TOURISM businesses across the Cotswolds are being urged to help promote the district.

Cotswolds Tourism is a new 'destination management organisation' whose sole aim is to increase both domestic and international tourism to the Cotswolds.

It is a new, independent, not-for-profit, public/private sector company which is run by businesses themselves, with the support of local authorities.

As part of an ambitious project to engage with both existing Cotswolds Tourism members, and anyone who may want to join the organisation, a series of business engagement sessions have been planned starting at the end of February.

Cotswolds Tourism’s partnership manager Susie Hunt said: “ This is an exciting opportunity for any business involved in tourism to help the organisation better understand what support they need to grow their business. We genuinely want to hear from the industry about how we can help them as it would be arrogant of us to assume we have all the answers.”

She added: “Tourism is constantly changing but as an official destination management organisation we will be recognised by Visit England and Visit Britain – the national domestic and international tourism authorities - allowing us to take part in national marketing campaigns and tap into potential sources of funding.

“We’re delighted with our progress in setting up the new organisation and are excited to be in the position to meet Cotswold Tourism members, and potential members to find out how we can work together in partnership. As one of Visit Britain’s top ‘attract brands’ it’s more important than ever that we work together to promote the Cotswolds.”

Informal sessions are being held across the area giving people the chance to find out more about the work that’s being done on tourism businesses' behalf including one at Moreton Area Centre on Wednesday March 4 at 10am, 2pm and 6pm.

Anyone interested in coming along should email Susie Hunt on susie.hunt@cotswold.gov.uk

More information on organisation can be found on the Cotswolds Tourism website.