Ilfracombe appoints PR & tourism ambassador
Ilfracombe has appointed a PR, Tourism and Marketing Ambassador to maximise opportunities to make the comeback from lockdown not just a great one for the Summer months, but an ongoing strategy for the ‘out of season’ months.
The appointment of Caroline Bramwell, who has been managing PR and marketing strategies for 30 years, and who lives in the town, will focus on putting Ilfracombe on the map as a Top UK destination, supporting the hospitality sector and businesses across Ilfracombe. Caroline, who has been involved with promoting many local businesses over the years, brings a wealth of experience and connections that will benefit the town.
Caroline said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ilfracombe’s first Ambassador. We live in a beautiful part of the world with an enviable sense of community. Ilfracombe deserves to be recognised for its character, history and diversity; from stunning coastal walks and idyllic beaches, to the plethora of talented artists, attractions, accommodation styles and eateries.”
The objectives of the appointment are to change the perception of Ilfracombe and improve the visitor experience; to collaboratively work with local businesses, hospitality, tourism and the High Street, to attract more high quality guests with spending power. Caroline will be working to create opportunities for Ilfracombe to be featured in the press and media and attract visitors.
The appointment of an Ambassador was the wish of outgoing Mayor, Val Gates, whose desire was to leave a lasting legacy for the town. Val said: “Ilfracombe, for many years, has been a little reluctant to shout about what an amazing destination it is, yet at the same time bemoaning the fact that more attention is paid to other towns and resorts that do not match our offering.
Our economy is principally based on the hospitality industry and after the hammering that has taken in the last 15 months we realised that we should come out of restrictions with a bang and not a whimper, generating more visitors to the town over a longer season.
To achieve that we needed to engage someone who could help us hit the ground running and we have found that in Caroline.” The appointment has been made collaboratively with Ilfracombe Town Council and the Ilfracombe District Tourism Association (IDTA). Rod Chatfield, Chair of IDTA, said: “Ilfracombe is one of the most progressive towns for food and art. It’s a great location for visitors to explore further afield and now we have the opportunity communicate with a much louder voice.”