September 28th, 2011
The UK’s sunniest place is celebrating after welcoming more than 4.9 million visitors in 2010 generating over £346 million worth of income for local businesses in Eastbourne, an increase of more than £10 million compared to 2009.
The latest visitor statistics have just been released for 2010 showing the economic impact of tourism in Eastbourne, reflecting another increase in figures as the staycation continues to bring visitors to the south coast destination.
Over the past five years, visitor numbers have risen from 4 million to 4.9 million a year, with 2010 reporting an increase in trips by day visitors as well as a rise in the number of bednights spent by those staying in the town.
With a CSMA report recently naming Eastbourne as the second fastest growing seaside resort in the UK with an 11% increase in tourism-related business, the rise in domestic tourism and growth in tourism-related businesses continues to reap benefits for the town.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “I am absolutely delighted that our annual visitor numbers have risen again this year illustrating a growing trend in visits to seaside destinations and testament to the fantastic tourism investment Eastbourne has received over the past few years. From hotel refurbishments to new attractions, and from a growing events programme to our award-winning Towner art museum, Eastbourne has seen plenty of positive investment and growth that means there are more reasons to visit the town than ever before.
“With 2012 promising to be a fantastic year with the Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Eastbourne is getting ready to make the most of what this significant year means for British tourism.”
The 2010 Tourism Economic Impact Report also reveals an increase in the number of tourism related jobs in Eastbourne to more than 7,000. 16% of all jobs in Eastbourne are supported by the tourism spend, an increase of nearly 6% compared to 2009.
And it seems it’s not only domestic tourism bringing additional visitors to Eastbourne with early indications for 2011 already reporting a growing number of international visitors to the town.
VisitBritain recently released statistics revealing an increase in inbound tourism to Britain with a record 2.9 million visits in June 2011 and Eastbourne’s hotels and guesthouses are reporting a similar rise.
Eastbourne’s 5-star Grand Hotel has seen a 42% increase in international visitors over the last year, The Guesthouse East’s overseas visitors have accounted for around 80% of their guests during key school holiday weeks, and around 50% of guests have travelled from overseas to The Atlanta Guesthouse.
Self-catering properties in Eastbourne are also seeing an increase in international visitors with 45% of Eastbourne Holiday Cottages’ guests coming from overseas between May and August this year, booking a total of 146 weeks across their cottages and apartments.
New Eastbourne business, Bourne Breaks, who specialise in offering luxury self-catering properties in and around the town, have also enjoyed a busy year with visitors coming from Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Iceland over the past six months.
For more information and to plan a break in Eastbourne go to the website or call 0871 663 0031.
