Devon Tourism Awards - Awards Night - 2nd February 2023
Tourism is a huge industry in Devon - a major employer and contributor to our economy - and a wonderful opportunity to share our beuatiful countryside and coast with visitors and show our Devon hospitality.
Visit Devon run the annual Devon Tourism Awards with their award night on the 2nd February.
You can find linbks to the Visit Devon website here and the Torusim Awards here
How might this fit into a Worship and Mission Opportunity? Perhaps offering a hospitality event for those who are usually providing hospitality for others; perhaps using the event to find out what issues people are facing in the industry - to listen, raise awareness and as pointers for prayer for our communities; perhaps set up an awards night foryour local providers - or a celebration of tourism. Perhaps hold a special service of celebration inviting local providers to take part or speak about their work, what they find encouraging, what is difficult etc.
Small Business Saturday - 1st Saturday in December
A good time for businesses at the beginning of their "Christmas season" - maybe not the best timing for churches - but you can celebrate your local businesses any time of the year.
Some websites to find out further information are listed below...
Small Business Saturday website https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/
The Rural Business Group https://www.ruralbusinessgroup.co.uk/
Rural Economy Page on the Rural Services Network page https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/combination/economy
Rural businesses offer much needed rural employment and are vital to the well-being of our communities but they do face particular problems - include recruitment and connectivity. What type of small businesses do you have in your area? What particular problems do they have - and what do they find really good? Perhaps an evening reception to meet local business owners and listen and to ask what needs praying for and what could be celebrated - for example along the lines of local tourism awards as above.