VisitEngland’s ‘Tourism Superstar’ Award 2017 Nominations for VisitEngland’s ‘Tourism Superstar’ award are now open. Supported by the Mirror, this recognises and celebrates those in the tourism industry who go the extra mile to ensure tourists have an amazing and unforgettable visitor experience. Submissions must be via VisitWiltshire, so if you have anyone from your business, who is passionate about where they work and live please send nominations toFlobefore 25 November. Please include 200 words detailing why your nominated person should win. Find out more here.
City Campaign - Launching January 2017 - Last minute spaces available - Book Now This Salisbury campaign will include a lead generated digital flyer, targeted e-newsletters, printed mailer, outdoor advertising rail 6 sheets, social media, digital advertising, competitions and PR. Further details can be seen here. Contact Jenny to book asap.
Christmas and New Year Special Offers We are looking for Christmas/New Year special offers that we communicate to encourage short break visits to Wiltshire over the festive period. Any added value food and accommodation offers would be great. Please see ourChristmas and New Year Special Offerspage where you would featured. Please contact Emma with details.
The Wiltshire Great West Way working group meeting was held on Friday 14 October in Corsham. The meeting notes can be read here. If anyone wants to input into Great West Way proposition development please contact David.
Wiltshire Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA) We are delighted to announce that Roz Mitchell from Salisbury Cathedral has agreed to take on the role of Chair of WAVA. The meeting notes from the recent meeting can be readhere.
Travel Trade Group At our recent Travel Trade group meeting on 18 October at Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge we were delighted to welcome Kevin Jones, Head of B2B VisitBritain and Claire Thompson from Norman Allen Group Travel Ltd. We introduced Jo Atkins, Marketing and Communications Consultant, National Trust South West Region, as the new Travel Trade Chair. The meeting notes and a link to Kevin's presentation are available here.
Blogs
Don't forget to take a look at our latest blogshere. These include 'A walk around Bradford on Avon' and '10 reasons to visit Wiltshire in November'.
Kids in Museums Takeover Day Takeover Day is a celebration of children and young people’s contributions to museums, galleries, arts organisations, archives and heritage sites. It’s a day on which they are given meaningful roles, working alongside staff and volunteers to participate in the life of the museum. So get involved this year on 18 November 2016. If you’re a museum, gallery, archive, arts or heritage organisation, and interested in taking part, contacttakeoverday@kidsinmuseums.org.ukor visit thewebsite for free online resources including fact sheets, case studies and tips.
VisitBritain/VisitEngland News Inbound Visitor Statistics for August
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Inbound tourism figures to the UK in August were 3.8 million visits, which were up 2% on the same month last year. Overseas visitors to the UK spent £2.6 billion in August, 4% up on the same month last year. However, when broken down by journey purpose, inbound holiday traffic was down -2% during this period. View the latest monthly data.
Accessibility Scheme for Accommodation Providers
One in four of the UK population have a long standing health problem or disability, which can make searching for accessible accommodation difficult. The National Accessible Scheme (NAS) can help accommodation operators improve and promote their true level of accessibility. There are three types of impairment that can be assessed at your business including mobility, hearing and visual. It's not all about wheelchairs and even if your business has steps to the front door or no ground floor rooms it can still achieve a rating. To find out more or arrange an assessor visithere.
Congratulations Congratulations to The Merchant's House for being awarded Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction status by Coach Passenger Transport following the presentation at our WAVA meeting earlier this year.
Partner Meetings & Training Events Please contact Theresa to book a place.
An Introduction to Social Media Thursday 3 November Please note this date change! 10am-4pm, Central Devizes
