Recession-Busting Tips for Tourism Businesses

Winchester City Council’s tourism service is organising a free event for anyone who owns or manages a visitor accommodation business in the Winchester District.  The event takes place on Tuesday 10 March between 10am and 2pm at The Tower in Romsey Road.

It will be an occasion for discussion, information exchange and networking with fellow accommodation owners and city council staff.  Speakers will address hot topics for the sector such as marketing ideas to help combat the recession.  There is also an opportunity, for those who have never visited before, to find out more about The Tower - a multi-arts venue in a converted 19th century water tower offering live music, theatre and comedy.

Delegates from around the Winchester District have been signing up enthusiastically for the event.  They represent hotels, B&Bs, self catering properties and campsites.

Winchester City Council’s Leader, Cllr George Beckett, who also holds the portfolio for economy and tourism, will open the meeting.  He said: “I believe these information-sharing events to be very important. They provide an opportunity for us to plan shared projects, to brainstorm bright ideas together, and also for me to hear directly from representatives of one of the district’s most important industries. During this economic downturn, I am determined to stay close to local businesses and support them in any way I can.”

Event organiser Alison Woods, Winchester City Council’s Tourist Information Centre Manager, added: “Visitors who stay in local tourist accommodation are very important to the Winchester District as they contribute more to the local economy than day-trippers or those staying with friends and family.  Winchester is well placed to profit from British holiday-makers choosing not to go abroad while money is tight and the exchange rate is poor, so we want to ensure that our industry partners are able to benefit from this. For this reason we want to ensure that our accommodation providers are armed with practical marketing ideas to beat the recession.”

For further information, or to book your space, contact Linda Messingham, Tourism Marketing Support Officer at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 311 or email lmessingham@winchester.gov.uk

Last Updated: Monday 27 March 2017