New campaign to attract tourists to city

The drive will be aimed primarily at the United States, France and Ireland, which are the three main markets identified so far through industry and consultation.

Chichester District Council has linked up with Brighton and Hove, Canterbury, Guildford, Salisbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Winchester for the scheme.

The Southern English Cities Consortium is a new overseas marketing initiative which aims to build direct relationships with its target countries and with trade partners.

The project is initially being aimed at France, Ireland and the USA, where it is being run in conjunction with the American Association of Retail Travel Agents.

The touring itineraries will feature on the partnership's website, which will be launched next month, alongside a tailor'“made itinerary service for trade and customer users.

One of the consortium's key activities for 2003/2004 will be hosting the international conference of the American Association of Retail Travel Agents in Salisbury on October 10 and 11.

The conference is also scheduled to visit Chichester for two nights on October 13 and 14 as part of a post-conference educational event.

For the full story see the Chichester Observer on July 31.