We were delighted once again to welcome so many enthusiastic tourism businesses to our afternoon of Networking, industry News and Marketing tips.
This time we were generously hosted by Matt Garcia-Shailer, manager at Longworth Hall Hotel, in Lugwardine; a beautiful venue for Weddings, Private Functions, Corporate Events, and Afternoon Teas. The Hotel’s 9 bedrooms are also available on a bed and breakfast basis.
Open to Members and non-Members of ESL, attendees heard about our success in exhibiting the county at regional shows and exhibitions with our mobile Information stand, and also about much of the ‘behind the scenes’ marketing activities that make such a difference, such as our press engagement, e-mail campaigns, our famous social media and development of our trails and maps for all to use.
We gave tips on how to use our free tools for your 2020 business marketing along with reminders that we can support you with Social Media training or even manage your social media for you. If you’d like to discuss any requirements, feel free to email on info@eatsleeplivehereforshire.co.uk
Then we handed over to our wonderful speakers inculding NMITE about the New University, Glenn Jones about the county’s Destination BID, Eva from Marches Family Network about Accessibility, and Luke Mammat with his display from Wye Valley Falconry
-
- Glenn Jones, DBID
-
- Debbie Mackay, NMITE
-
- Wye Valley Falconry
With further insights into how Herefordshire is fairing in comparison with the rest of the country, we worked with Visit England statistics and real time feedback from those in the room. The overview indicates that the West Midlands is experiencing domestic tourism growth as a region, though local feedback is that bookings, particularly for B&B/Hotel accommodation is more last minute than ever and that numbers are down. Conversely self catering is showing an increase. Business trips have shown huge growth. And while stays may be shorter, the overall spend during those stays has increased.
It’s always good to chew the tourism cud with your local colleagues and to find ways to work together.
We would like to thank the Federation of Small Businesses who generously sponsor our forums and provide our Members with invaluable support.
If you’d like to be part of the ESL tourism revolution for Herefordshire, contact us on info@eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk or T: 07713 243869