Tourism
Tourism is a long established and well-integrated activity in the West of England acknowledged to bring significant benefits. In 2003, the sub-region attracted just over 3m staying visitors spending 580m GBP as well as an estimated 17m day visitors spending a similar amount.
The West of England is a significant player in the regional tourism economy accounting for a good percentage of the South West's staying visitors, and tourism activity is an important strand of the local economy providing jobs and supporting businesses across the sub-region.
One of the area's core strengths is accessibility. The West of England is strategically located at a major crossroads on the national motorway system and is the gateway to both South Wales and the West Country. There is very good access by rail to Bath, Bristol and Weston and Bristol airport has experienced rapid growth over the past 5 years and is now the 9th largest airport in the UK, serving over 100 destinations.
The West of England has a strong and varied tourism offer with a main focus on the urban areas of Bath, Bristol and Weston super Mare. Bath as a World Heritage Site with its international profile and strong heritage and cultural offer is an important attractor in its own right. On the other hand, Bristol is a major city with an attractive waterfront and a wide range of entertainment and cultural facilities. Weston is a traditional coastal resort with an accessible seafront and amenities. The area can also offer a wide range of outdoor activities being bordered by the Cotswolds in the east and the Mendip Hills in the south.
There are a number of major projects and investments coming on stream which will add to the facilities and attractions on offer. They include the recently opened Thermae Spa in Bath, a new 500m GBP redevelopment of the main shopping area in Bristol due to open in 2008, the proposal for a new National Wildlife Conservation Park, new terminal facilities planned for Bristol airport and the redevelopment of the Bristol Industrial Museum.
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