Who are the Punters?

The visitor economy has many sub divisions. Very important are the business tourists of the conference trade. For example, The British Society for Haematology has booked for 2009, and it is reckoned that its 1,000 plus delegates will generate about £1.3 of revenue over its few days. The huge Labour Party conference has booked for 2008 and 2009.

One of the challenges for the city is how to update its conference facilities, and stay in the game while the work is being done. It is planned to replace the aging Brighton Centre. But how? Plans for an ice rink arena at Blackrock which will have seating for up to 8,000 seem to be part of the solution.

Then there are the short break tourists. Britons may no longer take their annual holidays in Britain's seaside resorts in any number, but they will take short breaks, especially if there are plenty of cultural events to keep them amused.

Serviced accomodation in total (hotels and guest houses) is calculated to generate £172.63 million per year. Non-serviced (self-catering) weighs in at £11.98.