The 2010 holiday season is still in full swing, but local authorities in Gloucestershire are already joining forces to plan a stunning new visitor guide which will welcome visitors to the county next year. For the first time ever, the five local authorities from Cheltenham, Cotswolds, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Stroud are combining their talents to produce an eye-catching new 2011 Visitor Guide which will provide a comprehensive overview of attractions, events, and accommodation across the destination.

Commenting on the plans for 2011’s guide, Chris Dee, Tourism Manager at Gloucestershire First said: “Bringing together local authorities to work in partnership on one comprehensive guide is a logical step. The new all-inclusive format will be a real hit with potential visitors because they will no longer have to juggle with a range of guides to find out what is going on and where to stay. Additionally, the savings we make on production costs will allow us to spend more on promoting this guide worldwide so everyone’s a winner, including local council tax payers who will continue to benefit from the £1bn a year that tourism brings to the local economy.”

Details of the planned Visitor Guide have already received a warm welcome from the local tourism and retail industry. Paul Moir of Painswick Rococo Garden commented: “This is a huge step forward in the marketing of the Cotswolds and will do a lot to reduce confusion amongst customers.”

The official launch is planned for December 2010 in time for the 2011 season.