Latest news with #PlaceInformatics
North Wales Live
15-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Tourism a 'double edged sword' as overcrowding makes life a misery in holiday hotspots
Eryri local Andy Mctaggart admits to steering clear of driving on weekends. While he enjoys the national park's beauty, he avoids the congestion caused by tourists that fill the roads and snatch up parking spots. He's also cautious about mid-week excursions during peak season. "We know what times to go out and when not to go out," he stated. North Wales Live readers have been discussing the issue in our comments section. The situation resonates with many in northwest Wales where weekend traffic can cause chaos, with the A55 and A494 often jam-packed and the A496 so congested that villagers in Llanbedr find themselves ensnared within their own hamlet. In Abergwyngregyn, car lines heading to Aber Falls disrupt daily routines. One notorious hotspot for overtourism is Newborough on Anglesey, infamous for its doubled beach parking fees intended to reduce queues that transform the town into an impromptu car park. The local economy has seen a boost in some areas, with an influx of new campsites and caravan parks bringing in much needed funds. Post-Covid lockdowns have seen Bala emerge as one of Eryri's top attractions, joining the ranks of popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those keen on watersports. The surge in popularity has propelled the area to new heights of visitor numbers. Bala isn't the only location feeling the impact of increased tourism; towns like Dolgellau and Barmouth are described as being "under siege" during peak season, often struggling with facilities that can't cope with the demand. The effects of tourism aren't confined to northwest Wales either. Plans for a new national park in northeast Wales, focusing on the Dee Valley, are underway, and Flintshire Council is enhancing its coastal attractions, which remain relatively undiscovered by tourists. Andy points out that the current infrastructure is insufficient for the growing pressures, leaving both residents and tourists short-changed. Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, suggests that UK destinations must adapt by either managing capacity at busy sites or improving infrastructure in quieter areas that see fewer visitors. Hall observes a change in holiday patterns due to climate concerns, stating: "We're witnessing a climate-driven shift in how and where people choose to holiday," and adds: "The UK is no longer simply a backup option – it's fast becoming a destination of choice." Commenter Borntobemild says: 'Tourism brings £4.95 billion into Wales per year. Without it the country would be bankrupt. Stop moaning.' Geedeebee agrees: 'I live on the Denbighshire / Conwy border, on busy days I use Google maps to see where traffic is heaviest, usually A55, or coast road through Towyn, I then use local roads to avoid the jams. There are lots of times, when roads are quieter and there are fewer visitors, just choose when to go out. I can enjoy our land 12 months of the year so missing a few busy days isn't a hardship.' Cooperman1927 asks: 'So what would people rather see? A border control on the A55 stopping them? Then we can watch all the businesses close down!' Aledogymru adds: 'We only get a heatwave 2 or 3 times per year. So there is no problem. Just let everyone enjoy the sunshine. Tourists bring in money and jobs. No need to complain.' Hollyhead believes: 'It's a double edged sword. We need the visitors and the money, but we don't need the car parks and lines of illegally parked cars. Not an easy solution.' Weneedpie writes: 'Tourists are welcome, but sadly it only takes a small minority of them to spoil everyone's day. And it is not just Wales that suffers from over tourism during summer and school holidays, it's a world wide issue as well. And despite the dire warning of doom and gloom merchants, saying that the Welsh Parliament policies would be a disaster for tourism in Wales, they keep on coming in their droves. 'Over tourism is a sign of success, not one of failure, but at what cost to the environment and rights of local people to go about their daily lives. It's a fine balancing act that no one yet has found the answer to. But soon they will go home, and it will be quiet again, and we will have our beaches and mountains back. And next year it will be the same.' Gwyndaffy feels differently: 'I live near a hotspot, it's an anxiety and misery inducing nightmare. We went shopping on Thursday to stock up so we have no reason to go out over the weekend. Only extreme family emergencies will get me in the car on a summer weekend.' Verbatim replies: 'I live in a 'honey pot' location and I absolutely love it when it's heaving with tourists. The money that comes into the town is incredible and helps keep the places going during the long winter months. People moan every tourist season about the inconvenience to the locals, but hey, they'd be moaning if places shut down for the winter. Tourism needs to be embraced and facilities for parking, campervans and coaches should be put in place to help with the much needed income.' Pcplod thinks: 'This tourist problem has been caused by greedy Airbnb's, second home owners and the Disneyfication of our beautiful country. Stop advertising North Wales as a tourist destination, we have to live here, it's our home.' Indigodebz points out: 'I've been to many European tourist hotspots where you see street cleaners out day and night keeping everywhere spotless, never seen over spilled bins like this anywhere. Why is it not the same here?'
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotland Leads Footfall Recovery Across UK Town Centres
The latest Town Centre Visitor Report from Place Informatics, the UK's leader in visitor behaviour analytics, reveals a positive national shift, with average UK town centre footfall increasing by 2.87% year-on-year. While this points to a broader recovery, the data also highlights significant regional differences, though encouragingly, every region across the UK experienced some level of growth. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Using data from over 2,300 town centres, retail destinations, and tourism sites, the report highlights key regional trends, providing councils, BIDs, and local businesses with vital insights to drive strategic planning, attract visitors, and target investment. Key Town Centre Visitor Trends – March 2025 Scotland saw the highest growth with a 5.52% increase in footfall. London followed closely with 4.37%, while the South-East saw 3.52% growth. Other regions performing above the national average included North-West: +2.58%, Yorkshire and the Humber: +2.46%, South-West: +2.41% and West Midlands: +2.24% More modest growth was recorded in the North-East: +1.55%, Wales: +1.54%, Northern Ireland: +1.22%, East Midlands: +1.20% and East Anglia: +1.16% Scotland Leads Footfall Recovery Across UK Town Centres These figures signal a cautious but optimistic rebound in visitor numbers, with all UK regions experiencing year-on-year growth in March for the first time in recent reporting. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The overall increase in footfall likely reflects a combination of rising consumer confidence, easing inflation, and signs of economic recovery across the UK. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the UK economy returned to growth in early 2025, with modest GDP increases and improving retail sales figures contributing to a more optimistic outlook. At a local level, seasonal promotions, community events, and efforts to rejuvenate high streets—including government-backed regeneration schemes—have played a key role in attracting more people back to town centres. As inflation stabilises and wage growth begins to level or outpace living costs, consumers are showing a greater willingness to spend and engage with local businesses, helping drive this sustained rise in footfall. Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, commented, 'It's encouraging to see footfall rising across all regions of the UK, signalling growing confidence among both visitors and local communities. While growth varies between areas, the overall trend is a positive sign as town centres prepare for the summer months. With the support of timely visitor insights, councils and businesses can make more informed decisions and make the most of the opportunities ahead.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scotland leads footfall recovery across UK town centres
Scotland is leading the way in terms of footfall recovery across UK town centres, according to a new report. The latest Town Centre Visitor Report from Place Informatics, a UK leader in visitor behaviour analytics, reveals a positive national shift, with average UK town centre footfall increasing by 2.87% year-on-year. While this points to a broader recovery, the data also highlights significant regional differences, with every region across the UK experiencing some level of growth. Using data from over 2,300 town centres, retail destinations, and tourism sites, the report highlights key regional trends, providing councils, BIDs, and local businesses with vital insights to drive strategic planning, attract visitors, and target investment. According to the report, Scotland saw the highest growth with a 5.52% year-on-year increase in footfall. READ MORE: Glasgow city centre 'on the path to recovery' as retail sales and footfall rise Scottish shopping centre hails record-breaking 15.2 million visitors 'Remarkable' surge in interest around road trips in Scotland London followed closely with 4.37%, while the South-East saw 3.52% growth. Other regions performing above the national average included North-West: +2.58%, Yorkshire and the Humber: +2.46%, South-West: +2.41% and West Midlands: +2.24%. While modest growth was recorded in the North-East: +1.55%, Wales: +1.54%, Northern Ireland: +1.22%, East Midlands: +1.20% and East Anglia: +1.16%. Place Informatics said the figures signal a "cautious but optimistic" rebound in visitor numbers, with all UK regions experiencing year-on-year growth in March for the first time in recent reporting. The overall increase in footfall likely reflects a combination of rising consumer confidence, easing inflation, and signs of economic recovery across the UK, the visitor behaviour analytics firm added. The St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow (Image: St Enoch Centre) Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the UK economy returned to growth in early 2025, with modest GDP increases and improving retail sales figures contributing to a more optimistic outlook. At a local level, seasonal promotions, community events, and efforts to rejuvenate high streets—including government-backed regeneration schemes—have played a key role in attracting more people back to town centres. Place Informatics believes that, as "inflation stabilises and wage growth begins to level or outpace living costs", consumers are "showing a greater willingness to spend and engage with local businesses, helping drive this sustained rise in footfall". Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, commented: 'It's encouraging to see footfall rising across all regions of the UK, signalling growing confidence among both visitors and local communities. While growth varies between areas, the overall trend is a positive sign as town centres prepare for the summer months. With the support of timely visitor insights, councils and businesses can make more informed decisions and make the most of the opportunities ahead.' News of the report comes after a leading business figure in Glasgow declared that the city centre is "on the path to recovery". READ MORE: Glasgow property group ramps up presence in city's west end Major new projects raise hopes for Glasgow 'transformation' Boost for Sauchiehall Street as former showroom to become workspace It comes following the release of new data which revealed an increase in the number of people visiting the area and continued growth in retail sales. According to the latest figures from Glasgow City Council's City Centre Performance Dashboard, footfall in the city centre in the first quarter of the year rose by 3.7% - ahead of both the Scottish and UK averages. March also saw an increase of 7.3% in footfall compared to March 2024, with Glasgow's main pedestrianised shopping area, Buchanan Street, experiencing a 10% rise in footfall. Additionally, night-time footfall (between 6pm and 6am) rose 9.8% in the first quarter of the year, showing an uptick in visitors to the city centre as summer approaches. Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive month, Glasgow's city centre retail sales performance was ahead of Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and the UK average. Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "The latest footfall figures are an encouraging sign that Glasgow city centre is on the path to recovery. A solid year-on-year increase in the first four months of 2025 is a clear signal that people are returning in greater numbers and crucially, they are spending. The rise in general retail sales and strength in health and beauty also reflects growing consumer confidence. 'It's testament to the resilience of our city centre and to the coordinated efforts of businesses, public sector partners, and the Council. As we build momentum, it's vital we maintain this focus, ensuring the city centre remains vibrant, accessible and competitive for Glaswegians and visitors alike.'
The Herald Scotland
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland leads footfall recovery across UK town centres
While this points to a broader recovery, the data also highlights significant regional differences, with every region across the UK experiencing some level of growth. Using data from over 2,300 town centres, retail destinations, and tourism sites, the report highlights key regional trends, providing councils, BIDs, and local businesses with vital insights to drive strategic planning, attract visitors, and target investment. According to the report, Scotland saw the highest growth with a 5.52% year-on-year increase in footfall. READ MORE: London followed closely with 4.37%, while the South-East saw 3.52% growth. Other regions performing above the national average included North-West: +2.58%, Yorkshire and the Humber: +2.46%, South-West: +2.41% and West Midlands: +2.24%. While modest growth was recorded in the North-East: +1.55%, Wales: +1.54%, Northern Ireland: +1.22%, East Midlands: +1.20% and East Anglia: +1.16%. Place Informatics said the figures signal a "cautious but optimistic" rebound in visitor numbers, with all UK regions experiencing year-on-year growth in March for the first time in recent reporting. The overall increase in footfall likely reflects a combination of rising consumer confidence, easing inflation, and signs of economic recovery across the UK, the visitor behaviour analytics firm added. The St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow (Image: St Enoch Centre) Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the UK economy returned to growth in early 2025, with modest GDP increases and improving retail sales figures contributing to a more optimistic outlook. At a local level, seasonal promotions, community events, and efforts to rejuvenate high streets—including government-backed regeneration schemes—have played a key role in attracting more people back to town centres. Place Informatics believes that, as "inflation stabilises and wage growth begins to level or outpace living costs", consumers are "showing a greater willingness to spend and engage with local businesses, helping drive this sustained rise in footfall". Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, commented: 'It's encouraging to see footfall rising across all regions of the UK, signalling growing confidence among both visitors and local communities. While growth varies between areas, the overall trend is a positive sign as town centres prepare for the summer months. With the support of timely visitor insights, councils and businesses can make more informed decisions and make the most of the opportunities ahead.' News of the report comes after a leading business figure in Glasgow declared that the city centre is "on the path to recovery". READ MORE: It comes following the release of new data which revealed an increase in the number of people visiting the area and continued growth in retail sales. According to the latest figures from Glasgow City Council's City Centre Performance Dashboard, footfall in the city centre in the first quarter of the year rose by 3.7% - ahead of both the Scottish and UK averages. March also saw an increase of 7.3% in footfall compared to March 2024, with Glasgow's main pedestrianised shopping area, Buchanan Street, experiencing a 10% rise in footfall. Additionally, night-time footfall (between 6pm and 6am) rose 9.8% in the first quarter of the year, showing an uptick in visitors to the city centre as summer approaches. Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive month, Glasgow's city centre retail sales performance was ahead of Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and the UK average. Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "The latest footfall figures are an encouraging sign that Glasgow city centre is on the path to recovery. A solid year-on-year increase in the first four months of 2025 is a clear signal that people are returning in greater numbers and crucially, they are spending. The rise in general retail sales and strength in health and beauty also reflects growing consumer confidence. 'It's testament to the resilience of our city centre and to the coordinated efforts of businesses, public sector partners, and the Council. As we build momentum, it's vital we maintain this focus, ensuring the city centre remains vibrant, accessible and competitive for Glaswegians and visitors alike.'
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
How takeaway, delivery apps and data are shaping the future of Scottish town centres
As Scottish town centres respond to changing consumer habits, hospitality has become one of the most agile and influential sectors driving their transformation. With visitor patterns constantly shifting, food and drink venues are keeping high streets relevant by embracing new technologies and trends—reshaping how, where, and why people choose to engage with these spaces. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Two of the most significant trends currently reshaping hospitality on the high street are the rise of ghost kitchens and the increased use of green spaces for eating and leisure. These changes reflect broader shifts in visitor behaviour—shifts that Place Informatics is uniquely positioned to monitor through its national location analytics platform. Ghost kitchens, or dark kitchens, offer delivery-only operations without a traditional shopfront. They've become a lifeline for hospitality brands looking to reduce overheads and expand quickly. For national chains, this model enables scalable growth with minimal physical footprint. For high streets, these kitchens provide a cost-effective way to reactivate empty retail units, keeping commercial activity alive, even beyond standard trading hours. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the same time, visitor behaviour is increasingly spilling beyond the shopfront. With more people eating in parks, promenades, and informal town centre spaces, takeaway food has become an essential part of how town centres function. Councils are now using visitor data to align hospitality services with this outdoor shift, supporting formats like pop-up vendors, mobile kitchens and enhanced public infrastructure to match how people use spaces differently. Takeaways, Delivery Apps and Data Are Shaping the Future of Scottish Town Centres Place Informatics works with hospitality brands to identify location behaviour trends, guiding decisions on where to expand, which formats to use, and when to operate for optimal engagement. Whether it's a flagship restaurant or a delivery hub, these valuable insights provide chains with confidence in where and how to invest. Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, commented, 'We're seeing a clear rebalancing of the high street, with hospitality no longer just about the sit-down experience. Our data shows how delivery tech and flexible kitchens are playing a critical role in keeping town centres active and helping support other local businesses. Our role is to equip decision-makers with the data they need to balance concepts with strategy. Whether it's helping a national brand scale into a new town or giving councils the evidence to back investment into a public area or evening economy.'
