New events aim to boost Shropshire tourism collaboration

A new series of events aimed at boosting Shropshire's tourism and visitor economy has been unveiled.

Run by the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, it is hoped the ‘Tourism Trade' series will bring tourism businesses together, strengthen collaboration and support growth across the visitor economy.

The first is being held on October 5 and will give businesses the chance to hear from the National Trust team for the Ironbridge Gorge.

The gorge plays a significant role in attracting leisure, group and travel trade visitors to Telford and Shropshire, supporting accommodation providers, attractions, hospitality businesses and visitor experiences across the wider destination.

The event will provide businesses with an opportunity to learn more about the evolving visitor offer, gain insight into future opportunities and explore how businesses can work alongside one of the destination's strongest visitor assets.

Mark Agnew, project director at National Trust Ironbridge Gorge, said: "The Ironbridge Gorge has always been shaped by collaboration and we are looking forward to meeting tourism businesses from across Telford and Shropshire to share more about our work and hear their perspectives.

"Strong partnerships help create better visitor experiences, support local businesses and strengthen the wider destination and we welcome the opportunity to be part of this new Tourism Trade Event Series."

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and the event will conclude with a short update on wider visitor economy activity, business support and networking opportunities taking place across the county.

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Mandy Thorn, chairwoman of the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Leadership Board, said: "One of our early priorities is to help tourism businesses build stronger connections, access valuable insight and develop new opportunities for growth.

"The Tourism Trade Event Series has been created to bring businesses together with the attractions, organisations and initiatives that help drive our visitor economy.

"Ironbridge Gorge is one of the destination's most important visitor attractions and supports businesses right across Telford and Shropshire.

"This first event provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to hear directly from National Trust, make new connections and explore opportunities to work together to strengthen our visitor economy."

The event runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm on October 5 at Ironbridge Gorge Museum - places can be booked via the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership website.