Tourism up, up and away as balloons take off
Preparing for a fabulous view of Doncaster from Cusworth Hall are l-r DMBC tourism manager Colin Joy, Mayor Peter Davies, Virgin ballooning pilot Chris Oxby, and tourism board member and Bawtry town councillor John Walsh. Picture: Liz Mockler D4042LM
VISITOR numbers to Doncaster are set to take off - with the launch of sightseeing hot air balloon trips across the town.
Mayor of Doncaster Peter Davies yesterday gave the thumbs-up to Virgin Balloon Flights which will lift off from historic Cusworth Hall later this year.
Last year, visitor numbers to Doncaster attractions were up by 14.8 per cent and the flights are set to deliver another tourism boost.
Mr Davies said: “These flights are a welcome addition to Doncaster’s long list of attractions that includes Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster Markets, the Mansion House, and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
“They will offer those with a head for heights stunning views of our beautiful town and surrounding areas.”
The flights will take off from the parkland surrounding Doncaster Council’s Cusworth Hall, one of the area’s most popular attractions.
Passengers will have the chance to see dramatic views of the Grade I listed Cusworth Hall as well as surrounding sights such as Conisbrough Castle, Doncaster Racecourse and the Keepmoat Stadium as the large red balloon flies as high as 5,000ft for around an hour at a time.
Tourism employs 10,500 people in Doncaster and the economic contribution of tourism to the local economy is £400m annually with 13.8 million day visitors contributing £220m of the total.
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Weather for Thorne
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 16 C
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Wind direction: North
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