23 August 2010 The UK’s sunniest place is continuing to reap the awards from the staycation in 2010 with a record number of visitors to the Tourist Information Centre in July and more hits than ever on its official tourism website.
More than 36,300 visitors passed through the doors of Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre in July, a quarter up on the number of visitors for the same month in 2009.
Hits on Eastbourne’s official destination website VisitEastbourne.com continue to break records too receiving over 980,000 hits in July with the number of bednights being booked online rising by 30%.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “These figures are fantastic news and testament to the wonderful resort we have here in Eastbourne. We have been working hard to ensure that Eastbourne is well placed to benefit from the staycation era, and the weak value of the pound combined with the volcanic ash disruption earlier this year and continued flight strikes, all contribute to making Eastbourne a popular destination for a UK break.”
As the sunniest place on mainland Britain as confirmed by GMTV in May, Eastbourne has more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country rivalling many European destinations. Eastbourne has been using its unique microclimate to attract holidaymakers looking for a sunny break, including its new sunshine campaign that was launched in June aiming to share the Eastbourne sunshine with visitors up and down the country. So far, more than 1,100 people have received a sunshine experience pack to entice them to the resort.
Some of Eastbourne’s major attractions are also reaping the benefits of the continued staycation during 2010 with the seafront Bandstand welcoming a record number of visitors through its doors this summer for a concert programme packed with over 130 performances. More than 24,000 concert goers have already visited this year, a 16% increase on the same time last year.
And in its second year since opening, the resort’s award-winning gallery, Towner’s monthly visitor figures hit a record 12,550 in June and have remained sky high over the summer, with residents and tourists alike flocking to view the hit Ravilious exhibition. The outstanding national press coverage for this show is encouraging people to think of Eastbourne as a must-visit destination for culture, and tourists are discovering that the town’s cultural offer is better than ever before.
With a packed calendar of events still to come over the next few months, including Towner’s new exhibition ARTIST ROOMS, the Eastbourne Beer Festival, and top performers at Eastbourne Theatres, the destination looks set for more busy times.
For more information and to find out what’s on in Eastbourne or take advantage of special offers at accommodation and attractions, go to the VisitEastbourne website or call 0871 663 0031.
