Chichester area tourism businesses urged to work together
Every year, millions of tourists visit Chichester and the surrounding area. The sector contributes nearly £500m to the local economy and accounts for nearly 10,000 jobs.
However, despite all the region offers, the past year has been tough for the tourism and hospitality industries. The increase in national insurance, the rise in minimum wage and, of course, energy prices have put pressure on businesses.
That is something the CEO of The Great Sussex Way, Danielle Dunfield, was hoping to address as she opened the 2026 Tourism Showcase at Chichester College on Tuesday, March 24.
Addressing assembled organisations who had come to network and promote their businesses, she said: “The community needs to work together, we want visitors to stay in the area longer.”
She wants to see businesses promoting each other, noting as well that tourism in the region is quite weather-dependent and attractions are “competing with Netflix”.
Research from West Sussex County Council found that before the COVID pandemic, tourism accounted for nearly 20 per cent of employment. Now it’s at 15 per cent.
However, Danielle was hopeful that, as more and more people recognise the need to connect in real-life that, visitors will come to enjoy time in Chichester with their families.
Forty businesses attended the event, including Tangmere Military and Aviation Museum, Goodwood, Chichester Harbour Water Tours and The Weald and Downland Museum.
This year, the organisers welcomed students from Chichester University and Chichester College to the event. The hospitality sector employs a lot of young people, and for many, it is their first foray into the jobs market.
By linking them up to local businesses, it is hoped they can take their first steps into the workplace.