August 19th, 2011.
Eastbourne, the UK’s sunniest place, has been named as the second fastest growing seaside resort in the UK with an 11% increase in tourism-related business according to figures released by CSMA this week.
The south coast destination has polled in second place behind Whitstable and has been ranked by a growth in tourism-related businesses, number of employees and a rise in numbers to tourist attractions.
Eastbourne has also been ranked in the top 10 most popular seaside resorts in the same report by CSMA, ranking at 6th place, as seaside destinations continue to enjoy a boom during the staycation era.
This week VisitBritain has also released statistics revealing an increase in inbound tourism to Britain with a record 2.9 million visits in June 2011 and Eastbourne’s accommodation portfolio is certainly experiencing a similar rise.
A large number of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation in Eastbourne are reporting a growing trend in overseas visitors.
Eastbourne’s 5-star Grand Hotel has seen a 42% increase in international visitors over the last year, The Guesthouse East has seen overseas visitors account for around 80% of their guests during key school holiday weeks, around 50% of guests have travelled from overseas at The Atlanta Guesthouse, and the Hotel Iverna has welcomed guests from Germany, France, Portugal, Poland, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland and Dubai.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said“To hear the news that we are the second fastest growing seaside resort and the sixth most popular is absolutely fantastic for Eastbourne and testament to the huge amount of work and investment that has taken place over the past few years.
“We have seen the opening of Eastbourne’s award-winning art museum Towner, been named as the UK’s sunniest place, and encouraged plenty of new investment across tourism; from the opening of new hotels such as the celebrity backed Big Sleep to new attractions including Ride N Joy Quadricycle Hire, Sussex Voyages and Treasure Trails, as well as expanding our bumper programme of summer events.
“Judging by the rise in our international visitors too, Eastbourne looks set to benefit from the increase in inbound tourism to Britain, particularly during the lead up to next year’s 2012 Games.
“We’re now looking forward to a busy few months ahead with a very special Seth Lakeman Concert at Eastbourne Bandstand, some brilliant new shows at Eastbourne Theatres and popular events such as the Beachy Head Marathon and Eastbourne Beer Festival, and with the Town Centre Area Action Plan progressing and a review of Devonshire Park also taking place, there are certainly exciting times ahead in Eastbourne!”
Self-catering properties in Eastbourne are also seeing a rise in inbound visitors with Eastbourne Holiday Cottages welcoming 45% of their visitors to the town from overseas between May and August this year with a total of 146 weeks booked across their cottages and apartments.
New Eastbourne business, Bourne Breaks, who specialise in offering luxury self-catering properties in and around the town, are enjoying a busy summer too, particularly with visitors travelling from around the world to stay in the town.
Over the past six months they have had visitors from Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Iceland staying in their properties and 50% of their Christmas bookings are already from international visitors.
Mike Carey, Partner at Bourne Breaks, said “Demand from overseas is growing month on month. In the last six months we've seen visitors from not only Europe but also from Australia and even South Korea staying from a couple of days up to two months.
“Feedback from guests is that Eastbourne exceeded their expectations and that they were highly impressed by not only the quality of accommodation available but also the amount of activities and events throughout the year.
“Half of our Christmas bookings so far are from international visitors and a number of our international guests from this year have already booked to return to Eastbourne next year. Eastbourne truly is now on the world map now as a quality resort.”
For more information and to browse and book places to stay in Eastbourne go to the Visit Eastbourne website or call 0871 663 0031.
