Council leaders toured some of the area’s most popular attractions to promote the district as they celebrated English Tourism Week recently.
Rother District Council representatives joined tourism businesses who are members of the 1066 Country Marketing partnership, councillors from Wealden District Council and local MPs, to celebrate 1066 Country as a quality visitor destination.
Tourism is a vital part of the local economy in Rother bringing in millions of pounds each year and providing jobs for thousands of people.
Figures revealed the tourism industry contributed over £245m to the Rother economy in 2022 and employed over 21 per cent of the local population in tourist-related employment.
Speaking after a visit to Bodiam Castle, Cllr Hazel Timpe, lead member for tourism at Rother District Council, said: “Our district has an abundance of top attractions in some of the most beautiful towns, villages and countryside in the UK. From historic monuments, heritage sites and gardens to vineyards, farms and hospitality businesses, Rother has something for everyone.
“Tourism plays such a vital role in boosting our economy and providing employment for thousands of our residents. We were delighted to help mark English Tourism Week and give our support to the tourism sector.”
Cllr Timpe was joined at Bodiam by Cllr Mrs Vikki Cook, Chairman of the Council. Cllr Cook said: “Bodiam is a special place in our district and we were delighted it was our first visit of the week. The staff there are superb and very knowledgeable. They are supported by over 400 local volunteers.”
Stewart Drew, chair of the 1066 Country Executive Board and Director and Chief Executive of the De La Warr Pavilion, said: “We have a wonderfully diverse selection of tourism and hospitality businesses within 1066 Country.
“During English Tourism Week we very much welcomed the support of the local councillors and constituency MPs who have accepted our offer of spending some time as a tourist within a few miles of their own doorsteps. It was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the visitor economy to our vibrant region”.
Published: 5th April 2024
