Improving the Value of the East Surrey Rural Visitor Economy - Food & Drink Workshop

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED

You are invited to attend an Improving the Value of the East Surrey Rural Visitor Economy – Food and Drink workshop on Thursday 22 March between 12.00pm and 2.30pm at The Cock Inn, Church Lane, Headley KT18 6LE.

This workshop is part of an EAFRD ‘East Surrey Rural Visitor Economy’ project which is looking at ways of increasing the value of the visitor economy in the area.

During the afternoon you will hear from Rebecca Young, Editor at Surrey Life and Stephanie Drury who champion the great and the good of the area’s food and drink industry through the annual Surrey Life Food & Drink Awards and how they benefit and promote local businesses.

Mark Williams, Operations Director of Red Mist Leisure and The Cock Inn, shares what winning Pub of the Year 2017 at the Surrey Life Food & Drink Awards meant to them and their dedication to sourcing from British farmers and producers to use only sustainable ingredients, with a showcase of their food over lunch.

Find out how food and drink can

• influence the choice of destination for visitors and be an important factor in encouraging return visits

• enhance the local identity and reputation of areas

• encourage tourism expenditure and retention

• extend the visitor season and provide support for the local economy

The event will also cover funding opportunities available now to help your business grow and we’ll update you on the latest tourism trends which could help you capitalise on new and growing markets.

You will also find out more about the ‘East Surrey Rural Visitor Economy’ project, and how you can help shape its development to benefit your community, organisation or business. You will be invited to consider the opportunities around food and drink, the challenges to development and growth, and how to maximise the value of visitors to your business and the local economy.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The ‘East Surrey Rural Visitor Economy’ project is being funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and delivered on behalf of the East Surrey Local Authorities by Tourism South East & Associates.

The project aims to develop a Destination Management Plan and Partnership that will promote the rural tourism credentials of the area and, at the same time, take into consideration the needs of visitors, residents, businesses, and the environment.