Latest News (Bristol) - Visit West

Kathryn Davis, Managing Director of Visit West, looks back on 2024 and ahead to 2025. 

The visitor economy in the West of England is reported to be worth a record £2.46 billion and supports 46,000 jobs, according to latest research figures from Visit West.  

With a new 5* hotel on the horizon, a new destination for food, beer and music lovers, as well as the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the long-awaited return of Gromit Unleashed 3 trail, iconic cultural events and festivals, 2025 is set to be a bumper year for Bristol! 

The first signs of spring are starting to emerge around Bath and Bristol and places are sparkling after their winter deep cleans. 

We take a look at press and media coverage of the 2024 #MerryBristmas campaign. 

As the calendar turns to 2025, Bristol Community Ferry Boats, a beloved locally owned cooperative, is charting an inspiring course for another year of service to the people of Bristol.

This year Bristol Airport teamed up with Jet2.com to sprinkle some Christmas cheer for some very deserving children and their families in the South West.

Bristol’s globally respected Encounters film festival will make a comeback in September 2025 following a change of management which sees Dave Taylor-Matthews take over as Executive Director. 

The festival, running from Sunday 12 to Saturday 25 January, will host more than 100 events and a competition to win tickets to the Comedy Competition finale. 

A roaring legacy lands at Cabot Circus as a giant 60-square-meter artwork brings the Bristol landmark to life in Dinosaur form.

From creative workshops to a global gift showcase, Sparks Bristol offers a unique destination for conscious holiday shopping and community connection this December.

Bristol Pride picked up the award for Best Non Music festival in the 2024 UK Festival Awards.