Kew Gardens - Finances

Now Kew Gardens receives Government bailout as visitor numbers wither away

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1188288/Now-Kew-Gardens-receives-Government-bailout-visitor-numbers-wither-away.html

A report from Kew's director Steve Hopper describes the organisation's finances as being of 'considerable concern'.

There are concerns over the future funding of the Millenium Seed Bank, a collection of seeds from around the world, including many of the most rare on the planet.
Mr Hopper adds: 'We have major heritage structures in a state of decay and we have no guarantee that the Millennium Seed Bank will be funded beyond 2010.

According to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, the World Heritage Site saw visitor numbers plummet by 8.5per cent to 1.3 million in 2008 as families reined in leisure spending and stayed at home.

'Approximately 50per cent of operating costs are met by Kew through commercial activities such as entry tickets, retail and catering.