Embers ignites celebrations for English Tourism Week in Telford

Visit Telford proudly joins the nationwide celebration of VisitEngland's English Tourism Week, a campaign highlighting the important role tourism plays in the community, generating economic growth, cultural enrichment and creating quality employment and job opportunities.

Embers Cafe, a culinary hotspot located in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, will ignite the start of the celebratory week in Telford with a captivating fire cooking workshop, immersing visitors in the world of outdoor culinary delights. 

VisitEngland’s theme for 2024, “Supporting Tourism, the Heart of Our Communities,” resonates with Visit Telford’s mission to welcome locals and visitors to explore and enjoy Telford and Wrekin’s rich heritage, explore stunning landscapes of adventure, discover unique experiences, and warm hospitality.

The fire cooking workshop will take place at Embers Cafe tomorrow (15 March), marking the beginning of English Tourism Week.  The event aligns with the growth in popularity of Telford as an experience destination, where visitors combine a short break with an artisan workshop and learning experience from culinary skills to ceramics, bicycle making, willow weaving and tile design.   

Adam Purnell, founder, and owner of Embers and affectionately known as ‘The Shropshire Lad’, shared his enthusiasm for all things tourism: “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors and locals alike to our woodland café. Food is an integral part of any visitor experience, and here at Embers, we’re passionate about local produce and cooking over sustainable wood and charcoal. English Tourism Week provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses like ours to showcase the unique flavours and experiences that Telford and Shropshire has to offer.”

Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab) Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Education, Employment, and Visitor Economy emphasised the importance of tourism and why Telford and Wrekin is a great English destination -  “Tourism is not just about destinations; it’s about great people delivering an unforgettable welcome, it’s about high-quality places, distinctive attractions, and authentic dining experiences and Telford and Wrekin has an outstanding offer. 

The tourism industry is a key driver for economic growth in our destination attracting over 3.2million visitors spending £220 million annually in our local economy and supporting thousands of jobs.  But it also plays a vital role in supporting our high streets, attracting investment, protecting our landscapes and heritage, and enriching our communities.

As we celebrate English Tourism Week, we invite everyone to explore the beauty and diversity of Telford and Wrekin first hand and to support this vital and vibrant sector”. 

Visit Telford, the borough’s Destination Management Organisation, is proud to work in partnership with over 250 local tourism businesses, together promoting the destination through national and local campaigns. This collaborative work and dedication ensures that the borough remains a sought-after location for great days out and staycations as well as a centre for cultural and business events. 

To find inspiration for great days out, what’s on, places to eat, visit, explore across Telford or for businesses interested in free membership of Visit Telford, visit www.visittelford.co.uk