Category: Blog

Nominations are open for VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar 2024

Nominations are open for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

In partnership with The Mirror, VisitEngland runs the annual Tourism Superstar competition, which champions those in the tourism industry who provide an unforgettable visitor experience. The winner is crowned at the end of the competition, based on the highest number of public votes.

From tour guides to wildlife rangers, Tourism Superstars are passionate about the destination they work in – and set the bar high for the standard of service in England’s tourism industry. 

The winners are decided by public vote via The Mirror website, from a shortlist of ten finalists usually entered by their employers or destinations. Scroll down to discover how to nominate a Tourism Superstar of your own, and learn more about this year’s worthy winners.

Nominations are now open for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024. To nominate your superstar or for more information, please contact Charlotte Sanders at charlotte.sanders@visitengland.org.

www.visitbritain.org/working-us/visitenglands-tourism-superstar-award

Beth Chatto wins VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolade - Best Told Story 2022-2023

Beth Chatto wins VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolade – Best Told Story 2022-2023

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

VisitEngland has announced the winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2022-2023, recognising the high quality visitor experiences on offer across England.

The accolades, awarded to 91 attractions across England, recognise all aspects of the visitor experience and are awarded in five categories including ‘Hidden Gem,’ ‘Best Told Story,’ ‘Quality Food and Drink,’ ‘Welcome,’ as well as ‘Gold’ for all round top scoring attractions.

Attractions have received accolades based on the scores they obtained following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment.

Now in their ninth year VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades are available to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme across a range of tourism attractions from historic houses, gardens, country parks and farm attractions to galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals. Participating attractions are supported by a network of highly trained and experienced assessors who advise them on improving and promoting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of their offer.  Winning attractions can display the accolade logo at their attraction, online and in their marketing materials.  

A full list of attractions to receive VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades can be found here: https://www.visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/business-hub/resources/visitengland_visitor_attraction_accolade_winners_2022-2023_1.pdf

Find out more about the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme here: https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/get-quality-assessed

Find out more about Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens at www.bethchatto.co.uk

Photo Credit – Beth Chatto Plants & Gardens.

VisitBritain Business Advice Hub

VisitBritain Business Advice Hub

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s Business Advice Hub helps tourism businesses with free toolkits, guides and case studies and other relevant supporting information to help your tourism business to grow. Covering the following topics

Start your business
The key target markets in your destination, guidance on the practicalities of setting up a new business and where to get help from mentors.

Find funding
Funding options for your business and guidance on managing finances more effectively to maximise your profit margins.

Know your legal obligations
On what grounds you can refuse a booking, what licences you need to provide TVs and how to comply with health & safety regulations. You can also buy a printed copy of the popular Pink Book: legislation for tourist accommodation.

Understand health and safety
Your legal responsibilities, how to run a safe business and create a Fire Risk Assessment using a free online tool.

Make your business accessible
Guidance, tools and resources to help you provide access for all – and gain a share of a £12 billion market. You can also create an Accessibility Guide for your businesses using a free online tool.

Make your business sustainable
How to save money, reduce your impact and win more customers with practical sustainability tips and case studies.

Employ and manage staff
Step-by-step guides to finding and employing staff, guidance on managing employees and information on apprenticeships.

Find training
Training courses for you and your staff on customer service, digital skills and inclusion.

Get quality assessed
How to get an official star rating or accreditation for your business from the national tourist board.

Enter the Awards for Excellence
How to apply for one of the highest accolades in English tourism – the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Market your business
VisitEngland/VisitBritain marketing opportunities, our Digital Marketing Toolkit and best practice communication guides.

Attract international visitors
Guidance to help your business get ‘international ready’, including extensive research on overseas markets and our Inbound Tourism Toolkit.

Find local support
An online tool that tells you who your local Destination Organisation (local tourist board) and Growth Hubs are.

Explore the Hub now at www.visitengland.org/businessadvice

For local business support, advice, grants and loans visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business

Tourism Business Owners invited to complete Coastal Business Survey for Visitor Economy - Autumn 2023

Tourism Business Owners invited to complete Coastal Business Survey for Visitor Economy – Autumn 2023

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Tourism Business Owners are being encouraged to take part in a survey being carried out by the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) in partnership with Coastal Destination Management Organisations across the coast.

The Coastal Business Survey for Visitor Economy – Autumn 2023 survey focuses on performance over summer 2023, future bookings and challenges . All recorded data will be anonymised and the results used by the NCTA to lobby for further support for the industry.

The survey will stay live until Sunday, 22nd October 23 and will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NCTA_Essex

Wave 1 & 2 results https://coastaltourismacademy.co.uk/resource-hub/resource/coastal-tourism-business-survey-2023-results

To find out more about the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) and their Resource Hub which is a one-stop shop for anyone working in the coastal visitor economy designed to help create growth for coastal tourism businesses and seaside destinations, visit https://coastaltourismacademy.co.uk/

the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA)

TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight

TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight, run by Tendring District Council (TDC), features events with expert speakers covering topics on digital marketing, inclusive employment, and women in business, to more niche industries such as tourism and creative and cultural arts.

Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight

Locations across Tendring will play host to these events from Monday, 25 September to Wednesday 4 October, including a Jobs and Skills Fair; details can be found on our Eventbrite page and attendees are asked to book in advance to help manage numbers.

Cllr Ivan Henderson, TDC Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism, said he was looking forward to meeting local firms, celebrating success and encouraging new business relationships.

“Businesses big and small play a vital role in Tendring’s local economy, whether they are a cottage industry or a large manufacturing firm, an entertainment venue or servicing offshore wind turbines,” Councillor Henderson said.

“Our TENDRING4GROWTH fortnight celebrates all of that, providing something that all small independent businesses should take advantage of.”

The TENDRING4GROWTH Business Fortnight begins on Monday, 25 September with Spotlight on Tendring at the new Sunspot business centre in Jaywick Sands from 10am to 12.30pm. Keynote speaker Scott Russell from Paddy & Scott’s will discuss his business journey, whilst Colbea and Backing Essex Business will provide information on business support available across the district.

This is followed on Tuesday, 26 September with Coastal Tourism at The Waterfront Harwich from 10am to 1pm. Speakers include representatives from Harwich and Dovercourt Tourism Group, Essex County Council, Milsom Hotels and Restaurants, Landguard Trust, and Freeport East.

On Wednesday, 27 September the Digital and Independent Retailers event will take place at the Kingscliff Hotel in Holland-on-Sea from 10am to 12:30pm. Speakers include The Write Impression (TWI), Leading Motion Ltd, and Essex Police who will provide support for establishing a robust online presence and cybersecurity.

Week two begins with a Women in Business networking event on Monday, 2 October at Clacton Leisure Centre from 10am to 12.30pm. Speakers include Ambitious Women in Essex and various local businesswomen.

On Tuesday, 3 October, three events will take place. Harwich Arts Centre will host the Creative and Culture event from 10am to 12:30pm with speakers from Arts Council England, Clacton Creatives, Colbea, and TDC.

Kingscliff in Holland-on-Sea will host two informal events focusing on inclusive employment, starting with the Military Employer Recognition Scheme from 10am to 12pm – Followed by Disability Confident from 12pm to 4pm.

Closing the open invitation Business Fortnight is the Innovation: A Freeport East, Industry & Innovate UK Edge Perspective event on Wednesday, 4 October at Wix Village Hall from 10am to 12:30pm. This will explore how the freeport will boost global trade for local business, with speakers from RWE Renewables, Freeport East, and Innovate UK Edge.

Projects invited to bid for cash grants in Tendring

Projects invited to bid for cash grants in Tendring

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Projects promoting creativity and culture, supporting town centres or the visitor economy are being invited to bid for cash from Tendring District Council (TDC).

Initiatives which support development of skills, improvements to town centres, and creative, cultural and heritage activities, could be eligible for a share of £130,000 this year from TDC’s allocation from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) – which totals £1,188,232 over three years.

Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, encouraged people to apply.

“This is an opportunity not to be missed, as we have this funding from the government we are keen to passport out into communities,” Councillor Henderson said.

“The Shared Prosperity Fund will enable organisations to run projects which really, positively, impact our town centres, visitor economy, culture and heritage – or people and skills.

“We are keen to work with new partners in allocating these grants, and I would encourage any local organisation to think about their planned projects they could get support for – and especially to think about joint applications for innovative, new projects.

“We would particularly welcome applications which benefit multiple businesses or generate improvements across the district – schemes which share prosperity for all of Tendring while responding to local demand and need.

“This funding will complement other work being carried out by us, and our partners, to boost opportunities, skills, and the economy in Tendring.”

Other such work includes a skills roundtable event hosted by TDC on 28 June that brought employers and training providers together to look at how industry skills gaps could be matched up with current courses.

Meanwhile TDC has appointed a new town centre manager whose role, funded from UK SPF, will be to work with businesses and user groups in towns across the district on measures to drive up footfall, reduce empty shop units and related activity – all schemes which could qualify for further grant funding.

Further grants from the UK SPF will be available next financial year under the third instalment of the fund from government.

The deadline for grant applications is 21 August, though the council will close the scheme early if all the funds have already been allocated – so people are encouraged to apply early.

To find out more and to apply visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business/regeneration/shared-prosperity-fund.

Parks and gardens in Tendring keep four Green Flags

Parks and gardens in Tendring keep four Green Flags

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Parks and gardens around Tendring have kept their prestigious Green Flag Awards.

The district has maintained all four of its Green Flags for open spaces at Clacton Seafront Gardens, Weeley Crematorium and Gardens, Cliff Park in Dovercourt and Crescent Gardens in Frinton.

Mick Barry, Tendring District Council (TDC) Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the awards were testament to the hard work of council staff and volunteers in maintaining the areas to such a high standard.

“All of our parks and gardens, not just these four, look fantastic and that is thanks to the incredible work in all weathers of our horticultural teams, and many volunteers who are passionate about their local area too,” Councillor Barry said.

“I am pleased for them that Keep Britain Tidy has rewarded their efforts with these four prestigious Green Flags – which recognises not only how beautiful a place is, but also the behind the scenes and community efforts too.”

Clacton Seafront Gardens won its first Green Flag in 2009, with Frinton’s Crescent Gardens joining it the next year. Weeley Crematorium’s grounds first received a Green Flag in 2013, while Cliff Park got its first Green Flag in 2016.

Awarded by Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag scheme – now in its 28th year – assess not only the visual aspects of a site, such as its beauty, horticulture and cleanliness, but also community involvement, access and management, and are a sign of quality.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved across Tendring in achieving the Green Flag Awards.

“These are vital green spaces for the community in Tendring, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Find out more about the Green Flag Awards at www.greenflagaward.org

Tendring event grant scheme launches

Tendring event grant scheme launches

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Organisers of free events taking place in Tendring over the coming months could qualify for a grant of up to £1,000 to support their occasion.

Events could be eligible for a share of £10,000 from Tendring District Council’s (TDC) allocation from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) – which totals £1,188,232 over three years.

Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, encouraged event organisers to apply.

“The aim is to help local independent organisations either make the most of the summer season, or look to extend the season and increase footfall during traditionally quieter months,” Councillor Henderson said.

“We recognise that tourism plays a key role in our economy, but we also know the sector is keen to develop our year-round offer; these grants can help to support that.

“So if you’re planning something over the next few months, why not get in touch and see if your event could be boosted with a grant from us.”

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the fund will remain open until the allocation has been spent – meaning organisers are encouraged to apply early.

To find out more and to apply visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business/business-support-grants-and-loans.

Events must take place by 31 March 2024, and be free to attend for the public.

Essex Big Weekend, 25th August – 25th September

Essex Big Weekend, 25th August – 25th September

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

The Essex Big Weekend is back. Many visitor attractions throughout Essex offer residents the chance to win hundreds of FREE entry tickets over the weekend of 6th and 8th October 2023. From castles to pubs, glamping to theatres, there is something for everyone to choose from.

The on-line ballot is open from 25th August – 25th September, during which time residents can apply to win as many different tickets as they wish, however, there will only ever be one lucky winner per household. Tickets will then be allocated two weeks before the weekend.

Discover what’s ‘on your doorstep’ and enter The Essex BIG Weekend www.essexbigweekend.co.uk

Essex Big Weekend Logo
Clacton is named as Millets fourth best coastal location in England and Wales

Clacton is named as Millets fourth best coastal location in England and Wales

Posted on by Sarah Daniells

Millets has officially declared Clacton as the fourth best coastal area in England and Wales!

A range of factors were researched including Google review ratings for the main beach of each coastal location, along with the water quality rating, warmest ocean water temperature and the average cost of parking for up to four hours.

Read the full article at www.millets.co.uk/blog/coastal-index