Kirklees Council is asking residents, visitors, students and businesses to share their views on the tourism offer in Kirklees and how it can be improved as part of their new tourism strategy. 

The council is asking for views on places to visit, things to do and events to experience across the area’s beautiful and diverse towns and villages. They’re also looking at what barriers visitors may face such as availability of public transport and suitable accommodation.

The results of the surveys will be collated and used to inform the council’s new tourism strategy.

The strategy aims to promote local towns and villages as great places to visit, and support the existing leisure and tourism offer and wider local economy.

Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “We want to help local businesses grow and put the incredible towns and villages that make up Kirklees on the map. That is why we are pushing forward with a new tourism strategy.

“It is really important that we gather as many views as possible. The information you provide will help us to support local businesses to further enhance and promote our existing tourism offer. It will also help us to identify where there are opportunities for future growth in the local leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors.

Greenhead Park in Spring. Images by: SEAN DOYLE

“These sectors are an important part of our local economy providing visitors and residents with access to high quality culture and entertainment and making Kirklees a great place to spend time. 

“This kind of research is always important when planning for the future but it is even more important after the last two years when so many local businesses have faced restrictions due to the pandemic. If you live, study, or work in Kirklees, or you are visiting, I encourage you to get involved.”

Kirklees Council is working with Yorkshire marketing agency the fabl on this survey and to create the three-year tourism strategy for the area.

The surveys are available to complete online until March 31 2022.

Resident Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KirkleesResidents

Business Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KirkleesBusiness

Student Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KirkleesStudents

Visitor Survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KirkleesVisitors

The tourism strategy for Kirklees is due to be delivered in May 2022 followed by a roll-out later in the year.