Views and comments are invited on Marlborough’s new Tourism Strategy, ‘The Great Way Ahead’, which is available on the Town Council’s website. The strategy sets out plans to increase the number of visitors to Marlborough, to improve the visitor experience and to boost the local economy.
Belinda Richardson, Marlborough’s Tourism Officer, told Marlborough.news, “It’s an exciting time. We have an ambition to create a prosperous and viable economic future for the town, to help conserve its tradition and heritage and to ensure it remains somewhere people want to live, work, play in and visit.
Marlborough is at the heart of The Great West Way, a tourism initiative promoting a 125 mile touring route from London to Bristol. This is still in its infancy so there are many opportunities. The key will be working well with our neighbouring towns to help shape and develop what looks likely to become one of the world’s premier tourist routes.”
First steps have already been taken to promote Marlborough as a tourist destination. The town will be formally reviewd for coach friendly status on March 18. This will allow more coach parties to visit. The opening of the Premier Inn means that it is now possible to accommodate overnight coach parties.
Belinda is keen to develop themed packages involving The Merchant’s House, Crofton Beam Engines and the Rose of Hungerford.
In April a new Tourism Outpost will open at Cooper’s Corner, in the George Lane carpark. The outpost will offer free tourist literature and a new town map leaflet is planned.
Oher plans include town history walks, pub trails, a walk around the key trees in the Savernake Forest as well as participation in the Wessex Way Walking Festival.
A new VisitMarlborough Instagram page already has 310 followers and will promote the town further.
“Marlborough needs to be not just a place to go for food and drink, but more of a destination. It’s all hidden away at the moment,” commented Belinda.
Click here if you would like to read the Marlborough Tourism Strategy, and if you would like to comment, please respond to Belinda Richardson, Tourism Officer by email at brichardson@marlborough-tc.gov.uk, or in writing to 5 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1AA
The consultation closes on 22 March 2020.