Worcestershire is set to make more of its links to America's founding fathers with am ambitious new tourism partnership.

It aims to attract US visitors to the county as part of the commemoration of the Mayflower settling sail to the New World from Britain in 1620.

Visit Worcestershire and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are among the founding partners of Mayflower 400 UK.

In a bid to raise the county’s profile on both a national and international scale, the two organisations are promoting the county to the American visitor market working with their partner destinations in the UK, the Netherlands and the USA.

In 2020 the UK will welcome visitors with a programme of events and activities to commemorate the anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail in 1620.

Worcestershire has a strong link to the Mayflower in Edward Winslow, a senior leader of the Pilgrim colony, who was born in Droitwich Spa.

The colony was home to American's early settlers, many of whom were fleeing religious persecution in Europe.

To ensure the county is highlighted as part of the commemorative tours, Visit Worcestershire is hosting a Worcestershire Mayflower 400 Forum on Friday, September 8, at College Hall, College Green, Worcester Cathedral (access via Edgar Tower and College Green as there is an event happening in the cathedral), from noon to 1.30pm.

Charles Hackett, chief executive officer of Mayflower 400, is the key speaker and will highlight the main national activities happening from November 2019.

Mr Hackett will also talk about Mayflower 400 marketing and promotional activities, supported by VisitEngland funding including research of American visitor’s interests, raising awareness at a national and international level, as well as one-to-one engagement with inbound tour operators.

Discover how to promote events to the American market via the Mayflower 400 UK website for all Mayflower or Spirit of Mayflower events, crossing many themes including; heritage, cultural, sports and educational.

Plymouth in the UK is already investing in its local community, planning key events and organising the opening of new museums and attractions, ensuring there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

To find out more, or to confirm attendance at the forum, email tourism@visitworcestershire.org.