Herefordshire Council’s tourist information centres are gearing up for the fourth annual British Tourism Week which takes place from 15th-21st March 2010.
During 2008 visitors brought nearly £411 million into the county and the council is keen to celebrate British Tourism Week by putting on events to raise the profile of the tourist information centres and encourage visitors and residents to use them.
Last year’s British Tourism Week saw 230 events take place across the country: a list of this year’s events is available at www.britishtourismweek.com.
In Herefordshire the Leominster Tourist Information Centre will be offering free samples of local food and drink from local producers, throughout the week. Tyrrells potato chips, cider from Dunkertons, jams and pickles from Sally's Pantry, and Herefordshire cheeses from Monkland Cheese Dairy are just some of the tasty samples donated for people to try.
Ross-on-Wye’s centre has some fabulous prizes to give away in a competition which will run throughout the week. Prices include tickets to see Jools Holland at Eastnor Castle on Saturday 10th July, £50 worth of Theatre Tokens and National Express tickets. To enter, simply call into the Tourist Information Centre.
There will also be a competition, one for adults and one for children, at the Hereford Tourist Information Centre. The prizes on offer here are two return tickets to travel anywhere in the United Kingdom by National Express and for the children a big cuddly teddy bear.
Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “Herefordshire is a beautiful county to visit so it’s no wonder we receive so many visitors each year: tourism is an important part of our local economy.
“Our tourist information teams have a wealth of knowledge about the county’s culture and history, together with lots of information about places to visit and things to do. During national tourism week, we hope that local people as well as visitors, will be encouraged to visit the centres more often so that they can explore some of the county’s hidden treasures.”