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ALVA Press releases

VISITOR NUMBERS TO THE UK’S MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS INCREASE BY AN AVERAGE OF 118% ACCORDING TO ALVA’S 2022 VISITOR FIGURES

17 March 2023: VISITOR NUMBERS TO THE UK’S MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS INCREASE BY AN AVERAGE OF 118% ACCORDING TO ALVA’S 2022 VISITOR FIGURES The impact of Covid hasn’t ended and the cost-of-living crisis sees an increase in visitors to free attractions - [more...]

OUTDOOR VISITOR ATTRACTIONS DOMINATE ALVA’S 2021 VISITOR FIGURES

18 March 2022: Visitor Attractions need continued support as number of visitors going to UK attractions in 2021 remain at 57% below 2019 pre-pandemic figures. [more...]

Huge fall of 66% in visitor numbers at UK attractions in 2020.

31 March 2021: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) releases the visitor figures of its members for 2020 today which saw a very strong start to the year, thanks to an increase in overseas visitors, but then a huge average decline of 66% throughout the UK following the outbreak of COVID-19. The total number of visits to ALVA sites in 2020 was 45.4million, representing an annual decline of 70% on the 151.3million for 2019 on the top 294 ALVA sites. [more...]

SUPPORT AND VISIT YOUR MUCH-LOVED ATTRACTIONS WHEN YOU CAN

31 March 2021: The 2020 annual Visitor figures are evidence that Attractions need continued support from the public and Government in 2021. [more...]

- FROM ART TO ZOOS – LEARNING UNDER LOCKDOWN THE UK’S TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS OFFER EDUCATIONAL WORK AND CONTENT FOR CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS

29 January 2021: With week 5 of homeschooling about to begin, members of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) are offering a variety of innovative “virtual” learning activities for Children and Schools. [more...]

UK SITES INCREASE VISITOR NUMBERS BY 5.59% - - British Museum maintains top position - - Winter attractions encourage all year round visits - - Dinosaurs continue to be a roaring success

14 July 2020: As visitor attractions continue to reopen across the UK and the reduced VAT rate of 5% is implemented today, (Wednesday, July 15, 2020), the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) releases the visitor figures of its members for 2019, which saw an average increase of 5.59% on 2018 visits to UK attractions, while attractions in Scotland saw the biggest increase of 10.41%. Overall 144,969,157 visits were made to the top 266 ALVA sites in the UK, compared to 138,823,297 visits in 2018. [more...]

UK SITES INCREASE VISITOR NUMBERS BY 5.59%

Creative Industries Federation, UKHospitality and Association of Leading Visitor Attractions call for additional funds for those businesses who will be latest to return to work.

28 May 2020: Today, industry bodies representing creative industries, hospitality and visitor attractions have issued a statement calling on government to extend support for those businesses and professionals who will be latest to return to work, warning of a financial “cliff-edge” for businesses that will be unable to resume full levels of operation for some time. [more...]

THE UK’S TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS CELEBRATE VE DAY THROUGH AUDIO AND VISUAL EXPERIENCES

01 May 2020: Although the Country cannot come together to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day on Friday, May 8, 2020, it is not stopping the members of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) celebrating in a variety of ways. These range from Singing & Dancing to understanding which laws were passed during World War II to hearing and seeing how the people of the time experienced the day. [more...]

THE UK’S TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS OFFER ONLINE EASTER ACTIVITIES - From Egg-cellent eggs-periments to recipes to church services to virtual egg hunts -

10 April 2020: While people are relaxing over the Easter break, members of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) are offering a variety of “virtual” Easter activities to keep the old and young busy from the comfort of their own homes. These range from Egg-cellent eggs-periments at the Science Museum to Cathedral services at Durham Cathedral to cookery suggestions from English Heritage and Waddesdon Manor and a Great Easter Scavenger Hunt from the National Trust. [more...]

The UK’s top visitor attractions may be closed but they’re open online to the world Millions of online visitors are creating their own ‘UK tourism must-visit list’ of places to visit when attractions re-open their doors

25 March 2020: Millions of people around the world, and us Brits, are at home, online and being inspired by members of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions); they are discovering the breadth, depth and diversity of the UK’s visitor attractions through websites and digital galleries, science podcasts, virtual tours of Parliament, through to web-cams of zoos and safari parks, as well as being able to take part in church and cathedral services and watching opera and theatre. [more...]

THE ASSOCIATION OF LEADING VISITOR ATTRACTIONS (ALVA) POSTPONE ACTIVITY AROUND ITS MEMBERS' VISITOR FIGURES FOR 2019 UNTIL A LATER DAY

24 March 2020: “In the light of the Prime Minister's statement last night and the severe restrictions on leaving home, we feel that to issue the results of last year's bumper year for visitor attractions would be inappropriate when all of our members are closed and are facing challenging times. We will issue the data later in the Spring. [more...]

ALVA Visitor Figures Press Release (UK): UK SITES INCREASE VISITOR NUMBERS BY 8.68%

27 March 2019: Prior to English Tourism Week, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2018 today (Wednesday, March 27, 2019), which saw an average increase of 8.68% on 2017 visits to UK attractions, while attractions in Scotland saw the biggest increase of 19.07%. Overall 138, 823, 297 visits were made to the top 249 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

ALVA Visitor Figures Press Release (England): Birmingham& Belfast see the “Dippy” effect and the “Terracotta Warriors” take Liverpool by storm!

ALVA Visitor Figures Press Release (Scotland): Scotland out performs the rest of the UK for the 7th year running

27 March 2019: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2018 today (Wednesday, March 27, 2019), which saw an average increase of 8.68% on 2017 visits to UK attractions, while attractions in Scotland saw the biggest increase of 19.07%. Overall 138, 823, 297 visits were made to the top 249 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

ALVA Visitor Figures Press Release (London): Tate Modern is the most visited attraction in the UK

UK AS A WHOLE SEES 7.3% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS

16 March 2018: On the eve of English Tourism Week, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2017 today (Friday, March 16, 2018), which saw an average increase of 7.3% on 2016 visitor numbers to UK attractions. Attractions in Scotland have seen consistent growth and saw an increase of 13.9%, while in Northern Ireland, there was 6.5% growth. Overall 129,954,657 visits were made to the top 238 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

London attractions such as the V&A, Tate Britain, Kensington Palace and Museum of London Docklands see a substantial increase in visitors

16 March 2018: On the eve of English Tourism Week, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2017 today (Friday, March 16, 2018), which saw an average increase of 7.3% on 2016 visitor numbers to UK attractions. Attractions in London saw an increase of 1.2% compared to 0.1% in 2016 and overall 129,954,657 visits were made to the top 238 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

Scotland out performs the rest of the UK for the 6th year running

16 March 2018: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2017 today (Friday, March 16, 2018), which saw an average increase of 7.3% on 2016 visitor numbers to UK attractions. Attractions in Scotland have seen consistent growth and saw an increase of 13.9%, while in Northern Ireland, there was 5.1% growth. Overall 129,954,657 visits were made to the top 238 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

UK AS A WHOLE SEES 7.2% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBER

BLOOMS & BLOCKBUSTERS STRENGTHEN LONDON’S VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2016

27 March 2017: In 2016, 66,938,947 people – more than the total population of the UK - visited attractions in London and therefore it is no surprise that the Top 10 most visited attractions were all London based. [more...]

SCOTLAND OUTPERFORMS THE REST OF THE UK WITH A 15.6% INCREASE IN VISITORS TO ITS ATTRACTIONS

27 March 2017: Scottish attractions had one of their best years on record in 2016, with the greatest increase of 15.6% with 15million visitors. Overall 130,248,728 visits were made to the top 241 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

ALVA announces its members' visitor figures for 2016

27 March 2017: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2016 today (Monday, March 27, 2017), which saw an average increase of 7.2% on 2015 visitor numbers to UK attractions. Scottish attractions had the greatest increase of 15.6% growth. Overall 129,948,728 visits were made to the top 241 ALVA sites in the UK. [more...]

LONDON VISITORS ATTRACTIONS SEE 1.61%% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2015

07 March 2016: -Scotland sees 5.48% increase, while the UK as a whole sees 3.2% increase - The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2015 today (Monday, March 7, 2016), which saw an average increase of 1.61% on 2014 visitor numbers to London attractions. Scottish attractions had the greatest increase of 5.48%. Overall 124.4million visits were made to the top 230 ALVA sites. [more...]

SCOTLAND SEES 5.48% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2015

07 March 2016: - UK visitors attractions see increase of 3.2%, while London sees 1.61% increase - The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2015 today (Monday, March 7, 2016), which Scottish attractions have the greatest increase of 5.48%. Overall 124.4million visits were made to the top 230 ALVA sites. [more...]

UK VISITORS ATTRACTIONS SEE 3.2% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2015

07 March 2016: -Scotland sees 5.48% increase, while London sees 1.61% increase - The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2015 today (Monday, March 7, 2016), which saw an average increase of 3.2% on 2014 visitor numbers. Scottish attractions had the greatest increase of 5.48%, while London had an increase of 1.61%. Overall 124.4million visits were made to the top 230 ALVA sites. [more...]

Titanic Belfast hosts largest ALVA Council meeting in 25 years

26 May 2015: Titanic Belfast has hosted ALVA's largest gathering of its members in 25 years. The Council meeting, held for the first time in Northern Ireland, was addressed by newly appointed Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Jonathan Bell MLA. [more...]

UK VISITORS ATTRACTIONS SEE 6.5% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2014 -Scotland sees the Commonwealth Games effect with a 9.98% increase -

16 March 2015: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2014 today (Monday, March 16, 2015), which saw an average increase of 6.5% on 2013 visitor numbers. Scottish attractions had the greatest increase of almost 10% increase, followed by London with an increase of 7.11%. [more...]

UK VISITORS ATTRACTIONS SEE 6.5% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2014 -Scotland sees 9.98% increase, while London sees 7.11% increase -

UK VISITORS ATTRACTIONS SEE 6.5% INCREASE IN VISITOR NUMBERS IN 2014 - London sees 7.11% increase -

16 March 2015: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2014 today (Monday, March 16, 2015), which saw an average increase of 6.5% on 2013 visitor numbers. Scottish attractions had the greatest increase of almost 10%, followed by London with an increase of 7.11%. [more...]

ASSOCIATION OF LEADING VISITOR ATTRACTIONS (ALVA) ANNOUNCE THAT THE GREATEST GROWTH IN 2014 UP TO START OF AUGUST IS FOR ?OUTDOOR? ATTRACTIONS

27 October 2014: Following a request from BBC Breakfast, ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) revealed today (Wednesday, October 8, 2014) that its members have, on average, grown their visitor numbers by at least 4% on top of a very successful year in 2013. These figures are up to the beginning of August. [more...]

THIS SUMMER`S VISITOR NUMBERS ARE 22.3% GREATER THAN THE SAME PERIOD IN 2012

13 August 2013: Following a survey by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) for the Daily Telegraph (Saturday, August 10, 2013), they are pleased to announce that this summer's visitor numbers are 22.3% greater than the same period in 2012, 18.3% higher than in 2011 and 21.2% higher than in 2010. [more...]

ALVA Visitor Figures for 2012

12 March 2013: Please see the attached file [more...]

MUSEUMS IN LIVERPOOL ARE THE MOST POPULAR IN ENGLAND OUTSIDE LONDON ACCORDING TO THE 2012 VISITOR FIGURES ISSUED BY ALVA

12 March 2013: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2012 today (Tuesday, March 12, 2013) revealing that Museums in Liverpool had an extremely good year, achieving some of the best results across the UK [more...]

INVESTMENT CONTINUES TO REAP REWARDS FOR SCOTTISH ATTRACTIONS IN 2012 ACCORDING TO VISITOR FIGURES ISSUED BY ALVA

12 March 2013: However, the weather severely affected outdoor attractions and gardens The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2012 today (Tuesday, March 12, 2013) revealing that Scottish attractions continued to be hugely popular, achieving some of the best results in the UK [more...]

VISITORS FELL IN LOVE WITH MODERN BRITISH ART & DESIGN IN 2012 ACCORDING TO VISITOR FIGURES ISSUED BY ALVA

12 March 2013: - Attractions in the North West saw an increase in visitors - - The weather severely affected outdoor attractions and gardens - The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2012 today (Tuesday, March 12, 2013) revealing that visitors had fallen in love with British Art & Design, Glamour and Film. [more...]

ALVA Audit of weather and Olympic impact on visitor attractions

09 October 2012: ALVA MEMBERS IN LONDON REPORT DECREASE OF UPTO 21.3% IN VISITOR FIGURES OVER THIS SUMMER [more...]

ALVA Condemns Government Dithering Over Tourism Minister's Role

06 September 2012: ALVA Director Bernard Donoghue today stated his profound disappointment and regret that the DCMS Tourism Minister John Penrose MP has stepped down in an apparent response to the Government's diminution of tourism's status and resources following a reduction in the size of the Department post-Olympics. [more...]

INVESTMENT IN MUSEUMS OBVIOUSLY PAYS, ACCORDING TO 2011 VISITOR FIGURES

05 March 2012: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) announced its members' visitor figures for 2011 today (Monday, March 5, 2012) revealing that new and refurbished museums captured visitor's imaginations on a local, national and international level. [more...]

TV, film and radio hits bring visitors to UK attractions

23 February 2011: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) today reports an increase of 0.38% in its members visitor figures in 2010. Overall, visitor figures at the countrys foremost museums, galleries, heritage sites, cathedrals, gardens, zoos and leisure parks increased marginally, holding steady in a year of exceptional circumstances, and after a record-breaking 2009. [more...]

UK’s visitor attractions come through snow to offer second staycation summer for ash-trapped Britons

27 May 2010: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) today reports its members’ visitor figures holding steady during early 2010, despite one of the coldest winters in a generation. [more...]

Britain’s visitor attractions report buoyant 2009 and voice their concerns for the future

23 February 2010: The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) releases its members’ visitor figures for 2009 today, with the vast majority of members reporting an increase in the number of people visiting the country’s foremost museums, galleries, heritage sites, cathedrals, gardens, zoos and leisure parks. The median increase across the sector was 10.9%. [more...]

Britain’s visitor attractions report a booming summer

20 October 2009: New figures from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) show that the country’s foremost museums, galleries, heritage sites, cathedrals, gardens, zoos and leisure parks have had a booming summer. Visitor figures across ALVA members’ attractions have increased by 3.4% compared to the same period in 2008 (1 May – 31 August). Furthermore, the majority of attractions reported a rise in both retail and catering spend overall. [more...]

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