Huge thumbs-up for town in visitors survey

VISITORS to the town gave it a huge thumbs-up in a recent survey.

The results of the district council poll of 500 people, at various locations in Stratford, showed 97 per cent rated the atmosphere of the town to be 'very good', or 'good' and all but three per cent would recommend it to others.

The riverside area was rated as the top choice to visit by people who took part.

Visitors were rather predictably less happy with the location of the Tourist Information Centre and the cost of car parking.

The survey was designed to find out the profile and characteristics of visitors to the town, how much they were spending and the strengths and weaknesses of the town as a visitor destination.

It found around 40 per cent of people were day visitors from home, just over a third were day visitors on holiday and a quarter were those staying overnight.

Some 85 per cent were from the UK and 15 per cent from overseas, while just over a quarter of those interviewed in the town had not visited Stratford before.

Council enteprise chief, Coun Valerie Hobbs, said the results were vital to get a better understanding of the town.

She said: "The results of the survey provide the council and the tourism industry with a better understanding of what our visitors expect and need.

"The results will also help to focus activity on what needs to be done to improve and enhance the visitor experience so that they stay longer, spend more and most importantly return.

"With first-class visitor attractions, top flight restaurants and bars, a unique shopping experience and the build up to the Olympic Games it is little wonder that Stratford continues to be a most desirable destination in the UK. 2012 is set to be a huge year for the town and District and we are preparing to welcome the world."