London, July 18: British tourists chiefs have launched a new guide to encourage more black tourists to the UK. It includes open bus tours of Brixton, one of the most culturally diverse parts of the capital.
Brixton in South West London, a melting pot of cultures. It's places like this that tourist chiefs in Britain want more visitors to come to. It's part of a new campaign to encourage black tourism in London. They've just launched a new guide to point out some of the highlights of the UK's capital city.
Nana Ocran, Author, Experience Black London "I actually gathered a lot of information about how London has developed in terms of black people events that have involved black people, and landmarks.
"I think it's something that isn't often documented because sometimes it can seem quite uncomfortable to be talking about the fact that London's had a history of using black people as servants. They've come as slaves, all this kind of stuff it's not the kind of thing people want to celebrate, but I've put together something that's quirky and entertaining as well you know believe it or not and just very interesting from 16th century to the present day."
To show some of the black landmarks in central London there was a tour with potted history of the contribution made by black and ethnic people to Britain. It's felt this needs to be known globally.



Steve Martin, Black Historian said, "I think in international terms it's extremely important to get that flow of people moving around not just London but other parts of Britain to see the impact of the Diaspora. But even more important, it's central and fundamental for people actually living here, black and white people living here to be aware of the background".



The guide coincides with the launch of Destination Brixton, to get more visitors to come to this part of London. At the moment there's shows and exhibitions like, Dub, Sweat and Tears showing the musical contribution made by black people to the UK.



Mykaell Riley, Dub, Swat and Tears said, "Internationally, there is no such thing as black music in the UK so this is evidence if you like of the presence in all its various formats over the years within the UK".



The hope is that efforts like this will bring more people to areas like Brixton giving them a chance to experience the diverse and multicultural nature of Britain today.


Bureau Report