The Millennium was a year of great expansion for the attractions sector according to a report released this month by the English Tourism Council (ETC). Sightseeing in the UK 2000 shows that more than £377m was invested in 800 attractions during the year, which pulled in 413m visitors who spent around £1.4bn. The annual report states that 79 new attractions opened in 2000, with the two most high-profile newcomers, the Dome and the London Eye, becoming Britain's most visited paid admission attractions, drawing combined visitor numbers of nearly 10m people. Blackpool Pleasure Beach retained its position as top free attraction with 6.8m visits, closely followed by The British Museum, The National Gallery and newcomer the Tate Modern. Overall, free attractions fared better than those with admission charges. Despite the fuel crisis in September, poor weather and flooding towards the end of the year, the majority of visitors to attractions were domestic, with only 14 per cent coming from overseas. It is clear that in the future, attractions will need to continue to be innovative and creative to hold on to their market share. Targeting the domestic market will also be a key to their success in the current climate post September 11, said Naomi Cohen, ETC head of communications. Sightseeing in the UK 2000 is available from the ETC for £45. Details: +44 (0)870 606 7204
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