Partners for England asked us to represent the region in the English Tourism Intelligence Partnership, which aims to improve tourism intelligence and statistics, tourism product and the economic impact analysis.

Meanwhile we have continued to offer the Cambridge model, and during this year we completed more than 25 Volume and Value studies for local authorities.

For more information on Economic Impact Studies click here.

We have developed a new website (www.hoteldevelopment.co.uk) designed to highlight the needs of the hotel sector. It helps bring planners and developers together on the basis of a shared agenda for investment. To complement this development work, we have completed more than 20 Site Development Assessments, providing support and insights to businesses wishing to locate into the region.

Championing responsible tourism was the main aim of our annual Conference. We conducted workshops to promote a responsible approach to business and invited regionally-based firms working in the field of responsible tourism and sustainable development to exhibit their products and services. Since then we have developed new 'green' pages on our consumer website - to view these go to visiteastofengland.com/green.

Our region-wide industry barometers measure results for attraction visits and accommodation occupancy levels. We have worked in partnership with many sub-regions and as a result we have expanded our panel of tourism businesses taking part in the Confidence Monitor.

More significantly perhaps, to avoid duplication of effort, many partners have decided to promote participation within their area in return for individual results. To view the latest Business Confidence Monitor click here.

Our commercial operations are going from strength to strength and new services are constantly added to our portfolio. In addition to visitor surveys, conversion research, mystery shopping, market segmentation and economic impact studies, we have also secured a number of bespoke projects such as the development of tourism strategy and action plans.

We have assessed the economic impact of the Southend and Lowestoft air shows, the Essex Jiangsu Festival and the Guardians of the King exhibition. We are also working with Maldon to enhance the visitor economy and develop a marketing activity plan.

For more information about our range of research services click here. Orders placed before 31st March will be eligible for a 10% discount.

So 2008 was a good year for us but we are keen to match this in 2009. Do let us know if you have any upcoming projects which could benefit from our experience. We are always happy to talk through ideas without obligation and look forward to working with you again soon.

Kind Regards,

Sergi Jarques
Customer Insight Manager
East of England Tourism

Direct line: 01284 727 480
Email: sjarques@eet.org.uk