21 April 2011 The UK’s sunniest place is looking forward to the double Bank Holiday expecting thousands of visitors to spend Easter and the Royal Wedding weekends in Eastbourne bringing millions of pounds into the local economy.
With a sunny forecast and temperatures expected to rival overseas destinations, Eastbourne is using its top sunshine status and major events to attract visitors into town over the next two weekends.
Eastbourne’s packed events season gets underway this weekend with the return of the popular Eastbourne Festival celebrating the best of the town’s culture and arts with a special Streets of Eastbourne event on Saturday as well as a free Easter Day Concert at the Bandstand. Next weekend Eastbourne will see another spectacular four days of events with the Royal Wedding Picnic in the Park, Magnificent Motors, French Market, Bandstand concerts and more!
With many of the town’s hotels and guesthouses reporting a rise in bookings, particularly from overseas visitors, Eastbourne is getting ready to make the most of the additional tourism spend that the Bank Holidays will bring.
Eastbourne Borough Council Tourism Development Manager Annie Wills said “We are very excited for the Bank Holiday weekends in Eastbourne with the recent sunshine putting everyone in the mood for a spring break. With Easter falling later this year it means that more families are looking to spend it away from home enjoying a long weekend and good weather! Reports from local businesses already indicate additional visitors over the Easter break and the two Bank Holidays on their way should certainly bring additional footfall and money into the town.”
Eastbourne’s accommodation providers are enjoying a very busy spell with guest accommodation 17 Wilmington Square reporting ‘fantastic bookings’ from families, young couples from London, as well as overseas visitors from Germany and Russia.
Independent favourite, The Guesthouse East, which recently topped their poll of the 50 Best B&Bs, is also noticing an increase in international visitors with 60% of their guests coming from overseas for the forthcoming Bank Holidays.
England’s only 5-star seaside hotel The Grand is looking forward to a very busy Easter weekend compared to last year with 50 children already booked in as families flock to Eastbourne for a seaside break.
With Eastbourne’s Seafront Office reporting an increase in visitors using the beach compared to the same time last year and the Tourist Information Centre welcoming nearly 17,000 visitors since 1 April, the resort is revelling in the continued staycation.
For more information on what’s on in Eastbourne go to the VisitEastbourne website or call 0871 663 0031.
