When I moved out of London into the countryside, there was very little collaborative tourism activity, nor a recognised or well established sector, no tourism network or business support. Everyone was busy doing their own thing! Some still are.
How times have changed, and I am very proud to be a part of this busy, thriving sector that boasts a wonderful mix of the traditional rural products with new, experiential businesses opening their doors, gates and websites. We still have much to do, but the difference is that we are doing it together.
I help destinations and businesses develop new audiences and tourism sectors, do a lot of travel writing, create travel videos and share my landscape photography and recently co-creating a new range of gifts and souvenirs, Chilterns Gifts.
leisure treasures
This winter, I am devoting most of my creative energy bringing all your favourite Chilterns Treasures into one place: fun and engaging leisure treasures so you can spend valuable time with your friends and family, without any social pressure. There are multiple ways your business can get involved such as:
- Support new online destination guides
- Sponsor the new self-guided Chilterns Treasure Trails
- Subscribe and share the Chilterns Treasures newsletter to inspire your customers
- Become a Chilterns Treasures yourself. Find out how.
- Participate in the Chilterns Tourism Networking.
Inclusive Business NEtworking
In response to a low level of destination awareness and tourism marketing, I began to seek out and find friendly faces working locally in tourism in the Chilterns, who together over coffee and cake, co-founded the Chilterns Tourism Network.
12 years later, we are one of those ‘unofficial DMO’s’ – in reality, a group of collaborative businesses that can be found in increasing numbers across the UK. We work hand-in-hand across sectors including; farming, transport, retail, accommodation, events, food & drink, sport, museums and the arts promoting the Chilterns as a visitor destination; somewhere to stay, explore and enjoy throughout the year.
Mary Tebje 