This Bear’s got talent at promoting Britain
He’s a bear with a belly full of talent and British Airways and VisitBritain are banking on his impending big-screen success by teaming up as sponsors of Paddington as he shows off the best of Britain.
To celebrate the global release of Paddington the film, British Airways and VisitBritain showcases five top ways for fans of all agents to follow in his paw-steps on a journey across Britain.
‘This film is a huge opportunity that we really could not let slip through our paws! The power of set-jetting is an important element in driving incremental tourism with the right film acting as free advertising, so we do all we can to capitalise on that. The film demonstrates the warm welcome that Britain delivers to all our visitors – albeit in this case an ursine Peruvian,” VisitBritain marketing director, Joss Croft.
Below are VisitBritain and British Airways best tips:
1. Travelling with children
The key to making travelling with children as smooth and enjoyable a journey as possible is to keep them entertained. The team at British Airways provide children with entertainment packs as soon as they take their seats on long-haul flights to ensure they are kept amused throughout the journey. The inflight entertainment system includes Skyflyer Kids’ Zone entertainment channels.
2. London for first time visitors
The young hero was named Paddington after the station he landed up in – and anyone who visits London will soon discover it’s the ideal place to start your own great adventure. London is celebrating the cinema debut of this favourite bear with the Paddington Trail. Designed by a host of artists, designers and celebrities the trail of 50 Paddington statues are located across the capital taking in the key museums, parks and shops which track Paddington’s favourite haunts. From April 2015, visitors to London will be able to embark on a three hour Paddington adventure with BritMovie Tours who are launching a tour dedicated to the Peruvian bear and the inspiration behind the film. Visitlondon.com/paddington
3. Real life Paddington encounters
Just a few hours from London is Chester Zoo where you can meet the inspiration for the beloved book and film character. Paddington comes from ‘darkest Peru’ – and the only bear that hails from South America is the Spectacled Bear (also sometimes known as Andean Bears). In 2015 Chester Zoo will open the new Islands development, the most ambitious in UK zoo history. www.chesterzoo.org
4. The best bear buys
London’s Paddington Station has a dedicated Paddington shop where you can pick up a Paddington memento or have your photo taken with the Paddington statue that you’ll pass by on your way there. You’ll also find memorabilia of your favourite bear at markets such as London’s Portobello market or pop into Hamley’s on London’s bustling Regent Street – and lose yourself in a cosy world of teddy bears and soft toys…including Paddington of course! www.hamleys.com. And don’t forget to stock up on Paddington’s favourite snack – Marmalade. Fortnum & Mason offers a comprehensive selection of handmade marmalades in its flagship London store or sample one of the many Paddington-themed marmalade afternoon teas available around Britain.
5. Room for all your luggage
On British Airways flights, children and infants have a generous free hand and checked-in baggage allowance, which comes in handy when you consider all of the extra equipment required for travelling with kids, from bottles to nappies to their favourite bear. Furthermore, at the departure gate, families are invited to board first, and if passengers have a small folding pushchair, this can be taken right to the aircraft door at most airports.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
britain british airways movie paddington uk visitbritainLatest News
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