New campaign to boost tourism and business throughout Waveney Valley
The launch of the Waveney Valley LEADER project. Photo: Waveney District Council. - Credit: Archant
A new campaign has been launched to celebrate the Waveney Valley, intended to attract tourists and in turn boost the local economy.
The Waveney Valley LEADER project was launched earlier this month and focuses on the towns of Beccles, Bungay, Diss, Eye, Halesworth, Harleston and Loddon.
It also incorporates the surrounding rural hinterlands around the River Waveney.
South Norfolk, Mid Suffolk and Waveney District Councils initiated the project to encourage the discovery of the Waveney Valley as a visitor destination.
Michael Ladd, Waveney’s cabinet member for economic development and tourism, said: “Tourism is an essential part of the local economy and we want to maximise the opportunities for tourism within the Waveney Valley.
“By working with other local authorities, business and tourism groups, we can coordinate activities to raise the profile and encourage more visitors to this beautiful area.”
The project will link places of interest through products, history and landscape as well as encouraging visitors to stay for longer and increase their spend.
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It aims to provide a unique experience for visitors through heritage trails, river-based nature trails, food and drink weekend experiences and produce tours.
Waveney District Council has already secured £28,000 of funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).
The money has enabled the recruitment of project development coordinator Lisa Vincent to work with the Local Tourism Action Group (LTAG).
Ms Vincent said: “I’m very excited to have been chosen to coordinate this project on behalf of the LTAG.
“I am passionate about both business and tourism within the region and look forward to working with you all to bring visitors to the beautiful Waveney Valley.”
Gerard Brewster, Suffolk District’s cabinet member for economy added: “This funding is excellent news for all of us who care about the Waveney Valley.
“Congratulations to the Waveney Valley Local Tourism Action Group, and I look forward to working with the new Waveney Valley coodinator to promote the highlights of the valley to more visitors.”
The project will work alongside nearby visitor destinations such as Norwich, The Suffolk Coast and The Broads.
For more details about the Waveney Valley visit www.visitwaveneyvalley.co.uk
