Floods recovery hope
Tourism chiefs aim to drive up the number of visitors to Worcestershire to help recovery from the poor summer when flooding hit much of the county. A promotional campaign with leaflets showcasing various attractions is being waged. Tourism chiefs aim to drive up the number of visitors to Worcestershire to help recovery from the poor summer when flooding hit much of the county. A promotional campaign with leaflets showcasing various attractions is being waged. The campaign will happen before the school half-term holidays. Advertising of events and attractions is also being extended nationally as part of the Rain or Shine campaign. Since its launch, visitor attractions across the region have reported an increase in visitors. The campaign was set up following the flooding in June and July which had a severe impact on rural areas, particularly in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Tourism chiefs aim to drive up the number of visitors to Worcestershire to help recovery from the poor summer when flooding hit much of the county. A promotional campaign with leaflets showcasing various attractions is being waged.
The campaign will happen before the school half-term holidays.
Advertising of events and attractions is also being extended nationally as part of the Rain or Shine campaign. Since its launch, visitor attractions across the region have reported an increase in visitors.
The campaign was set up following the flooding in June and July which had a severe impact on rural areas, particularly in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Advantage West Midlands, leading the initiative, is supporting the region in three main areas, helping businesses hit by the floods, supporting the region's tourism sector and providing support to local authorities to help people get back in business.
Companies which have been affected are urged to contact Business Link West Midlands where they will receive advice on preparing flood repair plans and they could qualify for loans of up to £20,000 over two years.
The Rain or Shine campaign has included the launch of the www.visittheheart.co.uk website, a £750,000 investment in repairs for the Severn Valley Railway and a programme of support for festivals and other events totalling £300,000.
A further £800,000 has been invested into supporting the market towns which were hardest hit by the flooding to enable each local authority to carry out their own repairs and clean-up operations.
Mark Pearce, Advantage West Midlands corporate director for economic regeneration, said: "The way Worcestershire and the West Midlands have responded to the flooding has been nothing short of amazing.
"We know that events such as the Evesham Angling Festival recorded superb numbers and our visitor destinations in Worcestershire are reporting a successful September so far.
"There is still the half-term break left for us to make a real difference and help the areas that were affected to make what they can of the summer which is why we are extending the promotional campaign for one final push."
