Chorley launches ambitious destination management plan

Defining Chorley’s future as top visitor destination, an ambitious destination management plan has been launched and presented to local businesses following approval at a recent Chorley Council meeting.

Chorley aims to position itself as a leading destination by 2030 for short breaks and day visits in Lancashire, celebrated for its tourism initiatives, vibrant events calendar, and high-quality visitor experiences.

Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Peter Wilson said “Chorley is a fantastic place to visit with so many brilliant things to do and we need to embrace the unique assets to attract a diverse range of visitors.

“Steeped in history, with a bustling town centre, vibrant villages, beautiful countryside and much more, we think Chorley has ‘the best of Lancashire all in one place’, hence our new place brand.

“Our new destination management plan sets out areas of work over the next five years to support the sustainable growth of Chorley’s visitor economy. The council can’t achieve this alone, so we’re looking forward to working with businesses, partners and the local community on this.

“Visitor economy is big business for Chorley, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that it brings positive benefits to our borough through increased spending, jobs and investment.”

Supported by funding from the UK Government, Chorley’s destination management plan has been developed in collaboration with key visitor economy sector stakeholders and provides an ambitious framework to drive forward Chorley’s vision of: Enabling strong communities, a resilient economy, excellent services, a greener future and successful people.

Increasing visitor footfall and time spent in the borough are just some of the objectives of the plan with key aspirations that include:

• Establishing the borough of Chorley as the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts, leveraging its proximity to the West Pennine Moors and the Lancashire countryside.
  
• Refining and effectively promoting the year-round programme of cultural and family-focused events, attracting repeat visitors from outside the borough, a more diverse demographic, and boosting both the daytime and evening economy.
  
• Becoming a hub for authentic experiences, from artisan food and drink to hands-on workshops and guided tours that showcase Chorley’s heritage and community spirit.

Working with businesses to better promote Chorley’s offer is an integral part of the plan, and as such, tourism related businesses and attractions are encouraged to become part of a new Tourism Network. Further information on this and the new destination management plan can be found at checkoutchorley.com/tourismnetwork

For more information on things to do in Chorley, visit checkoutchorley.com