As the first ‘holiday’ of the year approaches, representatives of Waveney’s tourist industry are positive about the prospects for 2010 and looking forward to capitalising on a hugely successful 2009.

Next week’s half term holiday marks the start of 2010 for most of the district’s tourism businesses. Many of them reported record figures last year and the district, as a destination, received a large amount of positive PR. Local businesses also captured a range of regional and county awards for excellence, which included Waveney’s Tourist Information Centres performing extremely well in the VisitBritain’s National Information Centre Audit.

The Hon. Hugh Crossley, Chair, Waveney Tourism Forum said: “Despite the economic downturn East Anglia enjoyed a bumper summer in 2009 recording the best weather and the best visitor numbers for years. We are hoping to capitalise on this success in 2010 and with accommodation providers, visitor attractions and food and drink outlets improving all the time we are confident East Anglia will start with a bang this season.”

Tourism in Waveney continues to grow year-on-year with the latest figures released by East Of England Tourism showing that it now worth an estimated £238,059,500 to the local economy. The figures also show that tourism in Waveney now supports 3,904 FTE jobs and 5,385 actual jobs which account’s for approximately 12.0% of all jobs, making it one of Waveney’s largest industries.

Each year Waveney District Council undertakes a survey of visitors to the area to establish customer feedback. The feedback is used to develop services and strategies to the district. Extensive face-to-face surveys with our visitors during 2009 highlighted that 95.7% would recommend a visit to the area to friends/family, 87.2% would be returning to the area and 52.5% thought the area had improved since their last visit. 

Councillor Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration added: “The Council’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Team has been working hard behind the scenes as we gear up for the 2010 season. Requests for the 2010 Sunrise Coast Holiday Handbook and visits to the district’s dedicated tourism website are already coming in thick and fast. This is thanks in part to a fantastic profile-raising 2009 and also to the team’s strong, active marketing campaign, which includes a range of national advertising, direct mail shots and web based promotion.

“We would also like to encourage the people of Waveney to get out and about and sample the delights on their doorstep. We are really lucky in having such a wide range of things to do and places so close to home, so we should all make the most of them.”

The Sunrise Coast website can be found at www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk and with the February Half-Term holiday fast approaching, everybody is encouraged to visit for a full list of activities and events taking place.

The Council also produces a visitor email newsletter which gives visitors an update on activity throughout the Waveney area, including new events sent direct via email. Residents can also request a copy by visiting the Sunrise Coast website.

The Culture, Tourism & Sport Team is working on a district-wide What’s on Guide, which will support the Holiday Handbook in promotion of events around the district. For further information on the events guide or if you would like to list your event for FREE please email events@waveney.gov.uk or telephone 01502 523387.