One of the UK’s top providers of luxury accommodation, The Beautiful House Company, has responded to news that Visit England, the country’s tourist board, is to launch a £4 million campaign to promote domestic holidays.

The campaign, which will feature none other than Shaun the Sheep, the BAFTA award winning children’s favourite, is to be created to encourage more people in Britain to holiday locally in 2015.

Adverts will air in spring, launching after the endearing sheep makes his blockbuster movie debut, Shaun the Sheep the Movie, and are designed to boost tourism in England, encouraging people to book holidays with local travel agents.

A number of travel agents will be taking part in the exciting campaign, including World choice, Thomson and Thomas Cook, all of whom will offer a series of great deals for summer.

Visit England Chief Executive, James Beresford, said: “Following on from the success of the third Holidays at Home are GREAT campaign last year, which starred Wallace & Gromit, we have partnered again with Aardman to create another super TV advertisement. I am confident Shaun will fuel the public’s imagination and inspire them to take a holiday in the UK this year. This new campaign forms a key part of Visit England’s strategy to grow tourism in this country, supporting the Government’s agenda for growth.”

Helen Grant, Tourism Minister, enthused: “Shaun the Sheep is a much loved character so it’s fantastic that he’s been signed up to encourage Brits to book a domestic break this year.”

The advertising promotion is part of a much larger campaign – Holiday at Homes are GREAT – which was started in 2012 and has so far attracted an additional £380million from domestic tourism. It’s hoped the new promotions will go even further towards encouraging people to holiday in the UK this summer.

The Beautiful House Company, a company specialising in luxury house hire, hopes to benefit from the advertisements.

A company spokeswoman said: “Like many in the sector, we can’t wait for the Shaun the Sheep campaign to start and are hoping not only that it will lead to more people staying in the UK but also more people getting the chance to enjoy the lavish accommodation and holiday options we’re able to offer. Far too many people forget what’s sat right on their doorstep.

“We have one of the best selections of holiday homes available, from striking castles to stunning stately homes, offering plenty of options for families and couples choosing to stay in the UK this year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1.       The Beautiful House Company provides luxury houses to rent in England, Scotland and Wales for weekend breaks, family holidays, events and more. More information is available at http://www.thebeautifulhousecompany.com/.

2.       Visit England is the national tourist board. Visit http://www.visitengland.org/media/pressreleases/2015/shaun_the_sheep_campaign.aspx to find out more about the Shaun the Sheep campaign.