With the support of its President, The Mayor of Ribble Valley Cllr Lois Rimmer, the Ribble Valley Tourism Association (RVTA) members vowed to continue to promote the visitor economy in Ribble Valley at their annual general meeting held at the Higher Trapp Country Hotel, Simonstone on Wednesday 26 May, 2pm.

A poignant meeting for it's members following difficult year for many businesses in the area, however in his Chairman's report, Mr Steven Alcock commented that membership for the RVTA has increased from 70 to 110 in the last 12 months. He attributes this success to the support from his executive committee and the association's co-ordinator Mrs Valerie Jackson, who's role is to organise the RVTA, communicate information to members and increase the membership and it's member's benefits.

Steven explained:
"We're not going to stand still now, we still want the association to grow and to appeal to all tourism related businesses in the borough. I'd like to thank Ribble Valley Borough Council and the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, who have given their full support and backing to us, both in kind and financially. We must now grow and develop our 3-year action plan that aims to support the development of tourism in Ribble Valley.

Members and their guests were presented with an overview of the council's tourism development and marketing activity over the last year from Rebecca Kay, Tourism and Arts Officer.

Rebecca stated in her report:
"We've had a hugely successful year launching the Clitheroe Castle Museum, attending national tourism exhibitions, dealing with enquiries in the Clitheroe Visitor Information Centre and in developing the new Official Tourism Website http://www.visitribblevalley.co.uk/ which has received very positive feedback already. But there is so much more we can do and look forward to in the next year, including the next phase of the Ribble Valley Food Trail and the development of the area into becoming known as a fine food destination."

To follow, presentations on how members can 'Improve Their Bottom Line' and what you need to know about tax were given by, Rachel Marsden and Judith Dugdale from Moore and Smalley which members found very useful. And Julie Brown, Producer and Communications Manager from The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, inspired members how they could work with venues and attraction such as themselves to provide a better offer to their visitors.

The meeting closed with a heartfelt speech from the Mayor of the Ribble Valley who thanked the Chairman and Committee for the work it does in raising the profile of the Ribble Valley and looks forward to learning more about her role over the course of the Mayoral year.

Ribble Valley Tourism Association - Promoting quality in leisure and tourism

Ends

Contact: 

Rebecca Kay, Tourism and Arts Officer, Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 414496.