and #EnglishTourismWeek20.

VisitEngland has been working across the industry and with the UK Government to ensure that tourism is able to recover as quickly as possible once restrictions are lifted. In response to calls from across the industry, it is working to develop common industry standards that will provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism businesses, attractions and destinations in England as well as reassurance to visitors that businesses have clear processes in place when restrictions are lifted.

Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses, employing more than 2.6 million people and generating more than £106 billion a year for the English economy.

Learn More: ONLINE TRAVEL TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2020

Spotlight

More featured news

Spotlight

Related News

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

GigNet Signs Collaboration Agreement with Ministry of Tourism for the State of Quintana Roo

businesswire | March 31, 2023

GigNet, a Digital Transformation company that provides high-speed broadband and advanced value-added services to enterprise clients and residential communities based on its extensive fiber-optic network from Cancun to Tulum, announced today the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with the State of Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism to enhance the tourism experience in the Cancun region. The signing took place at the 47th annual edition of the Tianguis Turistico México, an international showcase for the Mexico tourism industry. Quintana Roo Governor María Elena Lezama Espinosa attended the ceremony and signed the agreement as a Witness of Honor. Quintana Roo enjoys connectivity to more than 120 cities around the world through its three international airports, hosting more than 30 million passengers at the Cancun Airport in 2022. The overall purpose of the Collaboration Agreement, signed by State Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riestra on behalf of the Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism (SEDETUR) and Mark Carney, OBE and President of GigNet Mexico, is to promote tourism-related technological development in the Mexican Caribbean. The agreement establishes a framework for the deployment of advanced, secure broadband locations in the State of Quintana Roo to improve the tourist experience of visitors and promote tourism development in the region through world-class Internet services and information technologies. The signing ceremony was also attended by Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña, President of Benito Juárez (Cancun Municipality) where the first GigNet-sponsored special public Wi-Fi Internet access areas will be located, as well as various leaders from the Mexico national tourism sector. The first phase of this Agreement will establish public Wi-Fi zones in tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean starting with Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The commitment to the technological development by GigNet is expected to cover, in subsequent phases, not only all the municipalities of the Mexican Caribbean in their tourist areas but also in commercial and administrative centers in multiple cities, fostering a true digital transformation in the region. With this Collaboration Agreement, GigNet will provide visitors and residents the opportunity to access Wi-Fi to find and shop at local businesses and for enhanced public safety and security. This Collaboration Agreement is also recognition that technology will be a primary driver for the next generation of travelers to the Mexican Caribbean. According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), 64% of tourists who visit the Mexican Caribbean are under 39 years of age and almost 50% of them are Millennials. These tourists travel with between 5 and 10 electronic devices that allow them to be connected to the Internet while traveling. Through their phones, tablets and personal computers, they search for routes, promotions and activities to do before and during their trip. Mr. Carney stated, “With one of the best climates and natural environments in the world, incredible and innovative restaurants and shopping malls, a youth destination culture, and thousands of new smart home units for residents and digital nomads, we truly believe the quality of life of the Mexican Caribbean has all the elements to attract investment, businesses, and now - with access to GigNet high-speed Internet - tech entrepreneurs and established technology companies seeking to relocate to this attractive business environment.” GigNet’s “Silicon Maya” vision is to make Quintana Roo the leading state in Mexico for digital transformation, technological innovation, and Smart Cities – and a model for all of Mexico and Latin America. High-speed broadband access has been proven around the world to increase economic growth and opportunities for all segments of society. GigNet's “Silicon Maya” initiative can provide tremendous social benefits like online learning, improved healthcare, remote work opportunities, a diversified economy, and increased access to public services. For more information, see GigNet - Silicon Maya ABOUT GIGNET GigNet is the Mexican Caribbean brand of GigNet, Inc., a U.S. based international Digital Transformation company specializing in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services for Smart Homes and Smart Communities, and Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) value-added services for enterprise customers including hotels, resorts, retailers, offices, large commercial operations, governmental offices, and medical and educational facilities, as well as fiber-optic transport services for mobile phone operators and carriers. Through its Mexico operating subsidiaries, GigNet, S.A. de C.V., and Sanalto Redes Peninsular, S.A.P.I. de C.V., the Company is a fully licensed telecommunications provider in Mexico. GigNet is actively adding clients and additional products and services in the Mexican Caribbean, one of the largest and fastest growing tourism and new residential development destinations in the world with over 30 million annual airport passengers achieved in 2022. GigNet is a leader in the Digital Transformation of the region.

Read More

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

Trip.biz Unveils Soaring Corporate Travel Demand for Bleisure Trips While Overall Business Expenditure Increases

prnewswire | May 08, 2023

Trip.com Group's corporate travel arm, Trip.Biz, recently released its Corporate Travel Management Market White Paper, taking a closer look at the Chinese mainland's business travel market and trends. Companies in China are optimistic about the resumption of corporate travel as border policies relax, and flight capacity gradually resumes. According to Trip.Biz survey data, 84.5% of companies expect an increase in domestic business travel budget for 2023, while 74.5% expect an increase in international business travel budget. This sentiment is carried across the global business travel market. In August 2022, the GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) estimated that worldwide business travel would recover to 81% of its pre-pandemic level in 2023, while the Chinese market would reach about 75% of its pre-pandemic level in 2022 and 89% in 2023, with an 18.9% increase in business travel spending. Business travellers are increasingly eager for a comfortable, safe, and efficient travel experience. Trip.Biz survey data suggests greater demand for fast-track security lanes, flexible change & cancellation policies, and quality hotel service. Many employees are embracing bleisure travel, with over 90% of business travellers in Trip.Biz survey stating they may visit local tourist attractions or historical sites at their own expense during a business trip. 38.4% of business travellers expect to have more leisure time in the local area. Business travellers believe that developed cities or scenic destinations offer the most when undertaking business travel. The white paper shows that in 2022, over 30% of companies allocated more than 10% of their budgets to business travel, an increase from 2021. The proportion of spending on business travel is also increasing, making it one of the main expenses for these organisations as business travel budgets increase. Therefore, businesses seek evidence-based cost control and higher profits through lower-cost e-management. Companies are vigorously pursuing digital transformation. Trip.Biz survey data shows that nearly 60% of companies have begun digitalising their business travel processes. State-owned enterprises, Sino-foreign joint ventures, and wholly foreign-owned enterprises have a higher tendency to manage business travel digitally. Additionally, digital business travel management is more prevalent in large and medium-sized enterprises. "This year's strong demand for business travel and the pursuit of efficient management will be a major focus for companies, making the digital transformation of business travel management more urgent than before," said Steven Zhang, Chief Executive Officer at Trip.Biz. Additionally, the white paper discusses trends such as combining business travel with low-carbon initiatives. Companies have gradually begun exploring low-carbon business travel options. According to Trip.Biz survey, approximately 85% of business travellers prefer flights and hotels with low-carbon certifications. Additionally, those responsible for business travel believe that implementing an online management system benefits sustainable and low-carbon development. About Trip.Biz Trip.Biz is a rapidly growing business travel management company with a vast network of corporate clients extending out of mainland China. It is the corporate travel arm of the leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group. For over 17 years, Trip.Biz has provided services to over 14,000 large-scale corporations, including over 300 Fortune Global 500 companies. Trip.Biz counts over 820,000 small to medium sized enterprises among its clients that have a combined total of over 38 million employees. Trip.Biz strives to help corporations lower their travel costs and increase efficiency.

Read More

BUSINESS TRAVEL

New Booking Platform Offers Access to Non-Public Discounts on Hotels and Travel Experiences

prnewswire | May 03, 2023

Travelpass Group, a leading provider of travel technology and booking solutions, announces the launch of its new trip-planning platform, a wanderlust-inspired site that delivers both public and private discounted room rates and curated experiences for all explorers. By leveraging a multi-supplier network of hotels, Travelpass.com unlocks lodging prices and serves up support, inspiration and community along the journey. The Travelpass platform provides users with tools that simplify and enhance the trip-planning experience. Anyone visiting the site will have access to discounted hotel rates within North America. To browse its extensive inventory pool, travelers can create a free member log-in for access to lodging deals that are otherwise not publicly available. A 24/7 team of agents are also reachable via phone to unlock the deepest discounts possible and provide customer support. Once a traveler finds the just-right destination, bookings are processed directly on the Travelpass site. "The modern traveler demands a straightforward platform that delivers transparent pricing and customized trip-planning tools, so they can efficiently book an incredible getaway," explains CEO Ryan McCoy. "The travel industry is known for its lethargic approach to innovation we haven't seen major disruption since the advent of rideshare apps. What sets Travelpass apart is our access to multiple supply channels, allowing us to provide insider rates as well as technology-enhanced, personalized trip-planning tools." With summer travel starting to heat up, certain cities are already experiencing an influx of bookings by travelers attempting to get ahead of the inflation and availability curve of hotel rates. Travelpass Group found the top five most popular U.S. cities being booked between May 1 to Sept. 30 this year are: Las Vegas Orlando, FL Nashville, TN Seattle New York No matter where you choose to explore this summer, Travelpass is creating better travel experiences with transparent pricing and easy-to-access support. According to 2022 data from Google, 43% of travelers stated that the length of the research cycle before completing a booking was at least one month. The company's platform streamlines the typically arduous trip-planning process so travelers can plan their whole vacation in one place, with 59% of summer travelers opting for the ease of booking over the phone with the support of the Travelpass team. "Travelpass is for the explorer-at-heart. We are passionate about enriching people's lives through travel and that sentiment drives every aspect of this company," says Austin Lowe, Travelpass President. "This platform opens new doors while gathering a growing community of curious and fun travelers who want to inspire one another through their experiences. The adventure is just beginning." Travelpass plans to roll out several new tools in the coming months, including an itinerary planning tool and a travel management app, as well as booking options for destination activities, such as concerts and sporting events. The platform will also host personalized travel agent support and complement its domestic inventory of hotels with international offerings. Explorers hankering for trip-planning guidance can turn to Travelpass for AI-fueled travel recommendations leveraging ChatGPT. Users will have the option to create and save draft itineraries and share them with friends and family to collaborate on. About Travelpass Travelpass Group unlocks adventure for all explorers, changing the landscape of travel planning by delivering a vast inventory of hotels and vacation experiences worldwide. Our mission is to open new doors and enrich people's lives through travel. We're not afraid to challenge ourselves and the status quo in order to create a better travel experience, and we love the thrill of finding the best possible value. We promise the straightforward, inside scoop on every destination, starting with great rates and supporting travelers throughout the journey.

Read More

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

GigNet Signs Collaboration Agreement with Ministry of Tourism for the State of Quintana Roo

businesswire | March 31, 2023

GigNet, a Digital Transformation company that provides high-speed broadband and advanced value-added services to enterprise clients and residential communities based on its extensive fiber-optic network from Cancun to Tulum, announced today the signing of a Collaboration Agreement with the State of Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism to enhance the tourism experience in the Cancun region. The signing took place at the 47th annual edition of the Tianguis Turistico México, an international showcase for the Mexico tourism industry. Quintana Roo Governor María Elena Lezama Espinosa attended the ceremony and signed the agreement as a Witness of Honor. Quintana Roo enjoys connectivity to more than 120 cities around the world through its three international airports, hosting more than 30 million passengers at the Cancun Airport in 2022. The overall purpose of the Collaboration Agreement, signed by State Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riestra on behalf of the Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism (SEDETUR) and Mark Carney, OBE and President of GigNet Mexico, is to promote tourism-related technological development in the Mexican Caribbean. The agreement establishes a framework for the deployment of advanced, secure broadband locations in the State of Quintana Roo to improve the tourist experience of visitors and promote tourism development in the region through world-class Internet services and information technologies. The signing ceremony was also attended by Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña, President of Benito Juárez (Cancun Municipality) where the first GigNet-sponsored special public Wi-Fi Internet access areas will be located, as well as various leaders from the Mexico national tourism sector. The first phase of this Agreement will establish public Wi-Fi zones in tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean starting with Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The commitment to the technological development by GigNet is expected to cover, in subsequent phases, not only all the municipalities of the Mexican Caribbean in their tourist areas but also in commercial and administrative centers in multiple cities, fostering a true digital transformation in the region. With this Collaboration Agreement, GigNet will provide visitors and residents the opportunity to access Wi-Fi to find and shop at local businesses and for enhanced public safety and security. This Collaboration Agreement is also recognition that technology will be a primary driver for the next generation of travelers to the Mexican Caribbean. According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), 64% of tourists who visit the Mexican Caribbean are under 39 years of age and almost 50% of them are Millennials. These tourists travel with between 5 and 10 electronic devices that allow them to be connected to the Internet while traveling. Through their phones, tablets and personal computers, they search for routes, promotions and activities to do before and during their trip. Mr. Carney stated, “With one of the best climates and natural environments in the world, incredible and innovative restaurants and shopping malls, a youth destination culture, and thousands of new smart home units for residents and digital nomads, we truly believe the quality of life of the Mexican Caribbean has all the elements to attract investment, businesses, and now - with access to GigNet high-speed Internet - tech entrepreneurs and established technology companies seeking to relocate to this attractive business environment.” GigNet’s “Silicon Maya” vision is to make Quintana Roo the leading state in Mexico for digital transformation, technological innovation, and Smart Cities – and a model for all of Mexico and Latin America. High-speed broadband access has been proven around the world to increase economic growth and opportunities for all segments of society. GigNet's “Silicon Maya” initiative can provide tremendous social benefits like online learning, improved healthcare, remote work opportunities, a diversified economy, and increased access to public services. For more information, see GigNet - Silicon Maya ABOUT GIGNET GigNet is the Mexican Caribbean brand of GigNet, Inc., a U.S. based international Digital Transformation company specializing in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services for Smart Homes and Smart Communities, and Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) value-added services for enterprise customers including hotels, resorts, retailers, offices, large commercial operations, governmental offices, and medical and educational facilities, as well as fiber-optic transport services for mobile phone operators and carriers. Through its Mexico operating subsidiaries, GigNet, S.A. de C.V., and Sanalto Redes Peninsular, S.A.P.I. de C.V., the Company is a fully licensed telecommunications provider in Mexico. GigNet is actively adding clients and additional products and services in the Mexican Caribbean, one of the largest and fastest growing tourism and new residential development destinations in the world with over 30 million annual airport passengers achieved in 2022. GigNet is a leader in the Digital Transformation of the region.

Read More

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

Trip.biz Unveils Soaring Corporate Travel Demand for Bleisure Trips While Overall Business Expenditure Increases

prnewswire | May 08, 2023

Trip.com Group's corporate travel arm, Trip.Biz, recently released its Corporate Travel Management Market White Paper, taking a closer look at the Chinese mainland's business travel market and trends. Companies in China are optimistic about the resumption of corporate travel as border policies relax, and flight capacity gradually resumes. According to Trip.Biz survey data, 84.5% of companies expect an increase in domestic business travel budget for 2023, while 74.5% expect an increase in international business travel budget. This sentiment is carried across the global business travel market. In August 2022, the GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) estimated that worldwide business travel would recover to 81% of its pre-pandemic level in 2023, while the Chinese market would reach about 75% of its pre-pandemic level in 2022 and 89% in 2023, with an 18.9% increase in business travel spending. Business travellers are increasingly eager for a comfortable, safe, and efficient travel experience. Trip.Biz survey data suggests greater demand for fast-track security lanes, flexible change & cancellation policies, and quality hotel service. Many employees are embracing bleisure travel, with over 90% of business travellers in Trip.Biz survey stating they may visit local tourist attractions or historical sites at their own expense during a business trip. 38.4% of business travellers expect to have more leisure time in the local area. Business travellers believe that developed cities or scenic destinations offer the most when undertaking business travel. The white paper shows that in 2022, over 30% of companies allocated more than 10% of their budgets to business travel, an increase from 2021. The proportion of spending on business travel is also increasing, making it one of the main expenses for these organisations as business travel budgets increase. Therefore, businesses seek evidence-based cost control and higher profits through lower-cost e-management. Companies are vigorously pursuing digital transformation. Trip.Biz survey data shows that nearly 60% of companies have begun digitalising their business travel processes. State-owned enterprises, Sino-foreign joint ventures, and wholly foreign-owned enterprises have a higher tendency to manage business travel digitally. Additionally, digital business travel management is more prevalent in large and medium-sized enterprises. "This year's strong demand for business travel and the pursuit of efficient management will be a major focus for companies, making the digital transformation of business travel management more urgent than before," said Steven Zhang, Chief Executive Officer at Trip.Biz. Additionally, the white paper discusses trends such as combining business travel with low-carbon initiatives. Companies have gradually begun exploring low-carbon business travel options. According to Trip.Biz survey, approximately 85% of business travellers prefer flights and hotels with low-carbon certifications. Additionally, those responsible for business travel believe that implementing an online management system benefits sustainable and low-carbon development. About Trip.Biz Trip.Biz is a rapidly growing business travel management company with a vast network of corporate clients extending out of mainland China. It is the corporate travel arm of the leading global travel service provider Trip.com Group. For over 17 years, Trip.Biz has provided services to over 14,000 large-scale corporations, including over 300 Fortune Global 500 companies. Trip.Biz counts over 820,000 small to medium sized enterprises among its clients that have a combined total of over 38 million employees. Trip.Biz strives to help corporations lower their travel costs and increase efficiency.

Read More

BUSINESS TRAVEL

New Booking Platform Offers Access to Non-Public Discounts on Hotels and Travel Experiences

prnewswire | May 03, 2023

Travelpass Group, a leading provider of travel technology and booking solutions, announces the launch of its new trip-planning platform, a wanderlust-inspired site that delivers both public and private discounted room rates and curated experiences for all explorers. By leveraging a multi-supplier network of hotels, Travelpass.com unlocks lodging prices and serves up support, inspiration and community along the journey. The Travelpass platform provides users with tools that simplify and enhance the trip-planning experience. Anyone visiting the site will have access to discounted hotel rates within North America. To browse its extensive inventory pool, travelers can create a free member log-in for access to lodging deals that are otherwise not publicly available. A 24/7 team of agents are also reachable via phone to unlock the deepest discounts possible and provide customer support. Once a traveler finds the just-right destination, bookings are processed directly on the Travelpass site. "The modern traveler demands a straightforward platform that delivers transparent pricing and customized trip-planning tools, so they can efficiently book an incredible getaway," explains CEO Ryan McCoy. "The travel industry is known for its lethargic approach to innovation we haven't seen major disruption since the advent of rideshare apps. What sets Travelpass apart is our access to multiple supply channels, allowing us to provide insider rates as well as technology-enhanced, personalized trip-planning tools." With summer travel starting to heat up, certain cities are already experiencing an influx of bookings by travelers attempting to get ahead of the inflation and availability curve of hotel rates. Travelpass Group found the top five most popular U.S. cities being booked between May 1 to Sept. 30 this year are: Las Vegas Orlando, FL Nashville, TN Seattle New York No matter where you choose to explore this summer, Travelpass is creating better travel experiences with transparent pricing and easy-to-access support. According to 2022 data from Google, 43% of travelers stated that the length of the research cycle before completing a booking was at least one month. The company's platform streamlines the typically arduous trip-planning process so travelers can plan their whole vacation in one place, with 59% of summer travelers opting for the ease of booking over the phone with the support of the Travelpass team. "Travelpass is for the explorer-at-heart. We are passionate about enriching people's lives through travel and that sentiment drives every aspect of this company," says Austin Lowe, Travelpass President. "This platform opens new doors while gathering a growing community of curious and fun travelers who want to inspire one another through their experiences. The adventure is just beginning." Travelpass plans to roll out several new tools in the coming months, including an itinerary planning tool and a travel management app, as well as booking options for destination activities, such as concerts and sporting events. The platform will also host personalized travel agent support and complement its domestic inventory of hotels with international offerings. Explorers hankering for trip-planning guidance can turn to Travelpass for AI-fueled travel recommendations leveraging ChatGPT. Users will have the option to create and save draft itineraries and share them with friends and family to collaborate on. About Travelpass Travelpass Group unlocks adventure for all explorers, changing the landscape of travel planning by delivering a vast inventory of hotels and vacation experiences worldwide. Our mission is to open new doors and enrich people's lives through travel. We're not afraid to challenge ourselves and the status quo in order to create a better travel experience, and we love the thrill of finding the best possible value. We promise the straightforward, inside scoop on every destination, starting with great rates and supporting travelers throughout the journey.

Read More

More featured news