MORE tourists are visiting Wiltshire following the success of the Great West Way’s first two years in operation, says its director.

The scheme launched in 2017 to get more people visiting rural towns across the county who might have traditionally only visited key p[laces like Stonehenge and Bath during a visit outside of London. Director David Andrews wants to make it as iconic as Route 66 and the Wild Atlantic Way.

People from Germany, Netherlands, US and Canada are among those being targeted to visit the area.

Since 2017 there has been a steady increase in visitor numbers and the team want that to continue into the future. The Great West Way was announced as a finalist in the Place Brand of the year category of the City Nation Place Awards. Mr Andrews said: “It is an honour to be a finalist, alongside such strong brands. The Great West Way has so much potential, and although we’ve had a very successful year, there’s no slowing down. We have big plans for 2020 as well as a 30 year vision and beyond.”

What was once an historic coaching route, today the Great West Way boasts a 500-mile network of road, rail, river, canal and paths, so can cater for visitors whatever their interest.