The tourism industry in Cheltenham and Gloucester received a welcome boost this week after the marketing bodies for the two destinations learned they have been successful in their bid for a share of funding from the national tourist board, VisitEngland.

Marketing Cheltenham and Visit Gloucester will work in partnership to deliver the new campaign that forms part of the latest national marketing push to encourage more people to 'Escape the Everyday' and to explore and experience some of England's cities and towns.

The campaign for Cheltenham and Gloucester will focus on attracting a younger audience to the region to discover some of the two destinations' outstanding visitor experiences.

From paddle boarding around Gloucester's Docks to enjoying a Bridgerton-inspired tour of Regency Cheltenham, it is hoped that the two destinations' distinctive offerings will attract a new crop of visitors between now and the summer after what has been a challenging two years for the region's visitor economy.

David Jackson, manager of Marketing Cheltenham, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have been awarded this funding from VisitEngland - and really excited to be working alongside our friends at Visit Gloucester to help raise the profile of our two amazing destinations.

"We all know what a challenging couple of years it's been for the tourism industry so to be able to give an extra boost to some of our incredible festivals and visitor experiences that are returning this year, is just fantastic."

Rebecca Clay, tourism and destination marketing manager for Visit Gloucester, said: 'As destinations, we have been looking at ways we can both work together for a long time, and we are delighted to have been successful in our bid and awarded the funding that allows us to achieve this ambition.

"Both destinations have some incredible experiences to offer and we are really looking forward to showcasing the complementary destinations as the perfect short break option this summer."

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes added: "VisitEngland is very pleased to be delivering this fund to support destinations locally as they align their activities to our national 'Escape the Everyday' campaign, encouraging more people to discover the fantastic array of tourism products on their doorstep and further afield.

"With the slower return of international tourists, now is the time to visit our wonderful cities and remind ourselves why they are such a draw. The funding will also support local businesses who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back and provide a stand-out experience."

The new Cheltenham and Gloucester campaign, which will commence next month and run until the end of June 2022, will see an extensive PR and advertising campaign targeting 'pre-nester', 25 to 44-year-olds within 2-2.5 hours of the region and will be promoted across the two official destination websites, www.visitcheltenham.com  and www.visitgloucester.co.uk