US travel agents deliver donation to the Holy Trinity Church
A group of 34 American travel agents visited Shakespeare Country on Tuesday 20 October to hand over a $200 donation towards the repair of the Holy Trinity Church roof.
Presenting the donation to the Reverend Neville Beamer coincides with the group’s visit to the area as part of an educational conference entitled ‘Special Interest Britain’ to showcase the region.
The donation had been raised by the Anne Hudgins Shakespeare Class, a group of members who have been reading Shakespeare's works since the group formed in 1931. Members of the group had read in their local paper about the campaign to repair Shakespeare's Church roof and decided to raise money which they could hand over during their visit.
Paull Tickner of Paull Tickner and Associates who had organised the visit stated, “I’ve brought these very experienced American travel agents for a three night experience of Shakespeare Country so they can discover how the area makes a perfect base for group tours with an interest in gardens, the visual and the performing arts.
“All too often, Stratford- upon-Avon is seen by American travel planners as a one, possibly two night stay and this visit will demonstrate that the town and surrounding area ticks all the boxes for longer, imaginatively themed four night visits. After 2 years of a strong pound, a stronger dollar is now attracting a lot of interest from well travelled, often anglophile Americans who've not crossed the pond for some time. For millions of them with access to Continental's Newark to Birmingham flights, Shakespeare Country's appeal as a travel less, see more destination is that much greater”.
The group arrived on Tuesday 20 October staying at the Shakespeare Hotel and spent the day visiting the Shakespeare Houses. After a drinks reception at the Stratford Town Hall hosted by the Mayor, the group enjoyed a dinner hosted by Shakespeare Country at the hotel. On Wednesday 21 October the group will visit the new exhibition at Shakespeare's Birthplace followed by a Performing Arts/Literary panel presentation from representatives of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The remainder of the day will be spent visiting Compton Verney and Coughton Court with dinner at Warwick Castle. A visit to the Heritage Motor centre is planned on Friday 23 October.
Phil Hackett, Chief Executive for Shakespeare Country stated “Shakespeare Country is delighted to be hosting this visit for the American travel agents and destination managers. The American market is incredibly important to Shakespeare Country and we look forward to show-casing our first class facilities”.
For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website: shakespeare-country.co.uk
