CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF TOURISM IN TELFORD AND WREKIN
From the world-famous Ironbridge Gorge, outdoor adventures around The Wrekin, to bustling heritage market towns and cultural attractions, tourism supports the local economy, helping communities to thrive. Visit Telford, the Tourism Team at Telford & Wrekin Council, has been working tirelessly to position the area as a must-visit destination, supporting local businesses and benefiting residents. Telford welcomes over 4 million visitors generating a whopping £220 million direct economic impact and this number is growing with more and more people discovering the unique attraction of a destination that combines world heritage, epic adventures and outdoors with artisan attractions, cultural experiences, and some of the best hospitality with great food and drink hot spots. Recognising the significant role tourism plays, Visit Telford has recently joined forces with partners in Shropshire to form the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which has been accredited by VisitEngland. This collaboration aims to strengthen the region’s tourism sector, promote the area as a top destination, improve the visitor experience, and support local businesses. Through the LVEP, more visitors will discover what makes Telford and Wrekin a great place to visit, stay and explore. Tourism not only boosts local businesses and is vital to making great places, but it also creates jobs, enhances community pride, and fosters a more connected and prosperous borough. Driving the economy
“Tourism is a vital part of Telford and Wrekin’s economy, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. The vital work of our Visit Telford team has been crucial in developing our destination into a major great day and stay location for regional, local and national visitors. Through partnerships like our new LVEP, we can ensure a brighter future for our community and visitors alike.”
Councillor Angela McClements Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & the Arts
Puddle Duck Cottages One local resident and tourism business who’s seen first-hand how tourism supports the community is Sonia Bird, owner of the award-winning Puddle Duck Cottages in Ironbridge. Specialising in dog- friendly accommodation, Puddle Duck Cottages has earned award winning recognition for offering a welcoming environment for both guests and their furry friends. “Tourism is vital to our success,” says Sonia. “The work of Visit Telford is so important in keeping our destination front and centre in the minds of regional and national visitors. We’re proud to provide a home-away-from-home for guests, many of whom return to explore the world- famous Ironbridge Gorge, its culture, heritage landscapes, and artisan shopping. Knowing their furry friends are welcome makes their experience even better. This year, we celebrated 10 years of welcoming visitors and are honored to have won numerous tourism awards, including three consecutive Gold awards at the Dog Friendly Awards held at the Kennel
DID KN W
Club in London, one of the most competitive categories. We’re also proud to have been shortlisted in the VisitEngland Excellence Awards.”
YOU
The tourism sector is one of the Top 5 employment sectors in Telford and Wrekin supporting key jobs from hotel staff to tour guides, retail, hospitality and more.
Join the Visit Telford Partnership for FREE
If you have a tourism, retail or hospitality business located in Telford and Wrekin you could benefit from joining the Visit Telford partnership. Find out more by emailing hello@visittelford.co.uk For inspiration on great days out, what’s on, food and drink, great nights our and much more visit www.visittelford.co.uk and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
TOTALLY TELFORD
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