The British Tourism & Travel Show team are saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We have so much gratitude and respect for the unfaltering service and commitment she has given to this country and her enormous contribution to the tourism economy.
Today the Death Gun Salute saw 96 rounds fired, one for each year of respect for Her Majesty’s life, fired at 10 second intervals in 12 locations across the United Kingdom. Locations included Hyde Park, The Tower of London, Royal Navy ships and Colchester (pictured left) to name a few. The guns fired at 1pm Friday 9 September to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and tomorrow 21 shots will be fired to announce the new King, King Charles III at 11am Saturday 10 September.
The Queen was the most well-travelled monarch in history. Since her accession to the throne in 1952, she has undertaken 263 official foreign visits and travelled to 120 countries since her first trip to Kenya in 1952. She left a special mark on many hearts around the world, as a well-known and well-loved figure.
Undeniably, Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family play a large role in making the United Kingdom a desirable place for tourism. History and British heritage are the biggest reasons for those around the world to visit, taking in the culture of the Royal Palaces.
The Platinum Jubilee, celebrated between 2-5 June 2022, rejuvenated UK tourism. Especially after the severe travel restrictions enforced across the country during the coronavirus pandemic. This momentous occasion attracted flocks of tourists to Britain to celebrate the Queens 70-year long reign. She is a national treasure not only to British citizens but to the Commonwealth and beyond. The Jubilee celebrations, and what this represented for the Queen, opened a new chapter as tourists started returning.
Buckingham Palace and the Royal Palaces have been in the top-10 UK tourist attractions for decades and will reign forever more as the United Kingdom continues to add to its history and heritage with the Royal Family.
Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Royal Family and the nation mourning the loss of our longest reigning monarch.
Her Majesty the Queen. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.