Passengers arriving at Bristol Airport are now greeted by an eye-catching artwork featuring many of the West of England’s family-friendly attractions.
Produced by Visit West, the region’s destination marketing organisation, in partnership with the airport, specialist advertising experts Eye Airports and businesses, the 136 ft-long mural, pictured, weaves its way along the arrivals corridor, giving passengers a highly visual introduction to the region.
The artwork includes a wide range of family-friendly attractions and events in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area, including Bristol Aquarium, Wookey Hole, M Shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol Zoo Project, Westonbirt, Cheddar Gorge and Caves and Bath & West Show.
These are set against a backdrop of photographs of iconic landmarks such as Clifton Suspension Bridge and The Roman Baths.
The mural has been unveiled as the airport continues its rapid recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
Strong growth in passenger numbers, particularly this summer, means it is likely to nudge its current capacity of 10m for the first time since 2019.
The airport has also attracted a number of new operators this year, including Aegean Airlines, Sun Express and Corendon Airlines, and is also benefiting from the introduction of new destinations from its two main budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet.
Full-service German flag carrier Lufthansa is increasing frequency on its Frankfurt route while Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has launched the airport’s first direct service to Zurich and Aer Lingus has reintroduced flights to Cork.
Visit West head of commercial & industry engagement Dan Mills said: “We were delighted to be able to offer this exclusive opportunity to Visit West members.
“The striking visual depicting a backdrop of iconic local landmarks will help inspire the 8.5m passengers that are projected to pass through Bristol Airport arrivals corridor this year.”
Bristol Airport public and community relations Jacqui Mills added: “The area offers fantastic tourist attractions, events, natural landscape, culture, history and entertainment.
“Bristol Airport provides a convenient gateway for visitors to the region, and this eye-catching artwork display creates a positive first impression to visitors and is a great way of showcasing the wealth and range of attractions and events available.”
The West of England’s visitor economy is worth an estimated £2.33bn and supports around 45,000 jobs. Visit West operates the Meet Bristol & Bath Convention Bureau and the Visit Bristol and Visit Bath consumer websites.
The airport’s capacity is set to rise to 12m following the High Court’s decision in May to dismiss a legal challenge from environmental protestors against its multi-million pound expansion, which will involve expanding the terminal building and increasing car parking.
