London to travelers: We are open, and not just for business

(Source: Internet)

The news coming out of London of late has been grim, thanks in part to concerns over how the Brexit will affect tourism - among other factors of British life - as well as the murder of an American in Russell Square on Aug. 3.

But in fact, flights to the UK have jumped more than 7% in the month following the referendum vote, according to ForwardKeys, which analyzes reservation transactions.

And a bulk of that incoming traffic is from the U.S. and China, likely prompted by the favorable exchange rate.

To keep that momentum going, Londoners are quick to point out that their city - which consistently ranks high on travelers' wish lists - is not only open for business, but is rolling out the welcome mat. To that end, the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, launched an aggressive, if whimsical, campaign called #LondonIsOpen in collaboration with British artist David Shrigley.

The promotion features a series of art works splashed across the Tube network in an exhibition that also features works by 10 other international artists.

But while the artists' styles are different, the works, which include massive posters and digital displays, showcase the same themes of diversity and openness.

"We've asked some of the world's leading artists like [Shrigley] to help us communicate the simple but vital message that despite the uncertainties around Brexit, that London will remain an international city that embraces and celebrates diversity, a city where everyone is welcome, and a city that will not cut itself off from the rest of the world," Khan said in a statement about the exhibit.

Shrigley agreed, adding: "We need to send a message loud and clear that whoever you are and whatever your background, London is still open to you. ... This campaign is about what kind of city we want to live in and I'm proud to be working with the Mayor to get across the message that our capital is a place where everyone is welcome."

Six additional artists will eventually be added to the exhibition, which will continue into the fall.

Of course, it takes more than art to draw international visitors to the city. With that in mind, hoteliers and tour operators have wasted no time trumpeting packages that showcase the happy associations people have with London.

The Stafford London, for example, is making the most of its proximity to the Palace Theater, where "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is wowing audiences, by offering young guests such welcome amenities as Harry Potter cupcakes and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. The hotel shop even sells HP merchandise, like wands and temporary lightning tattoos for young fans.

Rivaling Harry Potter in the pantheon of happy British associations is, of course, Downton Abbey, and Friendly Planet Travel is already promoting its new Downton Abbey Christmas Ball package that offers visits to London film locations used in the hit series.

Highlights of the trip are a gala dinner and caroling at Highclere Castle, the actual setting of the series, plus a vintage bus tour of London and accommodations at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London.

I suspect that we will see a lot more of these upbeat offerings as British leaders deal with the aftermath of the EU referendum. It will be interesting to see in the coming months if their efforts pay off.