Important News
On the 15th September we are holding an event to celebrate tourism and hospitality in Ribble Valley and we are inviting representatives of local business to join us for what we hope will be the first ever ‘Ribble Valley Day’. You can book a place by following this link BOOK HERE We hope you can join us
Message from the Chair of Ribble Valley Tourism Association
Dear Business Colleague,
I have immense pleasure in inviting you to a very special event to celebrate ‘Ribble Valley’ on 15th September 2026 at Mytton Fold Hotel. The event will mark the very first ‘Ribble Valley Day’ and provide an opportunity to savour some of the tastes of Ribble Valley producers and network with like-minded business professionals.
The visitor economy is of enormous importance to the local area, and involves a wide range of tourism, leisure, and hospitality companies, together with a plethora of other supporting businesses, from laundries to builders and farmers to cleaners. – well beyond what is often considered as Tourism, but all equally important to the rich tapestry of our visitor economy.
This event comes at a time when the Ribble Valley tourism brand is being challenged, with the imminent demise of Ribble Valley as a Council and we are determined to ensure its long-term future.
To meet this challenge, we are developing Ribble Valley Tourism Association into ‘Ribble Valley Tourism and Leisure’, a new company Limited by Guarantee, an organisation that will provide a collective voice for the sector and ensure the long-term success of the Ribble Valley visitor economy.
I do hope that you are able to join us for this drop in event which runs from 3pm – 6pm, with some short presentations at 4pm
To secure your place please go to rvta.co.uk or follow this QR code.
I look forward to meeting you on the 15th.
Amanda Dowson
Chair Ribble Valley Tourism Association
Why Join the RVTA
The Ribble Valley Tourism Association (RVTA) supports visitor economy-based businesses in the Ribble Valley.
By joining your local tourism association you open yourself and your business to the opportunity of networking with like-minded businesses in the area.
There are many benefits to being part of an association including:
- Promoting your business to local residents and visitors from further afield
- Joint marketing opportunities
- Free or subsidised familiarisation visits giving you an insight into the local tourist economy and providing excellent networking opportunities
- Discounts and subsidies on training courses
- A network of advice and support
- Mentoring for new or developing member businesses
- Ribble valley Tourism Members E-Newsletter – keeping you up to date with industry news, events, legislation, PR, networking, marketing opportunities and membership offers
- Increased PR for the area and your business
- Setting yourself apart through the Ribble Valley Tourism brand – being part of a recognised and trusted brand committed to quality, service and commitment to the tourism industry
- Ribble Valley Tourism Association provides a forum for discussion and debate and holds open meetings to which all members are invited to attend
- Influencing decision makers by speaking through the Ribble Valley Tourism Association
- Access to a database of photographic images of Ribble Valley which can be used for your personal purposes
To find out more about the Association please email tom.pridmore@ribblevalley.gov.uk
Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering at Eaves Hall
The Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering took place on 12 May 2026 at the distinguished Eaves Hall, bringing together tourism businesses, innovators, and industry professionals for a daytime celebration of the region’s visitor economy. This flagship event recognised the outstanding achievements, creativity, and innovation that continued to shape the Ribble Valley’s reputation as one of the North West’s most distinctive and welcoming destinations. The awards honoured individuals, organisations, and initiatives that demonstrated excellence across accommodation, hospitality, food and drink, attractions, and experience‑based tourism.
2026 Award winners
Food Excellence 3 Millstones, West Bradford
Food Excellence Holdens of Whalley
Food Excellence Knead and Grind
Food Hero Mark’s Artisan Bakers
Food Hero Zoe McCaig, Greendale Tea House and Rooms
Creative Tourism The Castle Pub, Clitheroe
Transformational Tourism Longridge House
Tourism in the Community Lorraine Orrel, Coach and Horses
Tourism Event Obsession, Northcote
Digital Marketing Kyra Walshaw, James Places
Digital Marketing Amanda Proven, Stanley House Hotel and Spa
Customer Experience Gio’s Deli, Clitheroe
Customer Service Leanne Sanderson, Bashall Barn
Customer Service Zoe Ellison, The Millstone Mellor
Customer Service The Old Coach House Clitheroe
Customer Service Greendale Tea House and Rooms
Customer Service The Lodges at Parsonage
Tourism Volunteers Chipping Steam Fair
Outstanding Volunteer Alan Osborne, Stonyhurst College
Rising Star Sarah Lockwood, Stanley House Hotel and Spa
Rising Star Ellena Coglan, Northcote
Rising Star Caitlin Marie Stott, Bowland Beer Hall
Unsung Hero Amy Shepheard, Mrs Dowsons Farm Park
Unsung Hero Shafna Mandhyyil, The Black Bull
Unsung Hero Michelle Degnen, Valley View Lodges
Unsung Hero Gordon Harry Robinson, La Locanda
Tourism Superstar Simon Entwistle, Top Hat Tours
More photos HERE