Know Before You Go: Guidance for travel in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Toronto, June 27, 2011 – Less than two months since their wedding day and the announcement of their Cambridge titles, William and Kate’s celebrity status could already be attracting visitors to the city. The couple visit Canada beginning June 30, before they even visit their very own Cambridge.
Visit Cambridge, the city’s official tourism organisation, has seen an increase in local tourism year over year from April 1 to May 31, 2011 with guided tours up by 25% and footfall in the central city tourist information centre on Peas Hill up by 9%.
“We’re delighted that Prince William and Kate Middleton were issued the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” says Emma Thornton, Visit Cambridge Head of Tourism. “William and Kate are a modern and dynamic couple who we believe have and will broaden the appeal of Cambridge as a visitor destination.”
A VisitBritain-commissioned report released earlier this year revealed that history and culture –
particularly when linked to the Monarchy – contribute significantly to the country’s unique appeal as a holiday destination. More than 10,000 foreign tourists were given a list of 18 things that can only be done in Britain - and asked to pick the ones they’d like to do most. The top three choices were, in order of importance: to go on a tour of Welsh castles, visit Buckingham Palace and stay the night in a Scottish castle.
“Experiencing royal Britain is as essential Canadian travellers as remembering their passport and camera,” says Ted Flett, VisitBritain Public Relations and Communications Manager – Canada. “From touring castles and palaces to seeing landmarks, we want to take in locations of significance to members of the Royal family, past and especially now present.”
The popularity of William and Kate in Canada is expected to have a continued positive effect for Cambridge and joins a list of royal pedigree connected with the city’s history: