Economic prosperity through cultural tourism

The UK is waiting to understand how the economy will prosper post Brexit and one of those sectors that has traditionally brought prosperity has been cultural tourism.

While Historic England reports large visitor numbers to top sites in the capital such as the Tower of London, other parts of the country could suffer and need investment to boost attractions.

Medway in Kent has many historic sites such as Rochester Castle, but even this needs a new visitor centre and there are current discussions of whether the installation of a 'big wheel' like the London Eye could bring in day trippers.

The question is whether the tourism economy could survive on its historical assets or whether a wider cultural offer is required.

Next year, the Hard Rock Hotel London opens complete with 80,000 items of memorabilia from the days when Jim Hendrix and Madonna used to stay and perform in this fashionable area of Oxford Street bordering Mayfair.

Join our round table in Greenwich this September where we will be exploring economic issues such as the drive towards a 24-hour city, complete with all-night opening of bars and clubs to extend the tourist dollar.