Latest news with #VisitWiltshire
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism gets boost from industry body accreditation
Tourism in Wiltshire has been given a boost after the county become an accredited member of a scheme aimed at growing the sector. Wiltshire now has Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) status, which gives it access to a range of resources to attract greater footfall. At the moment, Wiltshire's tourism is worth around £1.5bn annually, with sites such as Stonehenge, Avebury Stone Circle, Stourhead, Salisbury Cathedral and the Westbury White Horse among its attractions. It's new LVEP means it will be included marketing activity and public relations opportunities set up by British tourism authority VisitBritain, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire VisitBritain will also provide VisitWiltshire, Wiltshire's tourism board, with support in applying for funding from the UK government. Wiltshire's tourism industry supports 28,000 jobs and contributes nine per cent of Wiltshire's total GDP. The application had to demonstrate funding support from the public sector, which was achieved via finances from Bradford on Avon, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Pewsey and Trowbridge town councils. It also had to give evidence of wider public sector support, which Wiltshire Council provided by confirming their strategic support for tourism growth and funding of a new countywide tourism strategy and destination plan. More than 400 private tourism businesses also backed the application. David Andrews, chief executive of VisitWiltshire said: "We are delighted that VisitWiltshire have secured national LVEP status. "This is a major achievement with the potential to unlock new investment, grow tourism spend throughout the year, extend our reach in domestic and international markets, and better support our tourism and hospitality businesses." Andrew Stokes, director at VisitEngland, said: "The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships programme is transforming the visitor economy in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome VisitWiltshire as the accredited Wiltshire LVEP." Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More Wiltshire attractions are added to free app Tourists urged not to 'overwhelm' popular village Tourism app transports visitors to times gone by VisitWiltshire VisitBritain
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wiltshire tourism gets boost from industry body accreditation
Tourism in Wiltshire has been given a boost after the county become an accredited member of a scheme aimed at growing the now has Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) status, which gives it access to a range of resources to attract greater the moment, Wiltshire's tourism is worth around £1.5bn annually, with sites such as Stonehenge, Avebury Stone Circle, Stourhead, Salisbury Cathedral and the Westbury White Horse among its new LVEP means it will be included marketing activity and public relations opportunities set up by British tourism authority VisitBritain, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. VisitBritain will also provide VisitWiltshire, Wiltshire's tourism board, with support in applying for funding from the UK tourism industry supports 28,000 jobs and contributes nine per cent of Wiltshire's total application had to demonstrate funding support from the public sector, which was achieved via finances from Bradford on Avon, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Pewsey and Trowbridge town also had to give evidence of wider public sector support, which Wiltshire Council provided by confirming their strategic support for tourism growth and funding of a new countywide tourism strategy and destination plan. More than 400 private tourism businesses also backed the Andrews, chief executive of VisitWiltshire said: "We are delighted that VisitWiltshire have secured national LVEP status."This is a major achievement with the potential to unlock new investment, grow tourism spend throughout the year, extend our reach in domestic and international markets, and better support our tourism and hospitality businesses."Andrew Stokes, director at VisitEngland, said: "The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships programme is transforming the visitor economy in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome VisitWiltshire as the accredited Wiltshire LVEP."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wiltshire village that has 'timeless charm' named among most beautiful in UK
A Wiltshire village that 'epitomises timeless charm' has been named as one of the most beautiful villages in the UK. Castle Combe was handpicked by property experts as part of The Daily Mail's list of 24 villages. The article states: 'With stories of rats and overflowing bins recently dominating the news, it's easy to forget that the UK is blessed with beautiful villages dotted up and down the country. 'But where can you find these gorgeous places? We've spoken to estate agents, property experts and buying agencies to bring you a selection of the UK's prettiest villages. 'The 24 most beautiful villages in Britain have now been revealed by experts…there's little-known ones and surprising gems - but does your favourite make the cut?' The Mail's article states: 'With golden, stone-roofed cottages, cosy country lanes and a babbling brook, it's no surprise that this Wiltshire village with its sweeping views across Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Dorset, and Somerset has been a filming location for Downton Abbey, War Horse and more. 'And 'Castle Combe is the epitome of timeless Cotswold charm', says Jonathan Hopper, CEO of Garrington Property Finders. Patchwork fields, picturesque villages and iconic landmarks, Wiltshire is the ideal place to visit all year round... — VisitWiltshire (@VisitWiltshire) April 29, 2025 'Most of the houses date back centuries and are built from honey-coloured Cotswold stone, which looks lovely all year round. 'The ancient bridge over the by Brook Valley in particular is 'pinch yourself' beautiful.' Equally stunning villages were also picked by experts, including Goudhurst, Kent, Great Budworth, Cheshire, The Mardens, West Sussex and Mells, Somerset. Recommended reading: Castle Combe things to do from motorsports to river walks Marlborough tops Wiltshire's 'most desired' market towns Malmesbury named best place to live in Wiltshire as top 10 revealed The news that Castle Combe made the most beautiful list comes shortly after two other Wiltshire villages were ranked among the 29 poshest places to live in Britain. Biddestone and Shalbourne were both picked for their 'intangible sense of a village's so-called poshness' by The Daily Mail back in April. The rankings added that the villages are an attraction for those with 'deep enough pockets'.
