Stratford District Council launches new initiatives to promote tourism

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has launched a number of initiatives and partnerships to promote tourism in the area. A new visitor website has recently been launched under the brand 'Discover Stratford' and can be found at www.discover-stratford.com. The website has been established as a vital marketing tool and enables visitors to find out a wealth of information about the district including accommodation, attractions, events, places to eat & drink, links to Shakespeare, travelling to Stratford and information on the 'Discover Stratford' Tourist Information Centre. The website is continually updated with offers, information and events which will appeal to the visitor. The new website has already resulted in positive feedback from visitors and statistics have shown that the number of unique visitors to the website has risen substantially.

On 15 May 2010, the 'Discover Stratford' TIC opened in the town centre, operating as a partnership between Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon College and VisitBritain. The Stratford College apprentices work alongside the experienced and knowledgeable TIC staff assisting visitors with accommodation bookings, sales of books, guides and maps, attraction ticket sales and providing a valuable information facility for visitors. 

The team at Stratford District Council, in conjunction with Warwick District Council, have also produced and distributed 100,000 'Places to Visit' leaflets promoting the range of attractions in the Stratford and Warwick District area. In addition, the team have produced and distributed 50,000 'Places to Stay' leaflets in partnership with Stratford College and the Stratford Herald to promote accommodation providers.

The team are also working in partnership with key attractions including the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Royal Shakespeare Company, Warwick Castle and Compton Verney to promote the area to USA travel agents.  By working with Britain's Heritage Cities, a consortium of the UK's most celebrated heritage business destinations, the team are also promoting the area to other key markets. The team continues to work in partnership with VisitBritain to promote Stratford-upon-Avon to potential visitors across the world. A number of familiarisation visits for group tour operators are also being organised to encourage them to include Stratford in their tours for 2011/2012. By working in partnership with Stratforward Business Improvement District, the team are also effectively promoting key events in the town to residents and visitors.

Councillor Mike Brain, Portfolio Holder for Community Services said: "We are delighted to have implemented a number of key initiatives and partnerships to promote Stratford-upon-Avon and the area. We are working closely alongside a number of key partners to ensure that Stratford continues to attract millions of visitors each year. 2011/2012 is set to be an exciting time for the town with the re-opening of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and we want to capitalise on that and ensure Stratford remains one the leading destinations in the UK".

The 'Discover Stratford' TIC can found at 62 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PT, telephone 01789 264293 or email to tic@discover-stratford.com