Castle manager will drive tourism for district

Tim Harrison-Jones, manager of Warwick Castle, has been chosen as the district council’s ‘tourism champion’ to head a steering group that aims to create a “thriving tourism economy” across Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, Whitnash and surrounding areas.

The 38-year-old, who has led the team at the castle for 18 months, has already been working with the council on “re-engaging” the castle with the people of the district.

He said: “I used to run a hotel in Chichester, so I understand the needs of both businesses and tourist destinations.

“I am honoured to think I can use that expertise and help drive tourism into the district.”

Mr Harrison-Jones plans to work closely with Stratford District Council. He said: “In Warwick district, we have a strong domestic market, but we can have growth in our international market. The opposite is true for Stratford so we can help each other out.”

Joe Baconnet, the council’s economic development and regeneration manager, said the group will work with the private sector and other tourist organisations, such as the RSC and the Eden Hotels Group.

But at the council’s executive committee meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Les Caborn said: “This strategy lacks detail on what is available in our rural areas. These areas feel they have been seriously disengaged.”

Mr Baconnet assured councillors that the rural areas will be included in the steering group’s work.

The committee approved proposals for a £15,000 grant to go to Warwick Town Council, which manages Warwick tourist information centre, as it will form the district’s tourism ‘hub’.