Can Comedy Boost Tourism?

Tuesday, 24th June 2008

Categories: What's New, Business Support

Can Comedy Boost Tourism?

VisitBritain has launched a new six-month campaign promoting England through its comedy.  The campaign, which includes a dedicated website www.comedyengland.com, aims to boost tourism, including domestic day visits and trips, by focusing on the locations of famous comedy shows, birthplaces and favourite haunts of well known British comedians and by promoting attractions, venues and events around England that feature the lighter side of life.

The comedy map highlights places such as Torquay (Faulty Towers), the Yorkshire Dales (Last of the Summer Wine), Wells in Somerset (the setting for Hot Fuzz) and Freshwater Beach, Dorset (the setting for the opening scenes of The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin).

Laurence Bresh of Enjoy England explained the strategy: "England is renowned for producing some of the best comedy in the world and our sense of humour is a trait that the English are famous for.

"Comedy is an integral part of our heritage and culture.

"The Comedy England campaign will encourage visitors to explore some of the regions, locations and attractions which have contributed to this.

"It will also further increase the 100 million trips that Brits take in their own country every year."

Highlights of the North East include the launch of Viz Magazine (Jesmond), the setting for the Likely Lads sitcom (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) and the home town of Stan Laurel (North Shields), before he teamed up with Oliver Hardy.  Venues such as Catch-22 in Middlesbrough and Newcastle's Hyena Comedy Cafe, and events including the NewcastleGateshead Comedy Festival (October) and the Saltburn Comedy Festival (17-21 July) are also being promoted. 

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