New tourism service aims to promote Stratford-upon-Avon

Following the sudden demise of “Shakespeare Country”, the organisation responsible for promoting Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding area, one local company has stepped into the breach and launched a vital new tourism service for visitors and local residents.

The award winning ‘Creaky Cauldron’ museum has designed a comprehensive new website entitled “Stratford-upon-Avon: Not just Shakespeare” which can be found at notjustshakespeare.org. When Shakespeare Country ceased trading, the Stratford-upon-Avon Tourist Information Centre also closed, taking with it a focal point of information for visitors. ‘Seek the Magic Org’, the company behind The Creaky Cauldron, is also providing a telephone information service for visitors, where visitors can talk to experienced and knowledgeable staff 7 days a week. In addition, racks displaying leaflets on local attractions have also been set up within the museum.

The ‘Not just Shakespeare’ website provides visitors with essential information on Stratford including places to eat & stay, attractions, events & festivals, theatre & nightlife, shops, parking and information on the history of the town and of course the legendary man, William Shakespeare. Every business in and around Stratford has been listed free of charge so providing an invaluable and effective marketing tool. In order to generate awareness and interest, the website will be marketed extensively in the media.

Dave Matthews, CEO of Seek the Magic Org said, "We were extremely saddened about Shakespeare Country and concerned about the lack of a tourism provision in the town. ‘Not just Shakespeare’ will be a fundamental service and an invaluable source of information for visitors, especially as we approach Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations and our peak season. Stratford is a fantastic historic town and one we’re deservedly proud of. Each year it attracts 4 million tourists and we want to ensure that tourists continue to visit and the town remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country”.

The ‘Not just Shakespeare’ Tourism Office is open every day from 9:30am – 5:00pm. For more information visit: notjustshakespeare.org