Wychavon’s Chairman has been celebrating some of the district’s popular visitor attractions, as a new report reveals tourism adds more than £171 million to the local economy.
Research carried out on behalf of Wychavon revealed in 2022 more than 3.7 million day trips or overnight stops were made to the district. More than 3,100 jobs are also supported by tourism.
The figures show Wychavon’s visitor economy is making a good recovery following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the value of the district’s tourism sector rising 25% on the previous year.
As part of his Chairman’s 50th anniversary tour of the district, Cllr Robert Raphael has been experiencing some of the visitor attractions Wychavon offers.
They include Hartlebury Castle which opened to the public in 2018 following a £5 million overhaul funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. As well as beautiful grounds, the castle offers visitors an interactive look into the lives of the bishops who lived there, including one who went on to become the pope who refused Henry VIII a divorce. The site is also home to Worcestershire County Museum where visitors can find out fascinating facts about the county, spend time in the 1950s themed diner or go back to school in Victorian times.
Cllr Raphael was also able to get his hands on a bible from the 12th century in the impressive Hurd Library, which contains more than 5,000 books.
While visiting Aztec Adventure Park in Upton Warren, the Chairman scaled new heights when taking on the rope climbing experience.
He also tried his hand at canoeing supported by local ward councillor Rick Deller. The site also offers an Aqua glide aqua park – an inflatable obstacle course on the water – as well as kayaking and various adventure led courses.
In Dormston parish, Cllr Raphael had a close encounter of the woolly kind as he popped in to Simply Alpaca to learn more about the history and care of these captivating creatures. Visitors can book experiences which include going on an alpaca walk and the opportunity to learn how to felt with their fibre.
Cllr Robert Raphael, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, said: “It was fantastic to get a taste of some of the diverse and wonderful visitor attractions Wychavon has to offer. We often overlook the amazing places to visit we have on our doorstep and I would encourage residents to be a tourist at home and find out what they can discover.”
Cllr Richard Morris, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: “Tourism is an important part of our local economy and I am delighted to see visitor numbers returning to their pre-pandemic levels. Whether it’s fantastic festivals, amazing attractions or our beautiful natural spaces, Wychavon has lots to explore and I look forward to seeing these figures increase further in the years ahead.”
Visit http://www.valeandspa.co.uk to find out more about what Wychavon has to offer.
