The session will provide an opportunity to find out more about the introduction of a new online accommodation booking system on the official tourism website for Winchester, www.visitwinchester.co.uk  It will also provide an opportunity for discussion, information exchanging and networking, with time to chat with fellow accommodation owners and Winchester City Council staff. At the end of the meeting there will be a tour of the Hospital of St Cross, England's oldest almshouse.

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism, said: “I am delighted that we are introducing online accommodation bookings for the 2010 season. Today’s tourists are often short on time, so providing ‘short cuts’ for when they book holidays or short breaks is just the kind of modern, efficient service they will expect.  We hope that this initiative will particularly help to generate bookings for small and medium sized accommodation businesses like B&Bs and self catering properties, to make the most of the current trend towards holidaying in the UK.”

Kathleen McCulloch, Winchester City Council’s E-Access Development Officer, who is leading the project to introduce online accommodation bookings, added: “We want to ensure that our accommodation providers have all the tools they need to keep pace with changes in technology and to stay ahead of the game. We are mindful that some of our visitors are keen to book their accommodation online: it gives them flexibility to book at a time which suits them, and in a way which feels natural to them in this era of e-commerce.”

Delegates from around the Winchester District who are eager to learn more about online bookings have been signing up enthusiastically for the event. 

Remaining spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.  For further information, or to book your space, contact Alison Woods, Tourist Information Centre Manager at Winchester City Council on 01962 840 500 or email tourism@winchester.gov.uk