WORCESTERSHIRE has been named as the launch destination of a major Anglo-American project to promote the growth of tourism in England and showcase what the country has to offer.
Tour England, is one of the first ‘Connections’ projects to receive funding from the UK Government’s £40million Discover England Fund administered by VisitEngland to ensure that England stays competitive in the rapidly growing global tourism industry, by offering world-class English tourism products.
Fionn Davenport, the esteemed Lonely Planet author and award-winning travel journalist, has been appointed as the content creator for the project will visit Worcester Cathedral, King Johns Grave, Elgar’s birth place, Museum of Royal Worcester, The Hive, Fort Royal Hill and The Cardinals Hat during his time in Worcestershire.
Emma Wheeler, tourism officer for Visit Worcestershire said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the first Tour England destination and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Fionn here and sharing the regions history and Anglo-American connections.
“King John’s great tomb, the oldest royal effigy in England is here at Worcester Cathedral and gives Worcestershire a direct link to the Magna Carta and to the story of liberty and democracy that is so unique, making it the perfect starting point for this tour.
“Fionn will have the chance to learn more about Gus – the Asparagus Man who made his debut to the world at the opening event of the 2008 British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham. He’ll also be able to sample some of the finest cider that Worcestershire has on offer and let’s not forget Worcestershire Sauce,” she added.
The outcome of Tour England will be new themed itineraries that showcase bookable product, access and motivations to visit. Each of the itineraries will be centred around the themes of ancestral tours, Faith and Religion, Wartime and the Special Relationship and the Great Migration period including Mayflower.
Fionn said: “I can honestly say I haven’t looked forward to a project as much as this one for many years. The opportunity to explore a chunk of England at a granular level is very exciting. I’ve been a travel writer for a long time, and it is these kinds of experiences, travelling around a country exploring attractions big and small, visiting famous sites and discovering less well-known ones, that remind me I have one of the best jobs in the world.”
Amanda Lumley, US Connections project director, said: “US Visitors are increasingly seeking immersive experiences; they want sight doing not just sight-seeing and want to be able to steep themselves in local cultures and traditions.
“We know US visitors love and want to experience the heritage and history of England – which is why we have set out to develop these bespoke, bookable itineraries.”
