In 1997 a group of Ringwood Bed & Breakfast proprietors and a few other local businesses met to discuss some of the issues which needed to be addressed in order to more adequately promote Ringwood as a major tourism centre for the New Forest. At almost the same time the New Forest District Council's Tourism Officer initiated the idea of Town and Village groups to take on a similar role, hence Ringwood Tourism Group came into being.

At that time the very first issues were:

1. The position, lighting and opening hours of the Visitor Information Centre.
2. The signage from main roads which gave no indication that Ringwood had a Visitor Information Centre or anywhere to eat and drink and sleep
3. The need for a promotional leaflet for Ringwood and how to get it to potential customers

As with so many 'new groups', Ringwood Tourism Group was started by enthusiasts with no funding to achieve any of these aspirations apart from a very modest membership fee.

These aspirations are embodied in the Constitution which says that the Aim of Ringwood Tourism Group is: 'Through a partnership between Public and Private Sectors, the Group is committed to the long term development, management and promotion of Ringwood as a residential, cultural, social and commercial area of the New Forest and Avon Valley.'

The OBJECTIVES are:

1. To promote Ringwood's potential and ensure that the benefits that the industry (tourism) brings to the Ringwood area are fully publicised and understood.
2. To market Ringwood as an ideal venue for staying visitors throughout the year in partnership with New Forest District Council and New Forest Tourism Association.
3. To improve communication / liaison / coordination between interested parties and groups.
4. To encourage environmental improvements in the Ringwood area.
5. To ensure that a good standard of service is offered within the area.
6. To actively encourage membership of the Group.

We have, during the years, managed to achieve some of these objectives, notably by:

1. Working together with New Forest District Council we now have a Visitor Information Centre which is more vibrant, produces a wider service and opens for longer hours
2. We have produced a Ringwood Mini Guide available to all and sent out to thousands of potential staying visitors, together with a Visitors Town Trail leaflet, available from the Visitor Information Centre and from all accommodation sources.
3. We have run two Food Festivals in the Town involving the farmers market, restaurants,  special promotions, recipe leaflets, as well as 'sausage and beer' events during these Festivals, and for the Pedal Car Grand Prix and Town Festival.
4. We continue to lobby for better 'in-town' signage so that our visitors can find the attractive parts of the Town, together with the shops and hostelries.
5. We have recently purchased two large picnic tables-and-benches for the Rotary Picnic area, hopefully to encourage visiting families to stay longer in the town and to shop here.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedicated effort of a small group of members.

Shopping
From country clothes to antiques, food & drink, art galleries and speciality shops, all can be found in this attractive market town.

Walking
From a gentle stroll through to the Forest or on the Town Trail to a full days walking expedition.

Cycling
Country lanes or New Forest tracks all offer sightseeing at a gentle pace.

Water Sports
The numerous man made lakes provide opportunities for Sailing, Water Skiing or a fun family outing.

Fishing
Exceptional game or course fishing, large variety of fish species can be found in the Rive Avon and in well stocked lakes.

Horse Riding
Riding through the Forest is very popular, for both experienced riders or beginners.

Eating Out
Cafés and local restaurants provide a choice of English and Foreign cuisine. You will find good food, win bars, bistros, sandwich bars and coffee shops in the town.

Accommodation
Small hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation and campsites are all available in and around the town.