Bristol airport encourages US tourists

[March 20th 2008]

Bristol International airport is hoping to encourage more high spending US tourists to the region.

Continental Airlines operates daily flights from Bristol airport to New York, with fares from £269 return including taxes and charges. Now a team from Bristol International airport and Destination Bristol is visiting Continental Airlines’ call centres in Florida, Houston and Salt Lake City to try to attract more US visitors.

The team will present to thousands of Continental Airlines staff who advise customers on their travel plans. They will position Bristol airport as a convenient gateway to the UK for American tourists by focusing on the airport’s proximity to world-famous attractions and events. These include Bath, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge and the 2010 Ryder Cup golf.

Bristol International airports head of sales and marketing, Jason Wescott, explains: “Now is a good time for Americans to visit the UK, with the exchange rate offering them great value for money. We want to make sure that Bristol is the destination of choice for those looking to visit the many sights and attractions the South West has to offer. Our campaign in the United States next week is part of our overall strategy to promote inbound tourism to the region."

American visitors spend more money in the UK than any other nationality, staying an average of eight nights and spending £744 per visit. Those who fly into or out of Bristol International are likely to spend more time in the South West, benefiting local hotels, restaurants and attractions.

“Americans have traditionally visited the South West on day trips. Continental’s Bristol-New York flight provides an opportunity for us to attract American visitors directly into the region, extending the time and money they spend here,” comments Destination Bristol MD, John Hallett.

Since it was launched in May 2005 over 300,000 passengers have flown on the service between Bristol airport and New York Newark Liberty International airport. Around half of these have originated from the US.

Many passengers from Bristol fly on from New York to other destinations in the US. Last year the top five onward destinations for leisure passengers from Bristol were Orlando, Las Vegas, Boston, San Francisco and Tampa. Top five business destinations were Houston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Cleveland.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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