Good destination websites boost tourism for business

Businesses are being encouraged to get involved in a new project to help towns and villages across Warwickshire to boost tourism and spending in their local area.

As part of its commitment to supporting the economy in rural areas, Warwickshire County Council is coordinating a ‘Visit Local’ project to help some of the county’s smaller towns to realise their untapped visitor potential.

Phase One of the scheme will see the launch this month of a new online toolkit and working illustration of how to create a great website aimed at visitors. It’s a step by step, interactive guide to make it easy for Warwickshire’s hidden jewels to get themselves on the tourism map.

"Warwickshire has so much to offer beyond its more famous attractions," said Alex Holmes, Visitor Economy Manager for the County Council. "Every town has its unique selling point and we need these under-explored places in Warwickshire to promote their strengths.

“Getting a good web presence that entices visitors is an important stepping stone and we want all businesses to get involved with helping their local patch grow tourism.

“If visitor numbers increase, it is good news for all businesses, not just the tourist attractions themselves but those in retail, food and drink, accommodation providers and other services on the high street.”

Businesses have a role to play in the programme, which will give guidance to towns off the traditional tourist track to promote themselves.

The toolkit has been informed by new pilot website projects under way in Atherstone, Studley and Alcester.

Alex said: "Evidence from other areas of the country shows that by working together, local partnerships can attract more tourism.  So it's great for businesses to get involved and be part of the package to promote their own area."

Warwickshire is always popular not just with overseas tourists but also with visitors across the UK and within the local area. Visitors make a huge contribution to the county with the tourism industry generating in excess of £1billion to the economy annually.

Some towns in Warwickshire already have strong partnerships that work together to promote themselves effectively. Visit Shipston celebrates the town's reported status as the tenth happiest town in the UK, while Love Coleshill runs a voucher scheme and events to encourage people to shop local.

 For quick links to the toolkit guidance and further information…CLICK HERE