Home » News » “We want Britain to be top of the list”: VisitBritain Commerical Director

2 March, 2018

“We want Britain to be top of the list”: VisitBritain Commerical Director

VisitBritain’s annual ExploreGB event has officially kicked off in Newcastle, refusing to let the Beast of the East snow on its parade.

Around 320 UK suppliers gathered at Metro Radio Arena, along with international media and stacks of buyers, to talk business, and get the messages of British tourism out to the rest of the world.

Speaking at the opening, VisitBritain and VisitEngland Commercial Director, Carol Dray, said ExploreGB is a highly anticipated event that gives them the chance to “show the world how competitive our offerings are”.

“Tourism is one of most valuable export industries, equating more than 127 billion pounds in value,” Dray said.

With growth set to continue in the coming years, Dray said visits were set to break the 40 million mark this year, a growth of four per cent.

The spending forecast, Dray added, is set to reach almost 27 billion pounds as well in the coming year.

“We want Britain to be top of the list. It’s the must-go destination,” Dray said.

“It’s the destination to come and see today, not delay until tomorrow. We are a very welcoming destination, and we are open for business.”

Dray mentioned the recently launched ‘I Travel For’ campaign, which showcases the various travel themes that Britain is brimming with.

“‘I Travel For’ is a digitally driven campaign, showing how Britain is bursting with wonderfully unexpected experiences,” Dray said.

“It’s all about coming now and seeing the less known experiences we have to offer, but also integrating these along the iconic, renowned experiences associated with Britain.

“The challenge is to find your Great Britain.”

Dray made reference of the exciting Great Exhibition of the North, the biggest event to hit Britain in 2018 and showcasing the art, culture, design and innovation of the north.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive NewcastleGateshead Initaitive, Rough Guides listed Newcastle as the #1 place to visit in 2018, with this new exhibition a major part of the pull.

With 30 venues, hundreds of exhibits, and thousands of contributors, the celebration of all things “outstanding and extraordinary” will be an event not to be missed.

Stewart explained the around three million is the magic number they’re chasing in terms of visitors, with over one million being targeted from overseas markets.

“It will be packed with exhibits, live performances, display artworks, with lots of hands on activities and family friendly fun,” Stewart told ExploreGB delegates.

“And best of all, it’s all going to be free.”

You can find more info on this event here.

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carol dray ExploreGB newcastle visitbritain visitengland