L to R: Ian Piper (Forward Swindon), Justin Tomlinson MP, Tina Cumpstey (Swindon Designer Outlet)
Andrew Spink (De Vere Village) outside the Swindon Designer Outlet
Justin Tomlinson MP today joined local hoteliers and regeneration bodies on a visit to Swindon Designer Outlet to mark English Tourism Week.
The visit was an opportunity to look around the complex before discussing how Swindon can boost tourism in the town.
Swindon benefits from having a whole host of tourist attractions and events on its doorstep. With STEAM and the Outlet Village in the Town itself, historic Avebury and Barbury Castle on the doorstep and large events like Badminton a quick journey down the M4, Swindon is well placed to take advantage of the growing tourist industry. The Town will also benefit significantly from the rebuild of the Oasis Leisure Centre to include a snow dome and concert venue, drawing people to Swindon from a wide area.
Discussion focused on how Swindon can capture a greater share of the tourism industry and encourage visitors to come to the Town. Manager of the Outlet Village, Tina Cumpstey, discussed how they build a unique shopping experience to attract visitors and the boost in footfall nearby events provides.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Swindon is in a fantastic position to pitch itself at the centre of the local tourism market. The question is just one of how we achieve that. Today’s meeting proved that the innovative ideas and will to work together is there among our hoteliers and tourist industry, it is now a question of working together to deliver those ideas. I am confident that, especially with the Oasis rebuild, tourism will be a growing industry in Swindon and of great benefit to our Town.”