Family short breaks lure tourists

Shopping and other attractions are bringing more visitors to the city

More families are booking short breaks in Leicestershire, according to new figures from tourism promoters.

Hotel bookings for one package deal from Leicester Shire Promotions was up 640% in the past year.

A total of 97 rooms were booked in August 2007 compared to 624 in August 2008, the non-profit agency said.

City councillor Andy Connolly said the new Curve theatre and the expanded High Cross shopping centre have attracted more people to Leicester.

"Retail offers are an important part of it - but it is a mix of offers both cultural and shopping," he said.

"We need to continue with the regeneration and improving the street scene - people want to shop in attractive centres that are clean and tidy.

"I think we have upped our act - we now rival Nottingham."

The family short-break offer for a family of four included three family attractions for a total of £50.

Martin Peters, chief executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, said: "It seems people won't be as quick to book holidays abroad in the summer and instead will opt to spend their leisure time at a good quality UK destination - something that we are already seeing in Leicester and Leicestershire."