2026 is the year that the Bayeux Tapestry returns to England and next year is Millenium 2027 European Year Of The Normans, the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. But few dates are as iconic as 1066 and few towns as evocative in the national psyche as Hastings. Geographically Rye is at the heart of both of these exhibitions and commemorations. In light of this, The Mermaid Inn, the Rye Heritage Centre, Rye Museum and Charles Palmer Vineyards were all represented last week, at the 1066 Country Tourism Forum.
It was held appropriately in Hastings, and marked the end of #EnglishTourismWeek26, the theme of which this year was Local Stories, National Growth.
As our local destination and marketing organisation, these two unique events represent an opportunity that cannot be overestimated and is being wholeheartedly embraced. Leader of Rother District Council, Doug Oliver said, “1066 Country does a sterling job. It is essential for maximising the tourism industry in Rother which has a significant impact on our economy across the district.”
Sarah Broadbent, Chair of 1066 Country, led with the good news that the visitor economy supports 21% of all jobs locally, higher than the national average.
With this in mind, it was no surprise that the speaker list was so impressive and that the Stables Theatre was full.
The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, opened proceedings. As the King’s representative, he had been with his Majesty most recently at the opening of The Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve and Coast Path, the previous week. The modern history of this country and of our monarchy dates itself back to 1066, so we can safely assume that East Sussex will be seeing more of King Charles over the course of the next two years.
Such is the importance of the upcoming focus on our region, that not just one, but two local MPs were present: Helena Dollimore was on stage and Kieran Mullan, representing Bexhill and Battle, later joined via video. Working with The British Museum and Southern Railway, they are making plans for both easy access for local school children to the exhibition in London and to spread the resulting tourism down to our area.
In fact, the Unexpectedly 1066 Country marketing campaign is already running on the London Underground, as Alice Geraghty, the tourism marketing officer for 1066 Country demonstrated to us. A great opportunity for selfies next time you’re in the capital.
The economic value of tourism was also stressed by Patricia Yates CEO of both VisitEngland and VisitBritain. It’s worth an astounding £147 billion annually to the UK and generates £52 billion in tax revenues for the government. VisitBritain’s forecasts show visits up 5% and spend up 26%. This is back to pre-Covid levels, with our domestic economy and global instability being significant factors.
With teams abroad, her remit is international and she works to ensure that overseas tourism is high on the political and economic agenda. Anyone who has been to the Kino in the last two weeks will know which film I’m talking about if I mention Birmingham. VisitBritain has joined with nine studios and production companies (Netflix, Sony Pictures, Marvel, Warner Bros, HBO, Disney, Paramount, Universal and Studiocanal) to use the emotional power of cinema and film to showcase our beautiful country with the #StarringGREATBritain marketing campaign. I challenge you to watch their video without a tear in your eye or at least a catch in your throat.
In the coming weeks, I’ll introduce you to Rowena Cardwell and Nicky Russon, the dynamic pair behind Bloom Stays; John Stokes, the Head of National Programmes at The British Museum; Paul Barnes, from the Association of International Retail; Michael Dodds, originally an East Sussex boy, who is director of Normandy Tourism and Ann Booth-Clibborn, ex TV producer and now The Story Coach.
But for now I’ll leave you with the words of Sarah Broadbent, “I’m thrilled that the 1066 Country Tourism Forum was so well received – it was important for us to champion our membership which now represents over 140 businesses and organisations that make up our vibrant visitor economy. It also marked the soft launch of the next two years, which will be pivotal in putting our region in the spotlight thanks to the Bayeux Tapestry coming to London and the 2027 Year of the Normans.
“At a time when the landscape of destination marketing is shifting, our strength lies in working collectively. We may be small, but together we are mighty. We know our members, we know our area intimately, and while of course we support Sussex as a whole, we remain uniquely – and proudly – 1066 Country.”
Image Credits: Rebecca Brooker , Natasha Robinson , Rebecca Brooker , 1066 Country/Global and TFL .