VisitBritain launches campaign in France inspiring visitors to explore more of Britain

The latest phase of its GREAT Britain marketing campaign in France, called ‘Audacious Kingdom’, invites visitors to come and ‘See Things Differently’ on the most audacious holiday ever, showcasing Britain as a welcoming, diverse and dynamic destination waiting to surprise visitors. 

“Alfie”, a computer-generated English concierge, spills the tea on the best spots for an exciting and fun-filled holiday in Britain. Alfie shares ‘in the know’ holiday tips for exciting outdoor adventures, innovative food spots and vibrant cultural experiences, showing Britain’s contemporary offer for visitors to come and discover right now. 

VisitBritain Country Manager France & Benelux Severine Tharreau said: 

“France is a very important inbound visitor market for the UK. Our latest campaign harnesses the excitement of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris to show French visitors that Britian is filled with sporty, outdoor adventures to come and enjoy now, alongside highlighting our culinary and cultural offer. 

“From surfing our wild coastlines to exploring our bustling cities packed with foodie experiences, we’re showing French visitors there are audacious experiences to discover in Britain as well as promoting our warm British welcome.”

The multi-media marketing campaign, running from June to 11 July across France, is using a mix of channels including social media and digital TV. Digital advertising includes electronic billboards in Gare du Nord, Paris, with Alfie appearing as a 3D figure giving audacious holiday tips. 

Campaign content is driving online traffic to a dedicated French website with ideas and activities, visitor attractions and experiences using #lovegreatbritain, inspiring visitors to discover more, travel further and stay longer. VisitBritain is working with TripAdvisor in France to convert the interest into immediate bookings.

VisitBritain recently hosted six French influencers on a four-day trip to Britain putting a spotlight on sporty and outdoors experiences. Earlier in June, Olympic medallist Desirèe Henry welcomed the group to London’s Olympic Park before they headed off on adventures across Britain. From mountain biking in Northumberland, archery by Loch Lomond in Scotland to coasteering in North Wales, the group documented their exciting challenges on social media encouraging visitors to explore more of Britain.

As part of its GREAT Britain marketing campaign to drive visits, VisitBritain worked with Marketing Liverpool to promote Britain’s food, drink and cultural offer at the International Bordeaux Wine Festival from 27 to 30 June, with Liverpool the official guest city of the festival. Events included a showcase of musical talent from Liverpool, top British chefs and a reception with French travel trade and media aboard one of the festival’s famous tall ships. 

VisitBritain’s latest forecast shows that the UK is set to welcome 3.6 million visits from France in 2024, with those visitors forecast to spend £1.9 billion on their trips. 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• VisitBritain’s international GREAT Britain marketing campaign invites visitors to ‘See Things Differently’, showcasing Britain as a dynamic, diverse and exciting destination, packed full of activities to come and enjoy now, with a warm British welcome at its heart. VisitBritain promotes the UK internationally as a visitor destination as part of the UK Government’s global GREAT campaign.