Help to Thrive

In a 2023 Cotswolds Tourism survey to businesses, 79% of respondents said they were unsure of what a travel trade friendly experience was. The survey also highlighted a need for training on how to reach new audiences and engaging with digital solutions. Using this evidence and tourism trends data showing visitors eager to engage with local people and local experiences, Cotswolds Tourism successfully bid for funding from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver ‘Help to Thrive’. 

An introductory virtual session, open to all visitor economy businesses, to help give an understanding of the project aims: to help local visitor economy businesses develop new experiences, reach new audiences and start their journey to become bookable online, was held in mid-September. You can watch the recording of the session here.

The first element is to identify businesses, whether a traditional 'tourism' business or not, that could create engaging new experiences and to help develop those ideas - for instance a cheese shop offering a tasting experience pairing local cheeses with local wines or even running your own bookshop for a week!

From the September launch through to March 2025 a range of specialist training workshops are happening as part of Help to Thrive.

There will also be a bespoke 1 to1 mentoring programme available for a few businesses from each of the supporting local authority areas (Cotswold District, West Oxfordshire & Tewkesbury Borough councils) and people considering starting a visitor economy business for the first time will also be very welcome to join the programme. Please complete an expression of interest telling us about your new business or bookable experience.

Specialist workshops

Specialist workshops coming up include:

In person workshops:

  • 28 November at Moreton Area Centre – workshop on how to host an experience & be a storyteller
  • 15 January at Farm Ed Shipton Under Wychwood - How to Green Your Business - A Guide to Sustainable Tourism

For everyone virtually:

  • 29 November - the fundamentals of working with the trade & how to start this journey.
  • 9 December  learn about the digital channels to maximise your reach & business including AI
  • 14 January - Virtual Experience Maker workshop
  • 16 January Learn about the free Visitor Ready accreditation scheme

For serviced accommodation providers who have had some experience already of working with the travel trade:

  • 27 January will help you understand best practice and ask any questions you may have to ensure a better engagement with trade operators.

Future dates for the diary:

  • 20 January - Digital transformation and connected distribution
  • 11 February – tourism forum focussed on digital enablement around the River Severn Partnership region
  • 12 February – in person event on how to market your tourism business, venue TBC
  • 24 February - Virtual session, Sustainable Tourism Businesses
  • Jan/Feb TBC - Drop in accommodation session including Visitor Ready scheme