19.07.06
Your countryside needs you!

An unprecedented demand for rural holidays in the South West this season has led to a recruitment drive for quality farm and countryside accommodation. The South West's leading rural tourism organisation, Cartwheel, is reporting that its current membership is unable to meet demand in some areas.

As a result, Cartwheel has devised a wooly pastiche of the iconic US recruitment poster – a sheep in a Union Jack top hat - to appeal for good quality farm and rural tourism businesses which can handle more custom this season.

"Cartwheel's website has been working overtime," says Gina Woodcraft, chief executive of Cartwheel. "More people than ever are looking to enjoy a genuine countryside experience with all the ingredients for a great holiday. But demand is so high in particular areas that visitors can't always find what they want, which isn't good for the rural tourism industry as they may not try us again. We know there are businesses out there that would fit the bill but they are being promoted as just another self catering cottage, omitting details of the rural experience which is what our potential customers want to buy into."

Cartwheel is appealing particularly for rural holiday providers in Somerset and Dorset, and good quality accommodation close to the coast throughout all South West counties. It's also keen to hear from quality farm campsites across the region.

"Rural tourism is a growing market for those that do it well," continues Gina Woodcraft. "The sheep in the top hat is a bit of fun, but we hope it highlights the potential benefits for our countryside as well as individual businesses."

The main criteria being sought by Cartwheel include a desirable location; quality accommodation; hosts who recognise the commercial value of selling an authentic rural experience, and a genuine desire to serve customers.

For further information please contact Veronica Newport at NPR on 01326 866927 or email veronica@n-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Cartwheel through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Anyone considering a new horticulture, food and land based industries project is advised to speak with Martin Butler at Government Office South West on 01752 635134 before commencing development as there are now only limited funds available due to the successful uptake of funding by the agricultural sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Editor's notes:

Cartwheel is the South West of England's leading farm and rural holiday company, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a unique countryside experience. It is a private sector limited company run by farmers, committed to raising the standard and profile of rural tourism in the South West.

All Cartwheel members are independently inspected according to the company's quality criteria which encompasses quality of accommodation, local food, green tourism and sustainable land management.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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