An ambitious plan to boost wine tourism in Sussex tenfold and attract international visitors,
was launched at the Houses of Parliament – to coincide with English Wine
week, which runs from 17 – 25 June.
‘Sussex Wine Tourism: A Plan for Growth’ aims to grow Sussex's wine tourism
sector from its current value of £25 million, to £283 million by 2040,
generating more than 3,000 new jobs and securing Sussex’s position as the UK’s
premier wine tourism destination.
The plan has been overseen by Sussex Modern, which works collaboratively with
regional partners, spanning not just wine, but also art and landscape, to change the
perceptions of Sussex and raise its profile as a premier national and international
visitor destination.
It is also supported by the Sussex Visitor Economy Initiative, a strategic partnership
led by East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton & Hove City Council.
Working with public and private sector partners and local destination management
organisations, the partnership aims to grow the value of the visitor economy and
raise the profile of Sussex as a national and international visitor destination.
Sussex currently boasts 138 vineyards – the largest number in the country. Many of
them are open to the public, offering cellar door sales, tours, tastings, food and drink,
shopping, accommodation as well as a variety of events and activities.
Representatives from 11 Sussex wine estates attended a House of Commons launch, hosted by Sir Peter Bottomley MP, to
showcase their world-class wines and tourism experiences.
“We welcome the launch of ‘Sussex Wine Tourism: A Plan for Growth’, bringing
together businesses and stakeholders from across the region to harness the
significant opportunities to promote Sussex’s wine tourism internationally,” said
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
“With our research also showing strong interest from international travellers in trying
British food and drink, Sussex’s wine tourism offer is also an exciting proposition and
incentive product for the business meetings market.”
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s culture, heritage, sport, tourism and economic committee added: “It’s great to see our local
vineyards getting well deserved recognition, putting Sussex firmly on the map as a
top-class wine tourist destination.
“We are incredibly lucky to have many award-winning vineyards within easy reach
of Brighton & Hove, offering residents and visitors a chance to escape from the
busy city centre, enjoy a lovely day out in tranquil settings and, of course, sample a
glass of wonderful Sussex wine.”
Mardi Roberts, vice chair of the Sussex Visitor Economy Initiative and director of communications at Ridgeview Wine Estate, said the plan marked a significant
milestone in the region's pursuit of becoming a premier wine tourism destination.
“By fostering collaboration, innovation and the celebration of Sussex's unique
offerings, the plan sets the stage for remarkable growth in the years to come,
solidifying Sussex's reputation as a must-visit location for wine enthusiasts and
tourists alike,” she said.
