tourism - resources for Churches
Thousands of people visit the churches in the Diocese of St Davids each year. It is our responsibility therefore to ensure they have an enriching and enjoyable experience at each and every church, whatever the reasons for their visit.
This website and the other resources available for download covers all aspects that impact on the quality of the visitor experience to help each church improve that experience. Our desire is for:
- Our church buildings above all to be places of worship and welcome where God is known
- “Tourists to become pilgrims”
- All of us to experience more of God’s welcome of us
- Us to be moved on in our spiritual journeys
All churches are unique, with different and distinctive features and settings. It is recognized that what is appropriate and realistic in one Church may not be the case in another.
It is important to realise at the outset that most improvements need not cost vast sums of money and a further drain of already tight resources but those who argue that such initiatives cost money which can be ill afforded should consider the cost of doing nothing: first, an empty building is vulnerable to burglary; second, a locked door does little to promote a positive image of Christianity to a potential visitor.
For example, bright, up-to-date notices, clear gateways, fresh flowers, and visitor information not only give a welcoming message, but also tell would-be thieves and vandals that the church is visited and looked over by a watchful community, and that the building is used outside the times of services - so beware! I you ever apply for Big Lotterry Funding you will need to demonstrate accessibility to get a grant.
One simple way to introduce and encourage visitors is to make contact with the local Tourist Information Centre. Co-operation at this level may include the displaying of a poster inviting people to veer off the usual highways and byways and make a visit to the church. Asking the Centre to mention the church in promotional literature and adding it to their database of places to visit also costs nothing, but raises the profile of the parish church.
Once the will has been established and the way paved, other ideas and solutions become self-evident. Most churches have some secular activities which can be developed; flower festivals on patronal days, brass rubbing, occasional concerts - other initiatives can then be introduced, the promotion of guided tours, perhaps on Sundays and obvious Holy Days and holidays, with basic refreshments available for sale. Again, little cost, except in parochial commitment, but if the incumbent and PCC are willing, obstacles are soon overcome and ways and means found.
The list of opportunities is endless, and a variety of organisations can provide free advice and, in some cases, financial assistance. These include the regional Arts Councils, the Tourist Board, and local town and county tourist associations. Think laterally. Architectural significance alone does not guarantee visitors. Romance, legend, physical situation and downright quirkiness all count towards the potential for attracting visitor interest. Where the academic might marvel at the perpendicular Gothic he may also find pleasure in the idiosyncratic.
Some parishes are already seeing the generosity of the tourist and benefiting from it. While the casual holiday visitor may not be directly interested at that moment in the worship of the church, only a few fail to be moved by the glories of architecture and craftsmanship expressed in so many of our churches. If encouraged to appreciate and understand these treasure houses, the visitor may well be inspired to Christianity. So
- To sum up:
- Think about initiatives which will promote partnerships & get the wider community & tourism providers involved in delivery;
- What else is being done in the Village or nearby that we can ‘tap into’…other events, other groups
- Make sure your ideas are REALISTIC, APPROPRIATE, ACHEIVABLE & SUSTAINABLE….