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07/18/2023 12:00 PMA new effort to attract more tourists to Guilford is also an opportunity for local businesses to be part of the enticement. The Guilford Preservation Alliance (GPA), in conjunction with the town, has revamped its website and is seeking local businesses to participate.
Wendy Dockray, chair of the Guilford Economic Development Commission and board member of the Guilford Preservation Alliance, said the new collaboration is a unique opportunity for the town’s tourism-centric businesses.
“The site focuses on various aspects of Guilford tourism. The former GPA site had a real focus on historical resources and historical sites, and this new site incorporates almost all of that aspect but then enhances that, with more focus on events and also developing a business listing on the site,” said Dockray. “It will be far more comprehensive in terms of what you can do here in Guilford.”
Dockray emphasized the project’s goal to attract area vendors to join the site for free and promote Guilford and their business.
“This is a true collaboration between the Guilford Preservation Alliance and the town of Guilford. This is a joint project, so it was a very interesting collaboration. “One of the challenges we have is we need to reach the restaurants and retail establishments in terms of getting their email addresses. So we can send our instructions to them explaining this opportunity to list on the site. Those interested should contact [Economic Development Director] Sheri Cote to find out more about the program and to become part of the effort. And this is all for free. There is no fee involved.”
According to Dockray, Guilford is a popular tourist destination for many people, far beyond the renowned history enticements that many travel to town to enjoy.
“We have the Guilford Craft Show, which is amazing. A large number of people come here for that and other events in Guilford. The restaurants also bring in a lot of people from out of the area. The beaches, the hiking; the website will deal with all of those things,” said Dockray. “The waterfront is obviously popular. It’s a great place to have lunch; the restaurants attract many people to the downtown area.”
According to Cote, Guilford has become a beloved shopping destination for both day and overnight travelers and offers a number of shopping alternatives.
“They come for many different reasons. Summer is a great time to come; everything is so beautiful here at that time,” said Cote. “We have women who come here from all over the state to go shopping with their friends. It has become a true shopping destination. We sponsor Ladies Night Out and other events throughout the year.”
Cote added, “There’s also the disc golf course that has become a New England attraction. People really come from all over just for that attraction. Bishop’s is a huge draw when looking for a pick-your-own style type of day. There are two farmers markets, one brand new at the fairgrounds, so people come for that as well. The Art Expo and Craft Show is a huge draw and attraction every year. The town presents concerts on the Green and at Jacobs Beach, and those are also quite a regional attraction. Guilford is known as this gorgeous quaint village in New England, and that is a big draw.”
Cote urged local vendors to visit the site and participate.
“The website is designed to promote all of the businesses in town that are in the tourism business. The former model was a pay to play…but when the town got engaged, we wanted to promote all of the tourism businesses, not just the ones who could afford to pay it. So that’s the point of this new website; to make sure any business that is engaged in the tourism industry gets promoted and then obviously show the beautiful scenery of the town and draw people down here. The website will help with that effort.”
Cote said the effort is also designed to ensure residents are aware of what the town has to offer, not just those from out of state or region.
“I’ve always envisioned tourism to be more than just bringing people into town. It’s also about getting our residents off their couches and out into the community, out into our stores, and eating at our restaurants. So, this is also designed for those that live here to know what is happening out and about, especially the event calendar,” Cote said.
For more information, visit www.visitguilforddct.com.