Visit Chichester has rebranded itself as The Great Sussex Way to capitalise on the boom in staycations caused by the pandemic and promoting the area’s natural assets for tourists.
The organisation is pulling together the local tourist offer under one roof, by creating a website hub of businesses, experiences and the areas beauty spots to form a one-stop shop guide. An effort described as an ‘easy sell’ by the organisation’s CEO, Danielle Dunfield, as the area is home to some of the most beautiful sites in England.
The Roman City of Chichester lies between the expansive South Downs National Park and the golden stretch of the famous Witterings beaches. The area also boasts Cowdray Park Polo Club, Goodwood Racecourse, a world-renowned theatre and numerous stately homes. There are, of course, great pubs, long walks, horse riding, and some very impressive views.
Dunfield has ambitious plans further afield, and her team are already exploring emerging markets such as eco-tourism and the up-and-coming wine-tourism sector, as Sussex already boasts some of the finest English winemakers.
Danielle Dunfield said, “This has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging times for tourism, but we have used the time to consolidate our offerings and get the word out. It’s not a hard sell, the challenge is condensing everything down as there’s almost too much to show off at once. Visitor expectations are high and experience days are just as appealing as golden sands on a hot day – so it is lucky we have both in abundance.
My goal is to expand our offer and make it easier for people to access. Our area is relatively undiscovered and possibly the best-kept secret in England – but hopefully not for long.”
The Great Sussex Way encompasses the region governed by Chichester District Council in West Sussex, leading visitors from the Downs in the North to the sand dunes on the coast, by way of a route of their own choosing.
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