Wiltshire Council has awarded £200,000 to VisitWiltshire to help grow the county’s visitor economy, support local businesses and encourage more people to visit the county.
The funding will support a programme of activity that is designed to strengthen Wiltshire’s tourism sector, increase visitor numbers and help local businesses benefit from increased tourism spending.
The investment will enable VisitWiltshire to continue delivering destination marketing, business support, travel trade engagement and promotion, while also meeting national requirements for Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation through VisitEngland.
A year-round programme of marketing activity will showcase the best that Wiltshire has to offer, including its historic attractions, vibrant city and market towns, countryside, events and hospitality businesses. Seasonal campaigns, digital content and improvements to the VisitWiltshire website will help to inspire more people to choose Wiltshire for day trips, short breaks and longer stays.
The funding will also support tourism businesses through networking opportunities, industry forums, travel trade activity and one-to-one business advice, helping the sector to grow and remain competitive.
Councillor Helen Belcher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, said: “Wiltshire is a fantastic place to visit, with world-famous heritage, beautiful landscapes, thriving market towns and a wealth of attractions that support jobs and businesses across our county.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to the visitor economy as a key driver of economic growth. It also supports our commitment in Our Wiltshire Plan to sustainable tourism and community prosperity.
“By supporting VisitWiltshire, we can showcase the wonderful variety our county has to offer, encourage more people to visit, stay longer and spend more in our local communities.
“Tourism brings significant benefits to Wiltshire, supporting businesses, creating jobs and helping our towns and villages thrive. This funding will help us strengthen our visitor economy and support Wiltshire’s appeal as a destination for visitors from across the UK and beyond.”
David Andrews, Chief Executive, VisitWiltshire: “We're delighted that Wiltshire Council has chosen to invest in VisitWiltshire to support the county’s visitor economy.
“This investment, together with the council’s long-term strategic support, demonstrates a real commitment to tourism, and to the important role the sector plays in making Wiltshire such a special place to live, work and visit by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and bringing economic benefit into our towns, villages and countryside.
“As the Government's officially accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership, this funding means we can do even more to promote Wiltshire, support our tourism businesses and develop the county as a year-round destination. Working in partnership with Wiltshire Council, VisitEngland, the LVEP Board, local businesses and stakeholders, we can build on Wiltshire’s strengths and make sure more visitors discover everything this wonderful county has to offer.”
By supporting VisitWiltshire’s work, the council aims to strengthen the county’s tourism offer, support local communities and businesses, and attract more visitors, helping to deliver long-term economic benefits for Wiltshire.
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