An Eyre of optimism for new Bronte guide
Published: September 8, 2011
A new Bronte campaign to coincide with a major new blockbuster version of Jane Eyre is being launched to roll out the red carpet to tourists.
Welcome to Yorkshire has produced the new guide which is being launched at the same time as the film's UK release on September 9, starring Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska.
The campaign includes a pocket guide complete with map which features a list of key Bronte sites, nearby attractions, accommodation and other points of interest. It also includes information on travel and background on the new film.
The online campaign allows visitors to download the guide, plus see video footage of the area, clips of the new film and find out more about Bronte Country in greater detail.
Welcome to Yorkshire has already rolled out a USA version of the campaign across America to make more potential tourists aware of Bronte Country and Yorkshire.
New figures released in August show overseas visitors are choosing to spend more time and money in Yorkshire according to the International Passenger Survey. In the first quarter of 2011, people who came to Yorkshire from abroad spent over 70% more than in the same period in 2010.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Bronte Country is the only place on the planet where visitors can get this close to where it all began and the family that created literary history.
"The stunning scenery is matched only by the stories written by the Brontes, and to have a major international film again tell the story of Jane Eyre to the world is fantastic for Yorkshire. That's why we have created this guide to take full advantage of the hype created by this new film."
Bronte Country takes in a number of Bradford district towns and villages including Haworth, Stanbury, Keighley, Ingrow West, Oakworth and Oxenhope. It also sits in the heart of the picturesque Pennine Yorkshire.
It's a big year for Bronte fans with another big screen adaptation on the way with director Andrea Arnold's version of Wuthering Heights released on November 11.
The pocket guides are available from Tourist Information Centres, events, various hotels and attractions and can be downloaded at Yorkshire.com
For more information on Bronte Country, things to do and places to stay, visit www.yorkshire.com/janeeyre
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Image available: Mia Wasikowska stars as Jane Eyre with Michael Fassbender as Edward Rochester
Editors' Notes:
- Welcome to Yorkshire is the official destination management organisation for Yorkshire, working to grow the county's visitor economy.
- Welcome to Yorkshire is funded by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy.
- Key facts include:
- Tourism in Yorkshire is worth £7 billion annually
- The county's industry employs almost a quarter of a million people
- There are 216 million visits to Yorkshire each year
For more news and a free image bank /mediacentre
For further information contact:
Graham Poucher - Press Officer
Email: gpoucher@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3578
Mobile: 07805 958728
Beverley Richmond - Press Officer
Email: brichmond@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3507
Mobile: 07769 257380