Britain Research
Local team: Germany
Deutschland
VisitBritain ist die britische Zentrale für Tourismus und unsere Aufgabe ist es, Großbritannien als touristische Destination zu bewerben. Wir sind in Zusammenarbeit mit den britischen Anbietern für die Entwicklung, Förderung und Umsetzung von buchbaren Produkten für die Märkte Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz zuständig und stehen der Reisebranche unterstützend in diesen Bereichen zur Seite.
Local Team: GCC
GCC
With our local office based in Dubai, we are committed to increasing the volume and value of visitors from the GCC by promoting Britain as tourism destination. Our local B2B team is here to support both UK suppliers interested in this market, as well as the GCC travel trade in their promotion and sale of Britain product.
Local Team: Italy
Italia
Il ruolo del “Product Development and Distribution Team di VisitBritain è quello di affiancare l'industria turistica Britannica e il trade internazionale allo scopo di creare nuovi prodotti tematici da introdurre sul mercato per attrarre sempre più turisti in Gran Bretagna.
Local Team: North America
North America
The North America B2B approach supports the overall mission of VisitBritain by promoting Great Britain as the top tourist destination for American and Canadian travellers.
Local Team: North America
North America
The North America B2B approach supports the overall mission of VisitBritain by promoting Great Britain as the top tourist destination for American and Canadian travellers.
Local team: Russia
России
Офис по туризму Великобритании VisitBritain — организация, созданная правительством Великобритании для продвижения Британии как туристического направления в России и других странах. В рамках нашей работы мы взаимодействуем как с местными компаниями Британии, так и с российскими операторами и агентствами с целью создания и развития привлекательного турпродукта для российских туристов.
Local Team: Spain
España
VisitBritain cuenta con un equipo de desarrollo y distribución de producto, trabaja con la industria turística y receptivos en el Reino Unido, para crear una serie de nuevos itinerarios y productos de primera categoría, basados en temas y regiones que sean atractivos para que, a través vuestro, lleguen al consumidor final y atraer turistas a Gran Bretaña.
Nederland
Nederland
Onze Nederlandse B2B functie ondersteunt de algemene missie van VisitBritain om Groot-Brittannië te promoten als toeristische bestemming voor Nederlandse en Belgische reizigers. Eén van onze belangrijkste taken is om samen met de Britse toeristenindustrie en lokale partners te werken aan het identificeren van kansen om aantrekkelijke toeristische producten te ontwikkelen voor de Nederlandse en Belgische markt.
Local Team: Nordics
Nordics
Our local B2B function supports the overall mission of VisitBritain to promote Britain as tourism destination for Scandinavian travelers. One of our key roles is to work alongside the UK tourism industry and local intermediaries, to identify opportunities for developing attractive tourism products for the Scandinavian markets.
Britain Research
Britain Research
A selections of research pieces in and around the topic of Britain including, Britain's visitor economy, Britain's welcome & Britain's image oversees.
Product development research
Accommodation Updates
Find out about all the latest developments and planned openings, for the UK’s hotels, apartments and more. From country house hotels, from new city centre developments, our Accommodation Updates give you all the latest information.
Product development research
Food Newsletters
Here we are showcasing some of the best food and drink experiences that your clients can enjoy when visiting the United Kingdom.
Britain's food and drink is much like the country itself – rooted in history, yet always evolving, and hugely varied depending on which region you visit.
Britain's food and drink is much like the country itself – rooted in history, yet always evolving, and hugely varied depending on which region you visit.
Product development research
Destination satisfaction and perceptions
As part of the Discover England Fund (link to DEF hub) we are delivering a programme of research to support product development in England. We have produced a series of destination reports for the domestic market.
Product development research
Visitor characteristics and behaviour
As part of the Discover England Fund (link to DEF hub) we are delivering a programme of research to support product development in England. We have developed a series of reports to provide a deeper understanding of visitor behaviour as it relates to product development, including regional profiling, information sources, decision-making and activities undertaken.
Food and drink: South East England Vineyard Product Showcase
The Wine Garden of England partnership represents the diversity of seven top quality producers and wineries in Kent, many of who deliver award-winning English wines around the world. Visitors to our region can expect a warm welcome, a huge choice of premium winery tours, tastings of critically acclaimed still and sparkling wines, and acres of sun-kissed vines.
Practical Information
Travelling to Britain – Practical Information
A network of car and passenger ferry services conveniently link a dozen British ports to northern and southern Europe.
Practical Information
Britain’s national holidays – Practical Information
Bank holidays in Britain vary from nation to nation, and can reflect a change in prices, as well as offering additional seasonal activities for clients to enjoy.
Practical Information
Guide to Britain for disabled travellers – Practical information
For comprehensive information relating to travelling around the UK, visiting attractions and useful links, please see our Guide to Britain for Disabled Travellers.
Practical Information
VAT and tax free shopping – Practical Information
VAT is a 20% sales tax charged on most goods. Exceptions are food, books and children’s clothes. Visitors from outside the EU who stay less than three months may claim this tax back.
Practical Information
Bringing pet dogs to the UK – Practical Information
For a long time, taking a dog to Britain for a holiday was unthinkable, as strict quarantine regulations applied. But since these regulations were relaxed in 2000, Britain has become a popular destination for dog owners.
Practical Information
Time – Practical Information
During the winter months, Britain is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 10 hours behind Sydney. From late March until late October, the clocks go forward one hour to adhere to British Summer Time (BST).
Practical Information
Opening hours – Practical Information
Opening hours in Britain are generally Monday-Saturday from 09:00 or 10:00 until 17.30. Outside of London and other main cities, many businesses, and shops operate reduced hours on Sundays or are closed, but in the larger cities most shops will be open.
Practical Information
Public telephones – Practical Information
Visitors can use a payphone with coins or a card. All payphones accept 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 pieces; the newer ones also accept £2 coins. The minimum cost of a call is 60p.
Practical Information
Postal services – Practical Information
Stamps can be bought at many outlets, including supermarkets and petrol stations. When writing to a British address, it is advisable to always include the postcode, which, if not known, can be obtained from Royal Mail.
Practical Information
Pharmacists – Practical Information
There are many community pharmacies in towns and villages in and around the UK where pharmacists will be able to dispense medication, dispose of out-of-date medication and offer advice on minor ailments, as well as general health and wellbeing.
Practical Information
Mobile phones and the internet – Practical Information
The UK network uses the 800, 900, 1400, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, 3400 and 3600-4000 MHz Dual (2g) / Tri (3g) / Quad (4g) and fifth generation (5g) bands, so visitors will need to confirm their handset runs one of these bands.
Your clients will need to contact their service provider directly for specific details.
Your clients will need to contact their service provider directly for specific details.
Practical Information
UK customs regulations – Practical Information
Visitors can bring some goods from abroad without having to pay UK tax or ‘duty’ (customs charges), as long as they’re for their own use. It depends on the type of goods they're bringing in and where they're travelling from.
Practical Information
Electricity
The voltage in Britain is 220/240 AC, 50 Hz. Electrical plugs have three rectangular pins and take fuses of 3, 5 and 13 amps.
Product development research
Luxury Travel Research
In 2016 there are 16.4 million High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) worldwide and they are of growing interest to international tourism destinations as their appetite for luxury travel translates into increased visitor spend and, thereby, economic growth.
Product development research
London plus
As part of the Discover England Fund we are delivering a programme of research to support product development in England. We have produced research reports to highlight how product development can help encourage more visitors to extend their travels beyond the capital.
Practical Information
Travelling around Britain – Practical Information
When it comes to travelling around Britain, visitors are spoilt for choice. Whether they prefer to travel at their own pace by car, enjoy the convenience and value of train travel, or opt for coach or plane, there are plenty of options available.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by plane
Internal air travel in Britain only makes sense over long distances, where it can save time – for example, London to Scotland, or to one of the many fantastic offshore islands.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by car
If your clients want to visit a place that has no access by rail, prefer to travel under their own steam, or if they simply like a little privacy while travelling, travelling by car is a great way to see Britain.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by train
Riding the rails is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to discover the real Britain. A fast and frequent rail network means that nearly all areas of Britain can be easily discovered by locomotive, as well as other methods of public transport.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling around Britain by coach or bus
Travelling around Britain by coach will often save your clients money and offers a scenic alternative to travelling by train, especially if they are on a budget. Just be aware that the journey time will probably be longer to allow for traffic, stops and varying speed limits.
Travelling around Britain
Travelling within cities
Using public transport to travel around urban areas in Britain is fun, insightful and, more often than not, economical. It will give travellers a greater understanding of British people and the infrastructure, as well as helping them get their bearings in their destination.
City
Bath
For centuries Bath has been the place where people came to in order to relax. The ancient Romans came here for the hot thermal waters, and the Victorians came here to take the healing waters and to shop. As a result, Bath today is a mix of ancient culture and refined boutiques, beautiful historic Georgian architecture and elegant eateries, with the Roman Baths still a centrepiece of the city.
30th – 31st May 2020 Rochford
Discover 2020: 200 years of HMS Beagle
The Illuminate Festival returns to Harwich, bigger and bolder than ever before, as part of a year of worldwide Mayflower 400 celebrations.
27th - 28th November 2020 Harwich
Illuminate Festival
The Illuminate Festival returns to Harwich, bigger and bolder than ever before, as part of a year of worldwide Mayflower 400 celebrations.
27th & 28th August 2020, Clacton seafront
Clacton Airshow
2020 will once again see Clacton’s award-winning seafronts and west greensward be transformed over two days into a fun-filled display/event site and flight viewing area.
3rd May 2020, Promenade Park, Maldon
Maldon Mud Race
Join the thousands who gather to watch contestants brave the mud race! The event features c. 300 entrants, all of whom will be raising money for charities.
27th July 2019, Berkshire
The International Day Polo at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor, England is gearing up to host The International after the Hurlingham Polo Association named the Club, the Home of English Po
Various dates - London
London Fashion Week – Consumer Event
The ultimate fashion industry event, where the world’s top designers showcase their latest collections via catwalk shows, plus curated talks, designer shopping and trend presentations.
14th - 15th August 2019, Plymouth
British Firework Championships
The British Firework Championships will return this August, offering two nights of spectacular pyrotechnics that will illuminate Plymouth Sound. Six top firework companies will battle it out over two nights, each putting on an awe-inspiring ten minute display.
1st January every year - Scotland
Stoats Loony Dook – Consumer Event
Welcome 2018 with a splash! Join the thousands of ‘Dookers’ taking part in this annual dip in the freezing River Forth after their march along the High Street as part of the Dooker Parade.
25th January every year - Scotland
Burns’ Night – Consumer Event
Every January Scotland celebrates the birthday of Robert Burns - the national poet of Scotland - with food, drams, dancing and verse at events across the country.