A change of focus has seen membership of Broads Tourism double in the past year setting the organisation up for a bright future.

Eastern Daily Press: Somerleyton Hall and gardens. Picture: James BassSomerleyton Hall and gardens. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015)

This was the message from Broads Tourism chairman Greg Munford to members at a meeting held at Somerleyton Hall.

'Broads Tourism has been in existence for over 10 years,' he said. 'A year ago we decided to start promoting the Broads National Park as a brand. Up until then we had about 50 members but in the last year we have doubled that and now have over 110 members.'

Describing Somerleyton Hall as the 'jewel in the crown' of the Broads, he urged members to work together to promote the area and not view each other as competitors. 'If we make sure we focus on collaboration all our businesses will grow. Our competitors are the Lake District and Peak District and not each other. It's all about ensuring we focus on the Broads National Park.' He said the Broads was well placed to take advantage of an increase in domestic tourism as more people opt for local holidays instead of travelling abroad. Ruth Knight, chairwoman of the Broads Tourism marketing committee said partnerships formed with various companies in the past year, including Archant, had proved successful. She said they had launched Visit the Broads National Park magazine which had been distributed in other areas of the country. 'We plan to do it again in 2018 with some changes aimed at smaller businesses,' she said. An eating out guide had also gone from strength to strength and will be placed on every hire boat on the Broads this year. She said the marketing team would be investing more in photography and plans to have an extensive, high quality photo library in place by this time next year.

Andy Thorpe from the Norfolk County Council encouraged members to take advantage of a European funded rural development programme which offered 'free money' before Brexit. He said grants from £2,500 to £170,000 could be applied for and the programme looked to support rural tourism bodies and micro and small enterprises amongst others. For more information visit www.norfolklags.co.uk.

Eastern Daily Press: Broads Tourism corporate sponsors and officers (left to right) Gary Attfield, Archant, Barbara Greasley, Norfolk Broads Direct, Simon Nicholas, Paul Robinson Partnership LLP, Greg Munford, Richardson�s Leisure, Mark Dembiki, Barclays, Jo Fox, Amber-Rose Peake, Larking Gowen, Alex Thorpe, Alan Boswell Group. Picture: Shanice PeckBroads Tourism corporate sponsors and officers (left to right) Gary Attfield, Archant, Barbara Greasley, Norfolk Broads Direct, Simon Nicholas, Paul Robinson Partnership LLP, Greg Munford, Richardson�s Leisure, Mark Dembiki, Barclays, Jo Fox, Amber-Rose Peake, Larking Gowen, Alex Thorpe, Alan Boswell Group. Picture: Shanice Peck (Image: Richardsons Leisure)