A new association to unite Somerset’s tourism trade and bring more visitors into the county has been launched in Burnham-On-Sea this week with a ceremony at a much-loved local landmark.
The Somerset Tourism Association Community Interest Company (STA) will allow local tourism businesses to have their say on how the industry is run, and will mount campaigns to promote Somerset as a leading visitor destination.
Burnham-On-Sea’s unique nine-legged wooden lighthouse is famous around the world, and this year it’s also the symbol of Somerset’s tourism, appearing as the cover photo of the official county-wide accommodation and attractions guide.
On Wednesday (July 22nd) all the directors of the new group made a symbolic journey to the lighthouse, as pictured, before their first directors meeting.
STA Chairman Bob Nicholson, a veteran of the local tourism scene for more than 50 years, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “For centuries, travellers have relied on lighthouses to help them get to their destination safely. Today, the Burnham lighthouse reminds us that Somerset is the destination that our visitors want to reach.”
“Like our local tourism product, the lighthouse is grounded in history and tradition. It’s exciting, attractive and unique, and brings a lot of business into the area.”
In 2005 official figures showed that tourism brought £860 million into Somerset’s economy and funded over 26,000 jobs.
“The STA wants these figures to keep growing. It will continue the record of the old Sedgemoor Tourism Association, which it replaces, spending weeks at trade fairs, organising roadshows and promotional tours, launching other campaigns to ensure Somerset is at the top of the list of Britain’s holiday choices,” added Mr Nicholson.
“Somerset is in competition with other areas where tourism receives heavy government subsidies, so special efforts are needed if the Country is to maintain its market share. A thriving and prosperous tourism industry benefits the entire community, providing jobs and facilities, preserving attractive buildings and features.”
“As a democratic membership organisation and a Community Interest Company the STA hopes to involve most of the 2,000 businesses directly engaged in tourism throughout Somerset. It will work closely with the Somerset Tourism Partnership, the County’s official Destination Management Organisation, which publishes the annual County guide.”
More details can be found on the STA’s website at www.somersetcoastandcountry.co.uk
