The group of Travel and Tourism students from Walford and North Shropshire College were challenged by the British Ironwork Centre to investigate the issues faced by Oswestry in its quest to attract and retain visitors – and then to devise a plan to tackle the problems highlighted by their research.
The projects were presented in true “Dragon’s Den” style by the students who faced a panel of judges including Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, Alison Patrick, Shropshire Tourism officer and Clive Knowles, Chairman of the British Ironwork Centre.
The students’ investigations yielded some surprising results, particularly that tourism chiefs cannot take for granted that even the town’s residents are aware of the facilities existing within it. The presentations highlighted a lack of awareness of Oswestry’s Sculpture Trail and Tourist Information Centre located at Church Terrace.
Further issues raised included the forthcoming closure on two days per week of Mile End Tourist Information Centre, the unappealing visual appearance of Mile End roundabout as a first impression upon potential visitors, and the need for Oswestry to promote itself as a place to stay as opposed to a “day-trip” venue.
Mr Knowles said “The panel was extremely impressed by the high standard of presentations – it was clear that a great deal of work had gone into each project.”
“It has been a fantastic event and provided a great deal of food for thought – we would like to thank the students and their tutor, Louise Gregory, for their hard work and the judges for kindly giving up their time.”
Following the event the British Ironwork Centre, as a pillar of the Heritage Ambassadors initiative and Community Champion, has committed to bridge the gap in service provision resulting from the reduced hours of the Mile End Centre through the creation of a beautiful Kew Gardens-style gazebo within their grounds.
The project will be fully funded and staffed by the Centre, whose Heritage Ambassador trained team members are ideally placed to welcome to visitors to Oswestry and to promote its many attractions.
The Centre will also be working in partnership with Walford and North Shropshire College to develop an exciting new initiative to enable Travel and Tourism students to gain valuable, “real life” knowledge and skills. The two organisations will be developing a work experience programme, offering students the opportunity to put theory into practice through work at the new Tourist Centre.
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