Forum to put focus on bustling Telford borough
A new support group has been launched to help businesses which bring in more than £420 million to the Telford area.
Telford & Wrekin Council has launched a new way to support tourism businesses – the Visitor Economy Forum – which will replace the Telford Tourism Partnership and offer support and promotion to the hospitality sector.
In 2013, Telford alone attracted more than 3.6 million day trips, generating spending of £160 million and supporting a fifth of the borough's jobs.
Latest figures from the Regional Observatory show that day trips to the borough have increased by 40 per cent, now up to 4.1 million, which contributed £422 million to the local economy.
The council is keen to work with businesses to ensure people know about all the attractions Telford has to offer.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for business, neighbourhood and customer services, said: "We have a fantastic and diverse offer, with the world famous Iron Bridge, our modern Southwater development and shopping centre and our borough towns, each with their own history and charm.
"It is important that we realise the full potential of our destination and work together to grow the visitor economy."
Anna Brennand, chief executive at Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: "With the only World Heritage Site in the West Midlands, one of the largest conference and events' centres in the country, world class museums and attractions, a vibrant and dynamic town centre, along with historic market towns and a broad range of accommodation providers, Telford and Wrekin is an exciting destination to live in or to visit.
"I am delighted to have launched the new Visitor Economy Forum and I am sure that it will help Telford welcome even more visitors to the area, which in turn will help support jobs and prosperity in the borough."
The forum will be free for accommodation, attraction, retail and service providers to join and will create a new network in Telford and Wrekin.
For more information on joining how to join the visitor economy forum contact Telford & Wrekin Council on (01952) 385523 or follow the authority on Twitter @TelfordWrekin.
