UK Tourism Figures Have More Than Doubled

Brits are increasingly holidaying on home soil due to the effects of the credit crunch on their finances and some novel attractions.

According to The Tourism Business, which oversees the UK's first marketing agency for film and television tourism, Screentourism.com, there is a growing trend of visiting locations where famous films have been shot.

Martin Evans, from The Tourism Business, said: "There are many UK and international destinations to visit, and as more films and TV programmes are made, the list of screen tourism destinations gets longer."

He added that summer films such as Journey to the Center of the World, Paris, and Mamma Mia! will add to the list of destinations holidaymakers will be heading to.

Other areas which have already seen a surge in visitors include Alnwick Castle, which features in the Harry Potter movies, and the North Yorkshire Moors, which provide the backdrop for TV series Heartbeat.

A report published by Olsberg|SPI, which film and tourism bodies commissioned, revealed that stately homes, historic and religious buildings, and rural or village landscapes are most likely to attract film tourists.

Destinations News posted on 14/07/2008 08:10:16