LONDON - Rude, fussy and incompetent, television hotelier
Basil Fawlty seems an unlikely character to be promoting British tourism.
But a six-month campaign, announced on Friday, will enlist
"local comedy heroes" such as John Cleese's eccentric character, to boost
visitor numbers.
The Comedy England campaign hopes to encourage tourists to
"explore English destinations linked to our rich and diverse comedic history and
heritage", the VisitBritain national tourism body announced.
Sites associated with other famous comedians such as Jennifer
Saunders, Lenny Henry and Laurel and Hardy will also be included.
The campaign, costing about 100,000 pounds, intends to
highlight 150 of the country's "comedic locations" including the resort of
Torquay, the location of Fawlty Towers, and Turville, Buckinghamshire, where the
Vicar of Dibley starring Dawn French was set.
Live comedy venues also get a plug as well as historic
buildings with a comedy connection such as the Laurel and Hardy Museum at
Ulverston in Cumbria, northwest England.
Initially aimed at local audiences, officials from the
tourism body said that if successful it would be extended world-wide.
"England is renowned for producing some of the best comedy in
the world and our sense of humour is a trait that the English are famous for,"
said the campaign's general manager of marketing, Laurence Bresh.
"Comedy is an integral part of our heritage and culture and the ... campaign
will encourage visitors to explore some of the regions, locations and
attractions which have contributed to this." - Reuters
