Promotional feature: Why Holidaycottages.co.uk are keen to expand its Cotswolds portfolio

Great British Life: The CotswoldsThe Cotswolds (Image: Archant)

A mention of the Cotswolds conjures up images of honey-coloured limestone villages, idyllic rural landscapes and a rich and interesting heritage.

It’s hardly surprising, then, that the tourism industry in the Cotswolds brings in an estimated £1 billion a year, providing an income for the owners of the smallest holiday cottages to the largest tourist attractions. Cotswold Tourism Members and public sector partners have ambitious plans for the region.

James Morris, Managing Director of independent agency Holidaycottages.co.uk, can vouch for the fact that tourism in the area is booming: “The Cotswolds is an extremely popular holiday destination for our customers, our properties have been extremely successful since we launched in the region in 2011 and now we’re looking to broaden our portfolio to satisfy customer demand.”

Great British Life: The CotswoldsThe Cotswolds (Image: Archant)

So what exactly is it about this region that attracts so many visitors?

A major draw is the opportunities it offers to those wanting to get out and about enjoying the incredible scenery, from wandering the footpaths of the Cotswold Way or Thames path, to off-road cycling and horse riding. With over 5000km of footpaths and rights of way to choose from, visitors truly are spoilt for choice.

Great British Life: The CotswoldsThe Cotswolds (Image: Archant)

Beautiful landscapes aside, there are hundreds of fabulous attractions, including the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and the Cotswold Farm Park – a firm favourite for families. The area has more than its fair share of stately homes, many of them owned by the National Trust and open for the public to get a glimpse into how the other half lived. Roman ruins, Iron Age hill forts, Bronze Age barrows and manor houses built off the back of the wool trade all add intriguing layers to the region’s history.

One of the most important considerations for tourists is the availability of quality accommodation. The Cotswolds offers everything, from stunning farm properties and luxury thatched cottages nestled in peaceful corners of the countryside, to character accommodation in welcoming village communities.

Holidaycottages.co.uk already have a range of properties in the Cotswolds and the positive outlook for the future of tourism in the area has encouraged them to welcome more owners on board.

James Morris said: “Last year we received over 4 million visitors to our website and our recent television advert has directed a lot of quality traffic. As a cottage owner represented by us, you’ll be partnered with a property manager who is always available to answer any queries you may have, and supported by an ever-growing team dedicated to marketing your property to its full potential.”

An important part of Holidaycottages.co.uk’s business is building open, professional relationships with owners to maintain the high standards offered to their guests. This includes advance payments for bookings and 24/7 access to a bespoke online owner account to keep up to date with reservation information, finance and feedback.

Director Simon Morris said: “Our Cotswolds cottages are among the most popular choices within our portfolio. Offering a great holiday destination all year round, we regularly see many achieving in excess of 40 weeks booked a year. For a free and non-obligatory initial visit please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to maximise your property’s potential.”

If you’re an owner of a holiday property in the Cotswolds and would like to find out more about a partnership with Holidaycottages.co.uk, give their friendly property team a call on 01237 426 268.