Factfile
A vibrant tourism economy
- Over 4 million visitors (789,000 overnight)
- Value to economy £365 million
- Over 7,500 bedspaces (2nd biggest in South East)
- 30,000 conference bednights - value £5 ½ million
- Well placed to receive overseas visitors with Newhaven, Gatwick Airport and the Channel Tunnel all within easy reach
- Approximately 20,000 people use the Tourist Information Services every year
- 55% of visitors have never been before
- Over 50 Tourist attractions offering ideal family entertainment
- Record tennis sales 2007: 36,759 - highest in 320year history
Awards & accolades
- 2 Quality Coast awards
- Most Group-Friendly UK Destination Finalist 2007 (winner 2006)
- Best UK Resort Finalist 2007 and 2006 (winner in 2005)
- Number One UK Destination (Co-op Travel 2007)
- Filming venue - Harry Potter, Little Britain
- Sunniest Place in Great Britain (Halifax Quality of Life Survey 2007)
New development:
- Eastbourne National Park gateway to South Downs
- Seafront - new restaurants, sun loungers, beach decking, wooden cabins, double deckchair
- New Bandstand family concert programme
- Outdoor sports - paragliding, inline skating, windsurfing, cycling trails
- Vibrant events programme - Worlds biggest free seafront airshow!
- Over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs are created by Tourism in Eastbourne
Investment:
- Hotels - Cavendish Hotel £4 million
- Seafront shelter restaurants - Roux Express, Bellisimo
- Children's theme parks £2 million
- Watersports Centre - now open
- Cultural Centre £8 ½ million - opens Spring 08
- Town Centre Redevelopment £100 million 2011
A Changing Place to Live:
- University of Brighton campus
- New housing - fastest growing town for families in South East
- Cheaper housing and frequent trains for commuters
- Diverse package - holiday, conferences, language schools
To find out about the economic impact of tourism in Eastbourne read a report online