BUSINESSES will have the chance to find out more about how they can get support from local authorities at a special event near Malvern.

Malvern Hills District Council is hosting a tourism forum at Stanbrook Abbey to showcase how they can support businesses in attracting more visitors.

The free Visit The Malverns Tourism Forum will take place at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel from 1.15pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, February 26 and will feature talks, a workshop and Q&A session.

The event will be hosted by Councillor Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, and visitors will be able to learn more about the Visit the Malverns Visitor Economy Action Plan.

There will be a tourism project update from David Armitage from the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and more information about the Stanbrook Abbey Hotel developments.

As well as this, the event will feature a talk on VisitBritain and Tourism Exchange Great Britain’s new online booking portal for accommodation, attractions, tours, experiences and transport.

An ‘Unmissable England’ workshop will also be available which will focus on developing new tourism products and creating visitor experiences.

Cllr Nielsen said: “The Visit The Malverns Tourism Forum follows on from the success of last year’s event where there was a great turnout of people keen to make the most of their business. There will be plenty of opportunities for guests to gain valuable insights and support on how to promote their businesses whilst offering the best service to attract visitors to our thriving district."

The agenda for the event is as follows: 1:15pm – Registration with tea and coffee on arrival

1:40pm – Welcome by Cllr. Beverley Nielsen

1:50pm – Welcome To Stanbrook Abbey Hotel by Paul Motzheim

2.00pm – Update on the Visitor Economy Action Plan

2:15pm –Malvern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Tourism Project Update by David Armitage

2:35pm – TXGB – VisitBritain Discover England funded new booking portal

2:50pm – Refreshments & networking

3:15pm – Unmissable England Workshop– Developing new tourism products: Creating your own visitor experiences

For more information, contact victoria.carman@malvernhills.gov.uk