Portsmouth on a mission to increase time tourists spend in the city
Portsmouth City Council is looking to increase how long tourists spend on holiday in the city.
A survey conducted by Visit Portsmouth said that 54% of people who visit Portsmouth only stay for the day.
Jane Singh, Visit Portsmouth’s marketing manager, said: ‘We are looking to increase staying visits.’
The council is aiming for tourists to stay for a long time and see what the city has to offer.
It has launched a campaign to encourage tourists into the city by putting up posters in the London Underground, advertising events like Victorious Festival and attractions such as the Spinnaker Tower and the D-Day Story.
Ms Singh added: ‘Tourism is crucial to the city’s economy; both with regards to income and jobs and also making Portsmouth an attractive place to live.’
Estella Thomas, from Swansea, was visiting Portsmouth for three days. She explained that staying in Portsmouth for three days was ideal because it meant that she had the chance to explore tourist attractions and appreciate some of the hidden gems around the city.
The city is undergoing some redevelopments including rebuilding the sea defences to prolong the life of the sea front and entice more tourists into the city.
There are also plans to refurbish empty buildings into boutique hotels. This will be important for the visitor economy and attract new visitors.
Gunwharf Quays is the most popular destination for tourists in Portsmouth. For many, Gunwharf Quays is the closest outlet shopping centre to where they live.
Many tourist attractions in the city, including the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, are offering discounts to their visitors to help attract more people to the city.
