The 2026 Tourism Showcase & Leaflet Exchange took place on 24th March 2026 at Chichester College, and what a morning it was. The room was buzzing from the moment the doors opened, and it was wonderful to see so many of our brilliant businesses gathered together in one place. For many of us, it was also a chance to finally put faces to names.
We welcomed around 40 stands representing tourism attractions from across the Chichester District and beyond. The networking that took place throughout the morning was fantastic to witness, with connections being made at every turn.
A Room Full of West Sussex's Finest
One of the things that makes the Leaflet Exchange so special is the sheer variety of businesses and organisations it brings together. From world-class heritage sites and working museums to stunning gardens, waterside experiences, and some of West Sussex's most celebrated estates, the 2026 showcase was a genuine reflection of just how rich and diverse the region's tourism offer is.
Our heritage and museum contingent was particularly strong, with Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, Bignor Roman Villa, Sussex Past, Weald & Downland Living Museum, the Novium Museum, Petworth Cottage Museum, Amberley Museum, Coultershaw Heritage, Chichester City Walls, Almshouse Arcade (for that vintage clothing flourish!) and the Bognor Regis Heritage and Arts Partnership all represented.
The gardens, estates & vineyards were equally well represented, with Stansted Park, Parham House and Garden, Denmans Garden, the National Garden Scheme, Ashling Park Estate, Tinwood Estate and Sky Park Farm all in attendance, showcasing the incredible variety of green spaces and rural experiences on offer across the district.
On the water and outdoors side, we were delighted to welcome Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Chichester Harbour Water Tours, Mulberry Marine Experiences, Stubcroft Farm Campsite, Chichester Canal, and Butser Ancient Farm, a reminder of just how much West Sussex has to offer those seeking active and outdoor experiences.
Arts and culture were well represented too, with Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester Cathedral (who took a double stand to showcase both the Cathedral itself and the forthcoming Festival of Flowers), all joining us on the day. Meanwhile, our destinations and local tourism contingent included Visit Arundel, Petworth Places, the Petworth Business Association, Sussex Top Attractions, Beaulieu Motor Museum, and Goodwood/Goodwoof.
Representing travel and media, we were pleased to have V2 Radio, Woods Travel, Steve Reed Tourism, and Windrush Maps with us, alongside our education and business support attendees: Chichester College, Blue Spire Accountants, and of course The Great Sussex Way - although I don't think we sat down all morning!
To every organisation that took the time to attend, set up a stand, and engage so enthusiastically with fellow businesses and students alike: thank you. You are what makes this event worth doing.
Wider West Sussex Tourism Community
Of course, no Leaflet Exchange would be complete without the accommodation providers who are so central to the whole concept. Local B&B owners, campsite operators, and hotel teams attended the event free of charge, with the opportunity to collect literature from the attractions, experiences, and destinations on show. By taking those leaflets back to their venues, they play a vital role in helping guests discover what is on their doorstep, whether that is a visit to a historic house, a harbour cruise, or an afternoon at a world-class museum. For the accommodation providers themselves, the event is also a brilliant opportunity to make new contacts, strengthen existing relationships, and raise their own visibility within the wider West Sussex tourism community. It is a simple idea that benefits everyone, and it sits right at the heart of what the Leaflet Exchange is all about.
Welcoming Tourism Students
This year, we at TGSW were keen to extend the value of the Leaflet Exchange even further. Alongside our usual business attendees, we opened the doors to Tourism Students at Chichester College and University of Chichester, and we were delighted to welcome around 60 students throughout the morning.
The feedback from both students and their lecturers was hugely encouraging, with many noting that the event gave them real insight into the breadth of roles and career opportunities available to them after graduation. The students appreciated a great opportunity to network and establish contacts for work experience and apprenticeships in the future.
This is aspect is something we are very much hoping to grow. We know from the feedback we receive that finding recruits who genuinely understand the industry and bring excellent customer service skills can be a real challenge for businesses, and we see this as a meaningful way to help bridge that gap.
Group Travel Organisers
We were delighted to welcome Group Travel Organisers to the event this year, who were able to gather plenty of ideas for future trips in our beautiful area. It was a pleasure to welcome Steve Reed to the event, a trusted and respected voice in UK group travel with over 27 years of experience connecting hotels, attractions, and destinations with group travel organisers. We hope to see him again at future events.
Floral Fun from Chichester Cathedral
We were thrilled that the team from Chichester Cathedral were on hand not only to represent the Cathedral itself, but also to showcase the forthcoming Festival of Flowers, creating the most beautiful floral displays in teacups. The Cathedral team summed up the spirit of the day perfectly, describing it as a "fabulous way of highlighting what the county has to offer."
Your Feedback Matters
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to complete one of our questionnaires. The feedback you shared about the current tourism climate, your businesses, and the event itself was genuinely invaluable. It helps us understand how we can continue to support you, and we do not take that lightly.
What Our Exhibitors Said
We were touched by the kind words shared by those who exhibited:
"We appreciate the support it has on our business, bringing businesses together and opening doors for opportunities." — Tinwood Estate
"TGSW has helped connect our attraction to other businesses in the area and offered useful networking opportunities."
"TGSW always do a brilliant Leaflet Exchange, where we get to meet potential clients and do business-to-business networking." — Butser Ancient Farm
We are already looking forward to next year. If you were there, thank you for being part of it. If you missed it, we hope to see you in 2027.
