Experience UK, a not-for-profit trade association representing British businesses involved in the creation and delivery of world-class visitor attractions and experiences, praises the announcement of Universal United Kingdom Resort.
The £5 billion development, it says, presents significant opportunities for both businesses in Bedfordshire and those operating across the UK's broader attractions, tourism, leisure, culture and visitor experience industries.
'A powerful endorsement'
As one of Europe's largest visitor destinations, Experience UK predicts that the long-term impact of Universal United Kingdom Resort will include increased investment, greater supply chain opportunities, skills development, and the international recognition of British expertise in crafting top-tier experiences.
British companies deliver projects for destinations worldwide, and the association notes that the project marks a significant vote of confidence in the UK's capabilities in attraction design, masterplanning, immersive technology, creative storytelling, operations and visitor experience innovation.
Richard Parry, chairperson of Experience UK: "This project has the potential to create opportunities for businesses across every part of the UK experience economy."
Image courtesy of Experience UK
"Much of the conversation surrounding Universal has rightly focused on the economic impact for Bedfordshire, but the opportunities created by this investment extend far beyond a single region," says Richard Parry, chairperson of Experience UK.
"This project has the potential to create opportunities for businesses across every part of the UK experience economy.
"From creative studios and experience designers to technology providers, consultants, operators and specialist suppliers, companies throughout the country stand to benefit from one of the most significant visitor destination developments Europe has seen in decades."
Ian Clappison, CEO of Experience UK: "We believe the project will act as a catalyst for further investment, innovation and skills development."
Image courtesy of Experience UK
Ian Clappison, CEO of Experience UK, says: "Universal's decision to establish its first European resort destination in the UK is also a powerful endorsement of British expertise.
"Our members already help create some of the world's most successful attractions, museums, immersive experiences and entertainment destinations, and this investment further strengthens the UK's reputation as a global centre of excellence for the experience economy.
"We believe the project will act as a catalyst for further investment, innovation and skills development across the sector, helping to attract international attention and create new opportunities for British businesses both at home and overseas."
Experience UK believes the development will foster demand across an expansive range of industries, including creative services, themed entertainment, immersive technology, show systems, live experiences, architecture, engineering, operations, hospitality and visitor attraction management.
The association also emphasises the project's potential to inspire future talent, strengthen industry training pathways, and promote further investment in the UK's visitor economy, helping to secure long-term growth throughout the sector.
Last month, Experience UK announced that it will host its Summer Social mixer on 9 July at the NEC - Nation’s Experience Capital in Birmingham.
