Tourism businesses across Telford and Shropshire are joining forces in a bid to beat the credit crunch.

Telford & Shropshire Conferences, part of Transforming Telford, has launched its largest and most ambitious marketing campaign ever, and is now offering more tourism businesses the opportunity to join the organisation.

Sarah Bird, business tourism manager, said: “Business tourism is worth over £90 million to Telford and Shropshire, and we host over 500,000 business visitors at 6,000 events every year. By working together we can help ensure that tourism venues and services get their fair share of this business and in such tough economic times, a partnership approach is the key to real success.”

The unique membership package gives members access to a range of marketing promotions to showcase their business on a national stage. The campaign in 2009 will reach over 18,000 event buyers and include national advertising, e-marketing, the launch of a new-look website and a range of meet the buyer events.

Tom Gray, chief executive of the Southwater Event Group, which is already a member, said: “In the current economic climate, Shropshire provides a cost effective event solution. There’s no better route to market than everyone working under the Telford & Shropshire Conferences banner to drive the message nationally and win business.”

Sarah said they were keen to attract as wide a range of companies as possible to the partnership.

“Whether you’re a hotel or country house, an unusual or sporting venue, or an event supplier from audio visual to entertainment companies, we can help you increase your market share of the tourism business that’s available.”

But to ensure every member receives their fair share of business, membership numbers are limited, in order to maximise the opportunities for everyone involved.

The organisation now has more than 40 members, and anyone interested in joining is urged to contact the team as soon as possible in order to take advantage of the latest marketing campaign and to be included in the annual guide and brochure.

“As part of the new campaign, we are also working closer than ever with our colleagues in Transforming Telford’s Investment team, so there are even more people working behind the scenes to boost business tourism in the area,” said Sarah.

To find out more, contact Jared Owen, Membership Services Manager at Telford & Shropshire Conferences, on 01952 567567 or email jared.owen@

transformingtelford.co.uk