CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership Celebrates Successful Trade Mission To Mexico, Building Strong Relationships With Travel Leaders From The US, Canada, Japan, And Brazil

The CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership is celebrating the success of its recent trade mission to Mexico, which has played a pivotal role in building strong, strategic relationships with key travel leaders from the US, Canada, Japan, and Brazil. This mission provided an invaluable opportunity for the Cotswolds region to engage with influential travel buyers and media from some of the world’s most important tourism markets, further strengthening its global presence and enhancing its reputation as a top travel destination.

The CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has been making significant strides in promoting the Cotswolds region on the international stage. After completing a highly successful trade mission to Mexico, the partnership is now preparing for its next big opportunity—participating in the prestigious Hankyu British Fair in Japan this October. This event marks another key moment for the LVEP in its ongoing mission to boost tourism and trade for the Cotswolds.

Destination Britain Americas

The LVEP team recently represented the Cotswolds at Destination Britain Americas, held in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This major event was organized by VisitBritain and served as an excellent platform for the region to engage with travel buyers and media from key markets including the United States, Canada, and Brazil. The event was designed to foster relationships between British destinations and overseas travel professionals, with a focus on promoting Britain as a top destination for international tourists.

At the event, the Cotswolds team showcased the region’s rich and diverse offerings. The partnership was keen to highlight a broad range of experiences that appeal to different types of travelers. On one hand, they emphasized the classic British experiences that make the Cotswolds such a cherished destination. These included traditional activities like etiquette lessons, where visitors could learn the finer details of British manners and customs, as well as tours focusing on historical sites such as the famous cathedral with strong American connections. These experiences tap into the region’s deep historical roots, offering visitors a taste of British culture in a way that is both personal and memorable.

On the other hand, the team also spotlighted the more contemporary, cinematic appeal of the Cotswolds. They highlighted locations made famous by popular films, including the iconic settings from Bridget Jones’s Diary and Rivals. These filming locations have become a major draw for movie fans and those interested in experiencing locations they have seen on screen. This modern appeal ties in with VisitBritain’s StarringGreatBritain campaign, which seeks to promote Britain as a top travel destination for film buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike. By showcasing both traditional and modern offerings, the Cotswolds were presented as a destination that balances the old and the new, attracting a wide range of visitors with different interests.

Preparing for Hankyu British Fair

The next big event on the LVEP’s agenda is the 58th Hankyu British Fair, one of Japan’s largest and most prominent celebrations of British culture. Held annually in Osaka, the Hankyu British Fair has become the country’s longest-running British-themed event, drawing more than 250,000 visitors each year. This is a significant platform for the Cotswolds, as Japan is known for its interest in British culture, with many Japanese travelers seeking authentic British experiences, from afternoon tea to historical tours. The event serves as an important opportunity to showcase the best the Cotswolds has to offer to an eager and receptive audience.

Several businesses from the Cotswolds will participate in the event, offering a taste of local craftsmanship, beauty, and history. These businesses represent the best of what the region has to offer, from artisan products to luxury experiences. By taking part in the Hankyu British Fair, these businesses not only increase their visibility in the Japanese market but also strengthen their relationships with other key players in the global tourism industry.

The Hankyu British Fair is a perfect fit for the Cotswolds, given its long-standing ties to British heritage and the interest many Japanese tourists have in exploring the English countryside. With Japan being a key source market for luxury travel and cultural tourism, the Hankyu British Fair presents a unique opportunity to engage with high-net-worth individuals who are interested in visiting regions like the Cotswolds, known for its scenic beauty, rich heritage, and quintessential British charm.

Strengthening Partnerships

The CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership has expressed its gratitude to VisitBritain for organizing the Americas trade mission and for its continued support in promoting British regions worldwide. The trade mission was an invaluable opportunity for the LVEP to connect with international travel professionals and to share the Cotswolds’ unique offerings. The team also thanked Hankyu Department Stores for providing such a prestigious and high-value platform for showcasing the Cotswolds at the Hankyu British Fair. This partnership is essential for ensuring that the region’s businesses gain maximum exposure in international markets and can tap into new tourism trends.

Looking Ahead

As the CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership looks ahead, there are clear signs that the region’s international profile is set to grow. With participation in major global events such as the Destination Britain Americas and the Hankyu British Fair, the Cotswolds is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism market. The region’s focus on promoting both traditional British experiences and modern cultural attractions ensures that it appeals to a diverse range of travelers.

The successful completion of the trade mission to Mexico and the upcoming participation in the Hankyu British Fair signal a strong future for the Cotswolds’ international tourism efforts. By continuing to work with key partners like VisitBritain and Hankyu Department Stores, the LVEP is helping to ensure that the Cotswolds remains a top destination for global travelers, particularly those from key markets in the Americas and Asia.

The CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership celebrates the success of its trade mission to Mexico, forging key relationships with travel leaders from the US, Canada, Japan, and Brazil to strengthen its global presence and promote the Cotswolds as a top travel destination.

The CotswoldsPlus Local Visitor Economy Partnership is making significant strides in raising the international profile of the Cotswolds region. With its recent trade mission to Mexico and the upcoming participation in the Hankyu British Fair, the team is successfully promoting the region’s diverse offerings to global audiences. The support from VisitBritain and Hankyu Department Stores has been instrumental in creating high-value platforms for showcasing the Cotswolds on the international stage. As the region continues to build its presence in key tourism markets, the future looks bright for the Cotswolds’ continued growth in global tourism.