The press conference was attended by 60 media from both China and overseas which was followed by promotional event for over 120 invited Chinese tour operators, who not only received the information about the latest developments of Chinese visitors to the UK and the initiatives that London Luxury is implementing to engage with Chinese visitors, but also had the opportunity to communicate directly with the Country Manager of UK Board Agency for China as well as senior officers from London Luxury and New West End company.
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Both the press conference and promotional event were packed with interested Chinese media and travel trade professionals.
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UK Bound Chinese Tourists Soar
The briefing released the latest statistics on visitor numbers from China to the UK. According to the official figure released by the British Foreign Office at the press conference “in 2007 Chinese retail spend was worth £30 million to the UK economy, in 2010 it was £300 million” representing tenfold increase within four years. British Embassy and Consulates in China reported a 40% year-on-year increase in visa applications for Chinese visitors to the UK in 2010. This trend was reflected in the popularity of the UK's 'Dandelion' pavilion at last year's Shanghai Expo. Already in 2011, indications are that the Royal Wedding has helped further stimulate demand, with a further increase in visit applications in the week preceding and following the Wedding.
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Mr. Jace Tyrrell, Director of Communications of New West End Company, Lord Bruce Dundas, President of London Luxury, and Mr. Matt Heath, China Country Manager - UK Board Agency deliver speeches respectively. (From Left to Right)
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Chinese Visitors Spend £200m a year in London's Luxury Quarter - 155% Annual Increase
Lord Bruce Dundas, President of London Luxury said: “Chinese retail tourists play an integral part in maintaining a buoyant retail economy in the West End. Chinese shoppers spend on average £600 per transaction and we warmly welcome them to the UK. The offer on Bond Street, Regent Street and the surrounding area is a huge draw for international visitors and we expect numbers to peak in 2012 around the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee.
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After the press conference Lord Bruce Dundas gave an in-depth interview to Shanghai TV.
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Jace Tyrrell, Director of Communications of New West End Company who is also the Director of London Luxury explained London Luxury was established to support the ambition of London’s West End to be a leading destination for high-value shopping. London Luxury covers the key areas of Bond Street, Mount Street, Jermyn Street and Savile Row to bring together 300 retailers into a new luxury shopping district. He highlighted “within the London Luxury Quarter, high-class retailers including Asprey, Burberry, Cartier, Dunhill, Fortnum & Mason, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Selfridges, Smythson and joined by top 5* hotels, including Claridges, The Langham, The Ritz, to provide visitors with bespoke VIP shopping packages. This offers a distinctive new approach for visitors looking for a luxury shopping experience in London’s West End.”
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Mr. Jace Tyrrell, Director of Communications of New West End Company gave in depth interview to Chinese media.
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Mr. Matt Heath is very happy to see that even more Chinese people are choosing the UK as the ideal destination to travel, shop and do business. The UK offers a wonderfully diverse range of attractions, from historical sites to modern architectural designs. We hope to welcome even more visitors as we head towards the London 2012 Olympics, where the world can see the best of what Britain has to offer.
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