Department for International Trade . Foreword .
A
warm welcome to the 2022 edition of the Experience UK Annual Guide . At the time of writing , despite the continued prevalence of COVID-19 , it does appear that the world of the experience economy is getting back towards something which resembles normal . As travel restrictions ease , we are seeing a gradual increase in footfall at attractions which , of course , is the life blood of the industry . Without customers for the brilliant products and services which our companies offer , demand for new projects and concepts will stagnate . The last two years have been immensely challenging for both operators and suppliers and I fervently hope that we are at the start of a more positive period .
After two years of an almost complete lack of physical events , we at the DIT are delighted to be planning on taking a strong role in the sector ’ s key moments and markets . We have substantial plans for Saudi Arabia , involving trade missions and the Saudi Entertainment and Attractions Show . Saudi Arabia – and the rest of the Gulf – has been one of the few bright spots for the industry , with Vision 2030 coming to life before our eyes . I also want to pay tribute to the immense contribution made by UK companies to EXPO2020 in Dubai – where British products and services played an important role right across the EXPO site – and I look forward to working with Experience UK in creating a lasting tribute to that success . The Museums and Heritage Show , MAPIC / Leisurup , and IAAPA in Orlando are major moments for us and I am really excited by the thought of working with Experience UK on the IAAPA Europe show in London – a chance for us to play at home , so to speak .
Away from set piece events , I look forward to our experiential companies playing a leading role in the revitalisation of towns and cities after the ravages of COVID-19 . Changes in working habits , a residual nervousness about social contact plus the almost total collapse of international tourism have created a challenge – but also an opportunity . Working with the Experience UK team on “ Experience On Main Street ” certainly opened my eyes to the creative brilliance we have in the UK and as we emerge – hopefully – from the pandemic , I hope to play my part in making cities around the world aware of the placemaking and storytelling skills that the companies in this Guide possess .
Wishing you a successful , healthy and peaceful year .
Richard Parry , Experience Economy Lead , Department for International Trade
experienceuk . org
07