It started in Tring
A colleague and friend passed away after a short illness recently, that has prompted reflection on the work we did together as the Chilterns Tourism Network.
Peter Coneron, an engineer by profession, had an active role in his professional and local community for over 30 years. Based in and around Tring in Hertfordshire, he was chair of the local business network, which is how our paths crossed way back in 2012.
When networks and people interact, there will be remarkable results.
How to solve a problem like tourism?
A problem had been identified: where were all the local Chilterns tourism and hospitality businesses? How could they be reached to explore new business support funding, but with no way to identify or reach the business owners? Nick, from the ‘Leader” rural development fund and Annette from the Chilterns Conservation Board put their feelers out and soon Peter, Iain - who ran a sightseeing company and pub landlord, John were involved. I soon followed via Susan in Yorkshire of all places, after Annette asked if she knew of any local tourism consultants. That still makes me smile!
It started in Tring and then spread across the region like ripples in a pond
We met over coffee and donuts to map out what we would need to develop and communicate the tourism offer for the Chiltern Hills - a vast and perceived empty space between Oxford and London. So we started our Chilterns Tourism Network in October 2012. Over the years we were joined by many organisations including GoApe, Midsomer Murders and the Forestry Commission amongst others.
We were often reminded of how far behind our region was when compared to the Lake District, Cornwall, Yorkshire - the usual suspects. We had a job to do in a visitor economy devoid of a voice. We lacked data, collaboration and partnership, resources and a coherent visitor offer.
We frequented almost all of the cake shops as together we wrote a business plan, set up digital comms, built a website, hosted busy networking, ran workshops and started new partnership projects. We were energised and full of coffee and tourism vigour.
Our network was fortunate to have a diverse range of skills and sector representation, but Peter was always the wise head, bringing us back to focus on our business plans and not get carried away with another marketing idea. That would have been me!
Today our region has a thriving, cohesive visitor economy, supported by Visit Herts and Visit Bucks, both active and well established, a notable food & drink sector, accessible countryside, creative industries and range of new experiential products.
A business cycle continued
With Annette, Peter’s sad passing has given me a special opportunity to reflect and remember the role he played and what we have collectively achieved. It’s a different marketplace now, many former colleagues have moved on or out of the industry altogether. Routes to market continue to evolve, but one thing doesn’t ever change: the importance and pleasure of working with like-minded colleagues who share a vision, good humour and the energy to realise a vision. Thank you Peter!