KEY representatives from Evesham’s key hospitality, leisure, retail, and civic sectors came together recently to discuss the future of the town’s visitor experience.
The gathering at The Wood Norton hotel last week provided a platform for collaboration, sharing ideas, and strategic planning to ensure that the visitor economy can develop to get its share of the £1.05billion generated in Worcestershire last year by tourism.
Attendees included representatives from Visit Worcestershire, the Battle of Evesham Group, Almonry Museum, and local tourism businesses, with special contributions from the destination manager for Visit Worcestershire, Lorna Robinson, Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston, along with Mick Hurst, Ashleigh Jayes, and Evesham Place Board chair Phil Maclean.
Discussions focused on enhancing Evesham’s appeal to tourists, strengthening partnerships across sectors, and building momentum for future initiatives.
The event also highlighted Visit Evesham’s efforts to position the town as a vibrant destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Chair of Evesham Place Board, Phil Maclean said: “The energy and commitment in the room was a testament to what Evesham can achieve when we work together.
“We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and proud to be shaping a more connected and compelling visitor experience.”
In a presentation to the room, Mick Hurst, director of Battle of Evesham challenged business owners to take advantage of the substantial footfall the historic battle events bring to the town each year.
Director of Battle of Evesham festival, Mick Hurst. s
He told the Observer: “A room full of tourism-focused people, demonstrates a strong desire to make Evesham somewhere that attracts visitors and gives them a memorable stay.
“I suggested they do something to attract people into their premises by decorating shop fronts with Battle stuff, get dressed in medieval costume, anything to show that they are making an effort to join in.
He welcomed the initiative to get the town ‘tourism ready’.
“The more tourism footfall there is, the more the shops in town will adjust to service their needs. Think of Ludlow, York, and Stratford-upon-Avon, they all have developed a strong economy based on their history and heritage,” he added.
Ashley Jayes and Lorna Robinson. s
