Visit Somerset and First Great Western are to work jointly in driving Value added ‘staycation’ offers to Somerset with the Somerset Explorer.
17th January 2012
On Tuesday last week final plans were put in place with the Somerset Tourism Association and its lead brand Visit Somerset. First Great Western and First Solutions are offering what is thought to be the first all-inclusive package deal, by train and coach in association with the county.
At present, customers can travel from London Paddington, Cardiff, Plymouth or Newport and arrive at many Somerset stations where they will be met by a First solutions coach and shown around the sites and attractions of Somerset.
Customers can either travel back the same day or decide to stay overnight in style in one of many Somerset hotels; including the Swan in Wells, Charlton House or Dunster’s Yarn Market hotel. The package will include some of Somerset’s highlights which include: Clarks Village, Cheddar gorge, Wookey Hole, Haynes Motor Museum, Dunster castle, Fleet Air Arm, Wells Cathedral, the Roman Baths, the American Museum, Bath Rugby club and many more coming on line. An official PR launch will follow in due course.
John Turner lead coordinator of the project and Vice Chairman of the STA has said; “this has been in development for many months and I am delighted that finally we have got to the stage where First Great Western are happy to link in and support the project.
This is another great day for Somerset and we have vowed to support First Great Western and First solution with whatever they need to get this off the ground. We are looking to attract groups, couples and the lucrative foreign market. The first itineraries and times will be launched for June after the Jubilee celebrations.”
Bob Smart Chairman of the STA has said, “The Somerset Tourism Association promotes Somerset as Britain’s favourite tourism destination, but that means nothing if people can’t actually get here.
Our links with First Great Western, through the Somerset Explorer, provide packages whereby everyone can get to Somerset cheaply, quickly and easily, getting the maximum of enjoyment for the minimum of hassle. If you’re escaping the Olympics, or just looking forward to a quiet break in a land of history, heritage and tradition, there’s a warm Somerset welcome awaiting you!”
Maurice Duckworth managing Director of First Solutions has said “Last year I was introduced by members of the Somerset Tourism Association to their beautiful county and shown many of their varied unique attractions.
I was so impressed by what I had seen and with their enthusiasm and friendliness that I became determined to develop a product that would enable us to showcase their amazing county. As a result - and by working with our partners in both road and rail transport services - I am delighted that we are now able to offer a combined worry and hassle free guided travel experience to the County of Somerset which my colleagues in both Rail and Road operations will be actively marketing over the coming months.
Jamie Anderson, Campaigns Manager for First Great Western said: "We're delighted to partner with Visit Somerset on this innovative all-inclusive package deal. The First Great Western network is home to some of the UK's most stunning and unique attractions and we look forward to helping showcase all that Somerset has to offer."
For more info go to:
www.visitsomerset.co.uk/special-offers/somerset-explorer
http://www.firstgroup.com/firsttravelsolutions/tours/index.php
The picture attached was taken at Paddington station to help explain to customers the wonders of Somerset with King Arthur and other knight, Caveman of Cheddar, Witch of Wookey and Roman Centurion with the launch.
