South East Tourism Businesses Report Positive Performance
NEWS RELEASE
August 31, 2005: Tourism businesses in South East England are reporting a positive performance for the first six months of 2005 (January-July) compared with the same period in 2004, according to a new Tourism South East survey released today (Wednesday).
In its latest Business Confidence Survey of tourism organisations, 42% reported their level of performance to be better overall compared with last year and just over a quarter (27%) reported business to be the same as 2004. 31% reported business performance to be worse overall.
Several major events held during the second quarter of the year were identified as helping to boost tourism numbers visiting destinations and events, including racing at Goodwood, the Isle of Wight Festival, International Festival of the Sea, Trafalgar 200, SeaBritain 2005, the Dickens Festival, VE Day and 60th anniversary of the end of WWII commemorations.
Comments from tourism organisations suggest that the early Easter break, May General Election and colder weather over the early part of the year effected the performance of some companies. Organisations were also concerned that a slow-down in high street consumer spending will have a knock on effect on short-term business performance.
There is also evidence that some parts of the region have become unintended beneficiaries of the London terrorist attacks, says Tourism South East. Canterbury, Windsor and Portsmouth attractions saw an increase in the number of overseas groups that had been diverted away from London.
Business optimism for 2005 remains favourable and South East tourism companies' expectations for the remainder of the year remain more optimistic than pessimistic, with 49% of businesses expecting their 2005 performance to be better overall compared with 2004. Just over 25% expect business to be the same as last year while a further 25% expect performance to be worse.
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For further information, contact Alan Gallop or Jodie Hodge at TSE Corporate Communications on 023 8062 5465/5502