Great Britain World Tour Premieres in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Britain is in celebration mode and we're all invited. This is the message from national tourism board, VisitBritain, as they launch the US phase of their global, four year, multi-million dollar marketing campaign in their most valuable overseas market.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110929/NY77294 )

April's royal wedding shone the spotlight brightly on the UK and the British are not prepared to shy away from the attention just yet.  2012 is set to be a blockbuster year: Britain is hosting the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Pride and hundreds of festivals that will make up the Cultural Olympiad.

To preview the excitement that awaits the world in Britain, VisitBritain and British Airways have embarked on a global tour bringing a unique piece of England, Scotland and Wales to nine major cities around the world.  Renowned 3D street artists Joe and Max have been commissioned to create nine one-of-a-kind, interactive artworks, which allow the public to virtually insert themselves into some of Britain's finest landmarks.

Karen Clarkson, Vice President North America, VisitBritain said: "Great Britain 3D is the first ever global tour of interactive 3D art with the sole purpose of promoting a destination to an overseas audience."

"Working with VisitBritain we are delighted to be showing why it is a great time to come to the UK and to fly with British Airways," adds John McDonald, Vice President Marketing, Americas, British Airways.

Today, Los Angeles hosted the only North American stop on the tour, and this very alternative red carpet was rolled out in Hollywood right next to the famous Kodak Theatre – the home of the Academy Awards.  Other canvases have made appearances in equally iconic locations in Singapore, Sydney, Shanghai, Delhi, Utrecht, Stockholm and Milan. Sao Paulo will be the final stop on the tour on October 1.

To entice all Americans to step off the canvas and into the real thing, British Airways today announced a special offer, with savings of up to $150 when flying from any North American gateway to anywhere in the UK in British Airways' World Traveller Plus, its premium economy class.  Visit www.ba.com/great in the US and www.ba.com/greatca in Canada for more details. Offer available from September 29 - October 31, 2011 and is valid for travel until March 31, 2012.

"When you pull together the world's most prestigious sporting event, a royal anniversary only celebrated once before in history, an exchange rate that hasn't been this competitive in years, and regular, direct flights at great prices, we think it adds up to a pretty compelling reason to come to Britain this year," adds Clarkson.

World Traveller Plus is a private dedicated cabin with a maximum of six rows allowing for a more peaceful trip.  Customers can enjoy complimentary bar service in a larger seat with adjustable headrest, lumbar support, leg rest, more legroom and greater seat recline.

Log on to www.facebook.com/loveuk for photos from the Great Britain 3D World Tour.  

SOURCE VisitBritain