WORCESTER will be under the spotlight at a major travel show in a bid to lure visitors to the area.

Worcester City Council will join 600 other organisations exhibiting at Destinations 2003: The Travel Show.

At the show, due to take place at Olympia, in London, the council will promote the attractions, history, culture and beauty of Worcester to potential visitors.

The show will be attended by celebrities, including comedian and author Tony Hawks and travel writer Pete McCarthy.

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The event is sponsored by The Daily Telegraph and is due to run from Thursday, January 30 to Sunday, February 2, 2003.

"It's really to promote Worcester to a receptive audience," said Andrea Watkins, from the city council's tourism department.

"We get a lot of visitors from the south-east, so we are promoting the city to this market. We are especially targeting the short-break market, as Worcester is very popular for short breaks with people from the south-east.

"It's about raising the profile of the city and communicating all the things there are for visitors to do and see. From the River Severn and Worcester Cathedral, to the Guildhall, the black and white buildings, Elgar's birthplace and horse racing."

She said the council's stand would have a backdrop of "glossy graphics", as well literature and other information to give out on accommodation, attractions, restaurants, sporting and other events, and the arts.

Destinations 2003 will be packed with thousands of holiday ideas, including adventure experiences, safaris and exotic long-haul holidays, and is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Jessops, the photographic retailer which has two stores in Worcester's High Street, will also be on hand, to help people sharpen up their photographic skills.

Pop bands will perform on centre stage, there will be international dancers and salsa lessons, plus champagne and Pimms bars.

There is also a Responsible Travel Pavilion courtesy of The Body Shop and responsibletravel.com, where travellers can find out how to get more out of their holidays, while putting a little back.

Tickets for the show are £10 on the door or £8 by booking in advance on 08701 212181.

For more information visit www.destinationsshow.com