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From the Chairman
I hope you've all had a good summer. Following the last Board meeting Shropshire Tourism (ST) have decided to give 6 months notice of termination of the Joint membership agreement, as more of our services are becoming delivered elsewhere. This does mean that from 1 April we can welcome members in their own right with it being optional to join ST.
We will also be looking at whether members want to continue with the grading-only policy. Web listing, advice for members etc will be honoured by both organisations until expiry of the membership.
As a Board we are working to get a new responsive website up and running, we have the Discovery Map as a print outlet with more publicity on our own offerings, and we are always on the lookout for marketing opportunities. If you want input in these exciting times please talk to a board member or come along on 10 November
Have a good autumn
Paul
paulvdavis@gmail.com
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New Website for Shropshire Hills Tourism
Thank you to everyone who signed up for our website improvements. The committee is now undertaking the momentous task of briefing agencies and getting quotes for a responsive (mobile friendly site) amongst other improvements. We will keep you up to date as things develop.
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Fancy afternoon tea at a discount?
The Castle Hotel at Bishops Castle is offering a special rate for afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly at just £12.50 per head. The offer runs to 29th February. A treat for guests (or yourself!). Book through Travel Zoo
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Discovery Centre courses
New cookery courses at the Discovery Centre with their new "pop up" kitchen sponsored by The Ludlow Food Festival. Adult cookery sessions,first Thursday of every month 9.30am - 3.00pm £50 per person per session
We are also running one-off cookery workshops on 18th October, 11th November, 28th November and 24th January Details
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A picture is worth a thousand words
Independent Cottages, have a useful blog offering advice for accommodation owners. "Even if you have a small one bed property, you should still be able to come up with a good selection of photos to sell your holiday home and all the reasons why it’s an ideal holiday destination," Details
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Need an elevator pitch to sell Shropshire?
Do you need a short, concise explanation of the highlights of what we have to offer in Shropshire and feel short of inspiration? Have a look at this blog
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The challenge of "Technology"
AirBnB, Holiday Lettings, FlipKey and others (not forgetting Trip Advisor) all offer a model where the advert is free but then a commission is taken as a fairly hefty percentage of each booking. It was always thus with agents such as English Country Cottages, but with the massive scale and online marketing presence the new entrants are now able to swamp the Google results with displayed ads.
How to counter this - Firstly use a mix of advertising, some listings (as with SHT), some paid ads, some agents. Secondly make sure your own site says "Book direct - you won't get cheaper via an agent". Thirdly ensure your site is always up to date, has lots of comments, good quality pictures and changes frequently. Fourthly use special offers - tweet them, use Facebook or sites like LateLettings to shift late availability. And finally don't forget to check where your business comes from by using some sort of analytics package. Don't pay for something not delivering results.
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The Dog Walker's Code
We've all heard of the Countryside Code, but now Natural Resources Wales has introduced The Dog Walking Code containing suggestions on how to ensuring your activities don't affect domestic animals, wildlife and other countryside users. Could be a useful tool for visitors?
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Shropshire Council Business e-newsletter
Shropshire Council have a useful e newsletter - telling you all about local business issues, events, grants etc. Sign up for the newsletter.
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Free Web Course (courtesy of the council newsfeed above!)
The Optimising Business Broadband project is hosting another informative FREE evening with OBB Marketing Consultant, Gareth Edwards from Arrowsmith Marketing.
Date: Wednesday, 14th October 2015 Venue: St Nicholas, Shrewsbury
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Theme: Story Telling for Search Engine Optimisation Click to book
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Fire Risk Assessment tips
43% of all house fires start in the kitchen; Smoking accounts for 36% of all fatalities in fires.
All holiday owners will be aware they they need to have a Fire Risk Assessment statement and to regularly check and if necessary update it. As a non-fire officer that can be difficult, so here's a few tips on Preventing fire in your holiday home.
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Autumn events list
Here are are few events coming up in the next few months
3 October - Quiz nights - Bishops Castle Town Hall - 01588 630023
2/3 October - Clun Valley Beer Festival. All the pubs along the beautiful Clun Valley join in this event. Transport is provided between pubs and The Castle Connect Shuttle Bus is running between Bishop’s Castle, Clun and Ludlow. www.cvbf.co.uk
3 October - Gleanings local crafts fair
10 October - Russet Ramble. 2 mile sponsored walk around Bishop’s Castle local footpaths. To sign up contact 01588 638818.
31 October - 1765 Ball - Bishops Castle Town Hall - easy dances from the period 01743 891117
7&8 November - Christmas Fayre The Bog Visitor Centre
5 December - Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights Festival.Music, late night shopping and parades along with the lights switching on ceremony.
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