Holidaycottages.co.uk look to develop its Hampshire property portfolio to meet tourist demand

Hampshire is the most visited county in the South East of England; the most recent statistics reveal that over 4 million trips are taken in the region each year.

Visitors are attracted by the wealth of seaside resorts and the unspoilt beauty of the New Forest and South Downs National Parks. Hampshire’s distinctive cities offer something for everyone, from the vibrant heritage of Winchester to the lively and dynamic atmosphere of cosmopolitan Southampton.

Tourism is a significant industry for the rural areas of the county. Visitors to the South Downs alone spend around £333 million a year, add to that the £123 million spent in the New Forest, not to mention the spend in the region’s cities, and it’s easy to see that Hampshire is doing something right when it comes to tourism.

It’s not only the beautiful landscapes and cultural urban areas that encourage tourists to the area, however. Increasingly people are being led by their stomachs, with Visit England statistics revealing that over 26 million of us want to go to a food festival on our next holiday.

So where does Hampshire fit into this story of food tourism?

With over 75 events in 2013, the Hampshire Food Festival showcases the best of local produce at numerous venues across the county. Farms, restaurants, pubs, attractions and other businesses get involved each summer to put on a whole host of events for the festival, including cookery demonstrations and workshops, butchery master classes, brewery tours, wine tasting, barbecues and so much more. It’s enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it!

Outside of the festival period, there are five Michelin star restaurants to try in Hampshire including The Black Rat and 5 North Street in Winchester and 36 on the Quay in Emsworth. Combine these choices with hundreds of country pubs, fine dining restaurants, cafés and tea rooms dotted across the county and you’ve got a foodie heaven.

All of these visitors, foodies or otherwise, are good news for owners of holiday properties in Hampshire. The key to running a successful holiday let, however, is ensuring that these potential guests know about your property.

That’s why independent self-catering property agency holidaycottages.co.uk are investing in the region. The family-run company with over 35 years’ experience in the industry is looking to expand its successful portfolio of properties by welcoming Hampshire owners on board.

James Morris, Managing Director, outlines the potential he sees for tourism in the county: “We’re broadening our portfolio to include properties in Hampshire in response to customer demand. We’re extremely confident in the future of the tourism industry in the area and are looking to help holiday cottage owners maximise the potential of their properties.”

With over 4 million visitors to their website last year, a successful television advert, and a 90 strong team of property managers, marketing experts and reservations consultants behind them, the company are in the perfect position to ensure that your property receives the exposure it needs.

Foreign visitor numbers to the UK are also booming, with 2013 figures up 6% on the previous year. Holidaycottages.co.uk have all bases covered in this regard. Their foreign websites and agents ensure that your property reaches the attention of visitors from abroad as well as domestic tourists.

As a property owner partnered with Holidaycottages.co.uk you will benefit from professional photography and marketing across a range of media; from printed brochures, to adverts on their websites and social media. 24/7 access to your bespoke online owner account provides you with all information regarding your property, from reservation information to finance.

Your personal Property Manager will inspect your cottage and work closely with you, whether your property is located in the heart of rural Hampshire, nestled in a quaint little village or is a city centre apartment. With over 1,800 cottages across the UK, Holidaycottages.co.uk have plenty of experience in the field and have built their brand on offering a personal and friendly service to both customers and owners.

With the summer of 2014 set to reach record temperatures and a busy calendar of events planned for tourists, now is the time to get on board. Contact Holidaycottages.co.uk friendly property team on 01237 426 762 for more information and to arrange a free, no obligation appraisal.

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