PORTISHEAD could be put firmly on the tourist map if new plans are put into practice this year.

Members of the town’s tourism group are appealing for new committee members to help take a fresh approach to attracting more visitors to the area.

Chairman Ron Hazelton says the whole town would benefit from an increase in day trippers and holiday makers.

He said: “Portishead should be prospering as a result of tourism. We have numerous wonderful attractions from the marina and public art trail to the open air pool and picturesque Lake Grounds, but we need to do more to promote it to people who live inside and outside the town.”

In recent years the tourism group has concentrated on promoting events and facilities within the community to ensure that people living in the town are aware of what goes on, on their doorstep.

The introduction of brown tourism signs directing people to attractions were one of the group’s major achievements but now the committee says it is time to move things up a level.

Inviting coach tour companies to include trips to Portishead carnival, flower show and Victorian evening, and the creation of a new website are some of the new ideas being suggested.

Kate Ward who runs Avon View bed and breakfast in West Hill has been involved in the tourism group for 10 years.

She said: “We need to let the world know what wonderful sites and facilities Portishead has to offer and need people with passion and energy to step up and drive this group.

“We also need to find an outlet from which we can promote tourism and help visitors when they get here.”

Portishead Tourism Group will be holding an open meeting at the Folk Hall in High Street on January 23 at 7.30pm when new committee members will be elected.