Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 19209
01 January 2000
spending at tourist sites hits record
SPENDING at tourist attractions in the UK rose 10% to a record £1.2b in 1996, according to a report from the national tourist boards.
Sightseeing in the UK shows a 4% growth in visits to 402 million, with at least 39 new attractions opened in 1996.
The most popular newcomer was Legoland, at Windsor, Berkshire, which attracted more than 1.4 million visitors in its first year. Alton Towers, in Staffordshire, remains the most popular attraction charging admission, pulling in 2.7 million customers, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach attracted the most free admissions with an estimated 7.5 million visits.
On average, admission charges accounted for 49% of revenue, retailing 41% and catering 10%.
