The director of a luxury Gloucestershire hotel has taken on the new Chair of The Stroud Tourism Forum – offering a fresh new perspective on sustainable tourism across the Stroud Valleys region.
Sarah Brewster, Director of Stonehouse Court, located in the heart of the Cotswolds, will now lead the charge in promoting tourism across each of the district’s towns and surrounding areas – whilst also serving as a sustainability champion for Visit Gloucestershirealongside Slimbridge, Westonbirt and Stroud Brewery.
Taking over the role from Hannah McDonnell, who now acts as Sustainability and Social Value Lead for Visit Gloucestershire, Sarah will work in tandem with Vice Chair, Tony Davey, also Chair of Stroud Chamber of Commerce, to offer opportunities for businesses and key stakeholders to share best practice and help shape the Stroud Tourism strategy over the next five years – helping to promote the uniqueness of the region’s market towns and their immediate surroundings to visitors who may not be aware of the range of things to see, do and experience across the Stroud District.
Commenting on her recent appointment, Sarah said: “My aim as Chair will be to support businesses and local councils to drive forward sustainable tourism across our whole region, increase visitor spending from both the domestic and international markets, and help businesses and local communities to grow and prosper.
“I am very passionate about what Stroud and its surrounding area have to offer and will be looking to explore how we can attract a wider audience. Sustainability is also at the forefront of my hospitality motivations, and it’s vital that we champion conservation so that future generations can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty in years to come. It’s because of this that sustainable tourism is high on our agenda.”
To date, Stonehouse Court has committed to installing new energy-efficient boilers, using 100% renewable electricity through its provider, Ecotricity. In addition, it uses 95% LED lighting throughout the building, motion light sensors in corridors and has implemented efficient recycling and waste minimisation schemes, as well as a flagship on-site bottling system for its water needs.
Sarah concluded: “We will be working towards a five-year vision designed to shape the tourism strategy across the Stroud District and are always keen to hear from more tourism businesses across the region. Creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for both the local community and wider world must top the priority list and as the climate crisis intensifies, so does the need for accountability and action”
If you would like to get involved, please contact sarah@visitstroud.uk. The next forum takes place on Wednesday 8th February from 10am to 12pm via Zoom.
For more information on Stonehouse Court, please visit https://www.stonehousecourt.co.uk/, or call 01453 794950.
