Marlborough tourism plans given major boost

Marlborough is to be the benefactor of a government-backed tourism campaign.

Developing Your Tourism Potential is part of the Hidden Britain initiative, and funding has been secured from the Department of Food and Rural Affairs to bring the Hidden Britain team to Marlborough.

The scheme aims to help businesses, residents, community groups and local authorities come together and work as a team to identify and develop the tourism potential within their community. 

Experts from Hidden Britain will assist stakeholders from the tourism, community, council, and business sectors to develop a structured basic strategy to address tourism and the visitor economy.

At their January meeting, business leaders from Marlborough Chamber of Commerce were told that the report would help to identify Marlborough’s key objectives and long term vision as a tourist destination, and suggest ways in which a new tourism strategy might be delivered.

But although the report will come examine resources and look at timescales and budgets, implementation costs will need to be found separately. 

The DEFRA funding was secured by Marlborough Communities Market co-ordinator Ellie Gill, who as co-ordinator of Trowbridge Town Team also managed to land funding for the county town.

“Hidden Britain will also conduct a mystery visit to Marlborough to evaluate the visitor journey and experience, and provide a report,” explained Ellie.

“This will include, assessment of marketing channels, ease of obtaining relevant information, signage and directional information, quality of facilities, welcome and overall visitor experience.”

Hidden Britain recently worked with the nearby market town of Hungerford. The results can be read at www.hiddenbritainse.org.uk/hungerford_casestudy.htm

The process will start with a Hidden Britain workshop, which is being held at Marlborough Town Hall from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday, February 27. Anyone interested in attending the event should click here to register.