A major boost for tourism in rural Warwickshire
A new initiative called Welcome to the Countryside has been launched to provide new development and marketing opportunities for tourism businesses in rural areas of Warwickshire.
The campaign will showcase the best of rural Warwickshire and benefit tourism businesses in the area through offering expert support and marketing opportunities free of charge.
Welcome to the Countryside is funded by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and aims to attract more visitors to enjoy the towns, villages and lovely countryside of Warwickshire, boosting the volume and value of the rural tourism economy. The project will focus on highlighting the quality of what is on offer in the county and will complement existing marketing currently carried out by the industry.
The initiative will directly benefit around 150 businesses and organisations and its activity will include:
- A new tourism micro-site Within Warwickshire, due to be launched in March 2011. The site will showcase the best of rural Warwickshire tourism experiences. A holding page is already up inviting people to leave their name for future information at http://withinwarwickshire.co.uk
- PR and marketing to promote the attractions of the area
- Press trips to rural Warwickshire by national media
- Developing new rural tourism activities
- Guides and trails for local food and drink, walking and cycling
- Support and development of rural festival and events
Cllr Colin Hayfield, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder responsible for tourism, said: “I am delighted this project is underway as it is fantastic news for businesses in rural Warwickshire. Whether they offer accommodation, food and drink or entertainments to visitors, this initiative provides them with the platform to showcase and shout about what is great about our area.
“Tourism is so important for our local economy and this investment from the Rural Development Programme for England is welcome news for industry.”
The project is being delivered for Warwickshire County Council and its tourism partners through destination development and marketers Blue Sail. The programme will be delivered over 28 months between September 2010 and December 2012.
The campaign will support the designated RDPE tourism priorities including e-tourism, green/sustainable tourism; festivals and events, and food and drink.