COUNCIL chiefs are set to decide on a new five-year tourism strategy in a bid to boost Worcester’s multi-million pound income from visitors.
The strategy, which aims to bring a major boost to the city to help it grow beyond its current estimated worth to the local economy of more than £160million, will be decided at next Tuesday’s (January 17) City Council cabinet meeting.
The blueprint aims to raise the value of the visitor economy by inspiring sustainable growth and development in the city’s arts, sport and heritage activities, as well as its retail and food and drink offer, by encouraging more quality accommodation options within Worcester.
Actions will include increasing the number of festivals, events and attractions on offer, as well as improving the promotion and marketing of the city.
To support the delivery of the strategy, the City Council will be investing £121,000 of New Homes Bonus funding to pay for the post of a tourism and marketing officer until 2020, who will work to bring together existing providers and be tasked with attracting new funding to the city.
Coun Geoff Williams, cabinet member for prosperity and economic growth, said: “There has been a steady surge in the number of people visiting Worcester over the last three years, and supporting the growth of the tourist industry is a key objective for the City Council.
“Our new tourism strategy clearly sets out the action required to ensure Worcester’s offer is strong enough to compete against other English cities renowned for their heritage,” he added.
