Tourism chief gets a taste of Aylesbury Vale

Archived press release

Date Published: 09/09/09

Mike Bedingfield, Chief Executive of Tourism South East

The man responsible for growing tourism in the south east is to sample what Aylesbury Vale has to offer as a tourist destination – in order to help promote the area and its attractions.

Mike Bedingfield, the newly-appointed chief executive of Tourism South East, will be visiting Buckinghamshire on 11 September to strengthen partnerships with a selection of key tourism businesses and partners.

On the Aylesbury Vale leg of his whistle-stop tour, Mr Bedingfield will visit the award-winning Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden and the Five Arrows Hotel in Waddesdon.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Bedingfield to Aylesbury Vale and show him some of our most successful hotels and attractions.

“Tourism is an essential part of the local economy and brings many social and cultural benefits to the area. We boast top tourist attractions such as the Roald Dahl Museum, Waddesdon Manor and Stowe Landscape Gardens as well as some of the most beautiful countryside found in the UK.

“But it is important we do not take this for granted and continue to look at ways we can improve the tourism experience so visitors keep coming to our splendid area. A thriving tourism economy supports the wider local economy, which has a knock on benefit for everyone who lives and works in the Vale.”

Latest research shows that the tourism industry in Buckinghamshire currently generates almost £1 billion and supports more than 17,000 jobs.

Aylesbury Vale District Council recently developed a strategy to ensure the local tourism industry continues to thrive. The AVDC Tourism Action Plan sets out key actions for the next 12 months including:
• Setting up a Buckinghamshire-wide tourism business marketing forum to discuss ways of maximising opportunities to jointly promote the area
• Promoting Aylesbury Vale, together with Buckinghamshire tourism businesses, as a destination for corporate tourism
• Exploring the possibility of combining the Aylesbury Vale visitor guide with other Buckinghamshire district guides

The action plan has been developed in conjunction with a number of tourism partners including the Bucks Tourism Officers’ Group and Tourism South East.

You can read the full action plan on the council’s website (www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk). Copies can also be obtained by calling 01296 585783 or emailing lelliott@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

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