A TOWN in Cornwall has launched a gift card scheme to enable people to enjoy the seaside town through a single card.
The St Ives Gift Card is the first of its kind in Cornwall and offers a whole experience of the seaside town through one gift card
With a handful of accolades including best seaside resort in Britain, best beach in the UK and the happiest place to live, St Ives is ready to showcase its charms with a new gift card.
Led by St Ives BID, the St Ives Gift Card is available to buy online as either a physical or digital card, and can be spent like a debit card on everything from accommodation and eating out to shopping and leisure activities, making it ideal for UK holidays and locals looking to explore where they live.
Emma Gibson is Cultural Services Manager at St Ives Town Council and believes the card can encourage an authentic and memorable experience of St Ives
“Our Visitor Centre provides the in-person welcome to St Ives and the insider’s guide to what is happening in the town," said Emma.
"When people pop in for their map, keepsake or to book tickets at our box office, they can also pick up their gift card and explore beyond our cobbled streets to the unique and eclectic offering in St Ives.
"This will encourage those who are staying in the town, day trippers and locals to enjoy an authentic and memorable experience of St Ives, and enjoy all we have to offer.
"St Ives is a cultural hub with numerous galleries, festivals and events, plus many talented makers offering unique products. What is wonderful about the gift card is that it is a means to bring the St Ives offering together within one gift card, encouraging collaboration between businesses and celebrating St Ives."
Sarah Hooper, BID Manager at St Ives BID said it’s time to build on the St Ives brand.
She said: "From Tate St Ives to our fabulous restaurants, pubs, shops and accommodation, St Ives is already a strong brand. With our own gift card, we’re building on that brand, putting the power of choice in people’s hands and developing our brand for the future.
"St Ives itself has a population of 10,000 and is reliant on tourism. Approximately 5 million people visit Cornwall each year, and around 15% of those people currently visit St Ives, either for the day or staying overnight. International travel in the south-west region is forecast to grow 15% by 2027, and by 3.8% each year through to 2025 in Cornwall itself.
"Encouraging even a small percentage increase in visitor numbers to St Ives through our gift card, and giving people the means to immerse themselves in the full range of products and services in St Ives, will have a significant impact on our economy. St Ives is the UK’s best seaside resort for a reason and now, people are able to give the gift of St Ives to others."
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