Businesses invited to share insights in regional tourism survey

Why it matters: The survey aims to gather valuable information from retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses across the region to help shape the future of the sector and inform strategic decisions. It comes as the movement to transform the town's fortunes and accelerate its regeneration gathers pace.

The details: Businesses in retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism are encouraged to participate in the survey, which can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBS25EB.

Becky Ames, Partner at Larking Gowen, emphasised the importance of industry participation: "The survey is a great opportunity for you to give your opinions and get your voices heard."

The initiative was announced during an event at St Stephen's Church as part of Ipswich Thrive week, where business, cultural and media leaders gathered to discuss supporting tourism in the town and broader region.

What they're saying: "Ipswich needs all our support now. It can't be done in isolation, we have got to work with the community and the council. It's about a new high street centred around experiences," said Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone giftshop and Director of the Saints Community Ipswich.

Steve Flory, who recently took over as Chair of Ipswich Central , said: "We want to create and promote activities in the town for the benefit of the business and wider community. We want to get more people in, and have more events. Our legacy is to make this happen. We'll get this town back to where it should be."

The bottom line: Local businesses and cultural organisations are collaborating to transform Ipswich into a destination town, with the tourism survey offering a chance for businesses to contribute to regional growth. Survey results will be announced in due course.

Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBS25EB.