OVERSEAS visitor numbers are on the up in Stratford says the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The charity – which cares for the five Shakespeare family properties in around the town, is welcoming back a flood of international travellers for the first time post-pandemic.
Figures show that throughout May, 21 per cent of ticketed visitors to the properties were from abroad. A majority of those – 61 per cent – came from the US, but visitors from some 35 different nations were welcomed during the month.
International visitors also make up half of all pre-booked forward bookings taken by the trust for the summer season ahead, with 78 per cent of those coming from the US.
Pre-pandemic, overseas visitors accounted for around 40 per cent of tickets, but these new figures put the trust ahead of its forecasts for the year.
Rachael Boyd, director of visitor experience at the trust, said: “After what has been such an uncertain and difficult time for the tourism industry, this is such welcome news for us here at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and for Stratford-upon-Avon and the wider Shakespeare Country.
“It is fantastic to see our international visitors returning to the home of Shakespeare, and to see so many people travelling from so many different nations again.
“Whilst visitors from the Far East are yet to return, the growth in the US market in particular is hugely encouraging and puts us ahead of forecast.”
The trust is soon to release details of its summer 2022 programme, when it is looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to the Shakespeare properties, including a special series of family events at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm.
Overseas visitor numbers are on the up at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
