With no publicly-funded tourism body to promote us here and abroad, Herefordshire needs some help.

Earlier this year ‘Visit Herefordshire’ which was being run by the Chamber of Commerce, was closed. And yet tourism is one of the key industries which brings revenue into the county. Tourism day visits of over three hours to Herefordshire are estimated at some 5.25 million, with an expenditure of £134 m.

In 2018 overseas visits to Herefordshire and Worcestershire were down by 17-25% on 2017.

A new initiative is aiming to promote Herefordshire to a whole new international audience. It’s not just a first for Herefordshire, it’s a first for the UK nationally! Called ‘ Ciderlands’, it will see international delegates from Europe, America and Japan come to the county to experience what makes it great. Arriving Thursday, October 10th, they will be shown the dynamic craft cider scene, the famous larger cider firms, the history, beauty and customs of the county at harvest time. It’s a two-way experience, though - the public will have a chance to meet these diverse and passionate promoters of cider culture at the evening event at the Museum of Cider, Hereford on Friday 11th. The evening event is free entry, and aims to showcase the amazing cider and history of Herefordshire. The group of volunteers that came together to bid for the conference is made up of professionals from tourism, cider making, hospitality and heritage. Called the Hereford Cider Culture Network, it wants to try to reverse the trend of fewer overseas tourist visits by linking with our European and American colleagues and promoting cider as a world tour experience. For more information see www.facebook/CiderlandsHerefordshire

or https://craftynectar.com/blogs/cider/ciderlands-goes-around-the-world-and-lands-in-herefordshireSee more stories like this in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here