TOURISM in Rugby is set to receive a boost as a result of a new partnership.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has become a member of Shakespeare’s England (SE), which promotes Warwickshire as a destination for tourists in the UK and overseas.
The town’s venues and attractions have joined the ranks of others from the region including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Kenilworth Castle, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa, the Belgrade Theatre, Coombe Abbey Hotel, Warwick Castle and more.
Rugby attractions being highlighted include the World Rugby Hall of Fame, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, The Benn Hall and Caldecott Park – which opened in 1904 and was named to honour and remember the Caldecott family, the lords of Rugby Manor, the last of whom was Thomas Caldecott who died in 1875.
RBC growth and investment spokeswoman Coun Jill Simpson-Vince said: “We’re delighted to join Shakespeare’s England and showcase Rugby’s unique historical and cultural attractions alongside Warwickshire’s wider tourism offer.
“Our new partnership will enable the council to participate in website promotion of Rugby’s tourism assets as well as joint campaigns to attract tourists to the county, enticing them to stay in Rugby accommodation and visit heritage attractions and businesses here.”
She added Rugby would have a dedicated space on the SE website to promote the attractions – and privately-owned hospitality and tourism venues would be invited to participate.
She said: “Tourism has a major role to play in driving Rugby’s economic recovery from the pandemic, and with Coventry City of Culture 2021 and Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022, we’re looking forward to working with our partners across Warwickshire and the wider region to maximise the benefits such major events can bring, and increase the number of visitors we welcome to the birthplace of Rugby football.”
Helen Peters, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England, said she was thrilled to welcome Rugby Borough Council and was looking forward to help promote the town.
She said: “Rugby has some fantastic attractions and we look forward to showcasing them to our audience and the tourism industry as a whole.
“The venues are now featured on our website for people to find out more information and also plan their visits.
“Warwickshire is an amazing county filled with so much to interest visitors, so it is very exciting for Shakespeare’s England to be branching out to showcase a new area of the county.”
Visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk for more information.
