News story that VisitBritain entertained a load of travel agents from the UAE in May, flew them over gave them tours, but they haven't sold one package to Scotland. Not quite sure why VisitBritain did this -isn't this VisitScotland's remit really.
Come to think of it what real links does Dubai have with Scotland ?
More details at http://www.arabianbusiness.com/498661-agents-lambasted-over-fam-behaviour
Still guess they had a good "jolly" at our expense
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Sunday, 26 August 2007
Inspired -coming soon on ITV
There is going to be a "Restoration" type programme on ITV in the autumn.
The "winner" gets funding from the Big Lottery.
As well as the Eden Project ( which has already had 10's of millions of funding from the EU and other sources ) and others being shortlisted I'm afraid our pick is the Science Museum outpost at Swindon - big hangers - rockets , aircraft ( even a Dan-Air Comet ) , bicycles, computers, industrial robots, and much more.
Now thats we call Inspiring !
So make sure you give them a vote at the time.
Details at http://www.voteinspired.org.uk/
The "winner" gets funding from the Big Lottery.
As well as the Eden Project ( which has already had 10's of millions of funding from the EU and other sources ) and others being shortlisted I'm afraid our pick is the Science Museum outpost at Swindon - big hangers - rockets , aircraft ( even a Dan-Air Comet ) , bicycles, computers, industrial robots, and much more.
Now thats we call Inspiring !
So make sure you give them a vote at the time.
Details at http://www.voteinspired.org.uk/
£1 million for Rural Tourism - Part 2
So far - noted on this campaign
1. a newsletter that mentioned English Countryside once - most of the rest was just sales messages - is this what tourism promotion is about from Enjoy England ( Visit England - or whatever it is supposed to be these days ) ??
2. an advert in the Sunday Times in the main section - not the Travel Guide section for some reason.
Did that cost £1 miilion...
1. a newsletter that mentioned English Countryside once - most of the rest was just sales messages - is this what tourism promotion is about from Enjoy England ( Visit England - or whatever it is supposed to be these days ) ??
2. an advert in the Sunday Times in the main section - not the Travel Guide section for some reason.
Did that cost £1 miilion...
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
£1 million for Rural Tourism
Cultural Secretary James Purnell has announced a new £1 milllion campaign to rural tourism.
The goverment is giving £750,000 and Visit Britain is putting in £250,000 from its budget.
The campaign is to promote rural areas and attractions
We guess this is in response to the floods and foot and mouth scares. It will be interesting to see how they spend the extra funds - presumably a mail-shot to their customer database or maybe just a few pages on the Enjoy England or Viist Britain website.
£1 million doesn't go far and it will be interesting to see if its spent on attracting UK residents or overseas residents.
Given Visit Britains current track record and policy our guess is it will be spent overseas - but for a late summer campaign it would be better spent on getting UK residents to visit areas such as Gloucestershire and the Forest ofDean on the basis that overseas residents are less likely to make unplanned trips at short notice.
We shall see - or maybe not even find out - the devil is in the details !
The goverment is giving £750,000 and Visit Britain is putting in £250,000 from its budget.
The campaign is to promote rural areas and attractions
We guess this is in response to the floods and foot and mouth scares. It will be interesting to see how they spend the extra funds - presumably a mail-shot to their customer database or maybe just a few pages on the Enjoy England or Viist Britain website.
£1 million doesn't go far and it will be interesting to see if its spent on attracting UK residents or overseas residents.
Given Visit Britains current track record and policy our guess is it will be spent overseas - but for a late summer campaign it would be better spent on getting UK residents to visit areas such as Gloucestershire and the Forest ofDean on the basis that overseas residents are less likely to make unplanned trips at short notice.
We shall see - or maybe not even find out - the devil is in the details !
Friday, 27 July 2007
Hotels and Smoking
No smoking in travelodges either - from next year for existing travelodges and from now on opening of new ones. Premier Travel Inns play "follow the leader" and join in as well.
So some enterprising souls have started http://www.hotelsmoking.co.uk to list hotels and pubs with bedrooms etc where you smoke.
Fairly good idea if they get some support from hotels with smoking rooms. For accommodation suppliers it a free advert at present.
Wth 30-40% of UK adults smoking thats a fairly big market segment not to be ignored.
Still think its odd that some hotels don't allow smoking but allow dogs in the room.
So some enterprising souls have started http://www.hotelsmoking.co.uk to list hotels and pubs with bedrooms etc where you smoke.
Fairly good idea if they get some support from hotels with smoking rooms. For accommodation suppliers it a free advert at present.
Wth 30-40% of UK adults smoking thats a fairly big market segment not to be ignored.
Still think its odd that some hotels don't allow smoking but allow dogs in the room.
Friday, 29 June 2007
What Happened Next
Completely off topic.
I do love those events that have massive media exposure and you never ever find out what happened next.
So I have one for you here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6223750.stm
I do love those events that have massive media exposure and you never ever find out what happened next.
So I have one for you here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6223750.stm
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
New telephone service for london tourist information
JustCallLondon has launched a new telephone call service for visitors to London.
Operating every day visitors and tourists can make telephone enquiries or text message tourist questions.
The telephone service is a premium rate number but at 50p a minute it is cheaper than some tourist board offices. Text costs £1.00 per message.
For overseas visitors there is a online subscription service operated on the internet.
Good idea - about time this service was offered - all the tourist information centres in Central London are for personal visitors only. With all the cut backs at EnjoyEngland good to see someone taking a bit of initiative !
More info on this London tourist information service at http://www.justcalllondon.co.uk/
Operating every day visitors and tourists can make telephone enquiries or text message tourist questions.
The telephone service is a premium rate number but at 50p a minute it is cheaper than some tourist board offices. Text costs £1.00 per message.
For overseas visitors there is a online subscription service operated on the internet.
Good idea - about time this service was offered - all the tourist information centres in Central London are for personal visitors only. With all the cut backs at EnjoyEngland good to see someone taking a bit of initiative !
More info on this London tourist information service at http://www.justcalllondon.co.uk/
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
VisitBritain launches tourist attraction Code Of Practice
VisitBritain is trying to get England's attractions to sign up to a new national Code of Practice.
From April 1 2008, only attractions signing up to the Code of Practice or those part of the Visitor Attractions Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) will be promoted by VisitBritain, presumably on web sites and in brochures.
It costs £25 - but is this just another attempt to raise revenue from a new source , whatever VisitBritain does seems to cost !
If every attraction agreed to the code , a basic one with no inspection, it would raise about £150,000 for VisitBritain - a goverment funded organisation. So why the charge ?
Would signing up for the code give a visitor to the attraction an element of assurance ? - yet the attraction will not be inspected - even if the code may appear to the casual visitor to be some sort of official stamp of approval.
Why not have a compulsary registration scheme with standards relating to the size of the attraction ?
More importantly is there any problem with attractions anyway - they all have to pass health and safety and fire regulations.
So are the attractions are just paying for a listing - looks like it to me.
If the attraction was serious about quality, and can afford it, they would be in the VAQAS scheme anyway.
From April 1 2008, only attractions signing up to the Code of Practice or those part of the Visitor Attractions Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) will be promoted by VisitBritain, presumably on web sites and in brochures.
It costs £25 - but is this just another attempt to raise revenue from a new source , whatever VisitBritain does seems to cost !
If every attraction agreed to the code , a basic one with no inspection, it would raise about £150,000 for VisitBritain - a goverment funded organisation. So why the charge ?
Would signing up for the code give a visitor to the attraction an element of assurance ? - yet the attraction will not be inspected - even if the code may appear to the casual visitor to be some sort of official stamp of approval.
Why not have a compulsary registration scheme with standards relating to the size of the attraction ?
More importantly is there any problem with attractions anyway - they all have to pass health and safety and fire regulations.
So are the attractions are just paying for a listing - looks like it to me.
If the attraction was serious about quality, and can afford it, they would be in the VAQAS scheme anyway.
Friday, 25 May 2007
Christopher Rodrigues off to Kuala Lumpur
Christopher Rodrigues - Chairman VisitBritain - is due to speak at the 3rd World Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Nice !
Beats Birmingham - wonder how long he stayed at the British Travel Tradefair - can't remember seeing him speak there.
Nice !
Beats Birmingham - wonder how long he stayed at the British Travel Tradefair - can't remember seeing him speak there.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Saatchi appointed by VisitBritain
VisitBritain has appointed Saatchi , those well-known advertising types, to re-brand VisitBritain by the time of the Olympic Games in London.
But as usual in the VisitBritain rollercoaster of a ride, it is for "international marketing activity"
So guess what - that probably means VisitEngland is left out the cold again - the re-branding paid for by cuts in staff.
Does VisitBritain no longer take its responsibilities under VisitEngland seriously - its about time for a change - all this is past a joke for the development of english tourism. It;s all about image and more website's now.
No doubt all those new websites will be redone - at some cost - to reflect the new image that Saatch comes up with.
Wouldn't it have been a good idea to get the "image" and "branding" done first before the websites were developed ?
But as usual in the VisitBritain rollercoaster of a ride, it is for "international marketing activity"
So guess what - that probably means VisitEngland is left out the cold again - the re-branding paid for by cuts in staff.
Does VisitBritain no longer take its responsibilities under VisitEngland seriously - its about time for a change - all this is past a joke for the development of english tourism. It;s all about image and more website's now.
No doubt all those new websites will be redone - at some cost - to reflect the new image that Saatch comes up with.
Wouldn't it have been a good idea to get the "image" and "branding" done first before the websites were developed ?
Monday, 14 May 2007
VisitBritain staff cuts
VisitBritain cut 80 jobs - 35 overseas and 45 in the uk
Some of these cuts are fairly drastic and included Claire Hancer, who has just got a SHINE award as Public Sector Woman of The Year in the travel industry. Claire worked on Visit England campaign so I guess its another blow to to Visit England at the expense of Visit Britains focus on ensuring all those nice overseas offices take less cuts.
Some of the cuts are in print - which shows that VisitBritain continues to focus on its websites.
In my view thats wrong as brochures can be handled, given to friends and family and browsed more easily. You can't do this with a web page.
My opinion is that VisitBritain is more interested in its traditional role of attracting visitors from overseas that getting UK residents to holiday in the UK.
This used to be the remit of the English Tourist Board which later became the remit of the English Tourism Council before everything was absorbed into VisitBritain.
Some of these cuts are fairly drastic and included Claire Hancer, who has just got a SHINE award as Public Sector Woman of The Year in the travel industry. Claire worked on Visit England campaign so I guess its another blow to to Visit England at the expense of Visit Britains focus on ensuring all those nice overseas offices take less cuts.
Some of the cuts are in print - which shows that VisitBritain continues to focus on its websites.
In my view thats wrong as brochures can be handled, given to friends and family and browsed more easily. You can't do this with a web page.
My opinion is that VisitBritain is more interested in its traditional role of attracting visitors from overseas that getting UK residents to holiday in the UK.
This used to be the remit of the English Tourist Board which later became the remit of the English Tourism Council before everything was absorbed into VisitBritain.
Friday, 4 May 2007
VisitBritain launches visitbritain.us
VisitBritain launched a new website (yes another one !) www.vistbritain.us which is supposed to be one of a number of specific country targeted websites.
It appears to be rather similar to visitbritain.com - but just think of the money spent on it and the fun they had .
It also appears to be trying to sell things - so instead of VisitBritain promoting Britain as a destination ( and their brief extends to getting UK residents to holiday in Britain as well ) they are trying to sell as well.
But hold on - are they are using public funds for commercial ventures ? - and in areas that are already covered by commercial companies ? . So are they in effect receiving a public subsidy for commercial activities? Better tell the EU
Not a great site - menu system is confusing and try entering Barnstaple ( in Devon) as a destination what you get is Barnstaple and New Barnstaple.
Where on earth is New Barnstaple ? - lets click the map - it appears to be in the middle in the ocean somewhere off the coast of Africa - good one guys - I guess you should code to take out zero degrees latitude and zero degress longitude.
It appears to be rather similar to visitbritain.com - but just think of the money spent on it and the fun they had .
It also appears to be trying to sell things - so instead of VisitBritain promoting Britain as a destination ( and their brief extends to getting UK residents to holiday in Britain as well ) they are trying to sell as well.
But hold on - are they are using public funds for commercial ventures ? - and in areas that are already covered by commercial companies ? . So are they in effect receiving a public subsidy for commercial activities? Better tell the EU
Not a great site - menu system is confusing and try entering Barnstaple ( in Devon) as a destination what you get is Barnstaple and New Barnstaple.
Where on earth is New Barnstaple ? - lets click the map - it appears to be in the middle in the ocean somewhere off the coast of Africa - good one guys - I guess you should code to take out zero degrees latitude and zero degress longitude.
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
When is a Hotel Not A Hotel Part 2
Um when it is actually a Guest House or Bed and Breakfast !
My definition of a hotel is one that has someone on reception all the time, has a restaurant that has more than one choice of meal, a bar area and a lounge.
However there are plenty of establishments around, especially in London, that call themselves hotels but don't meet this definition.
These are sometimes described as "bed & breakfast hotels", or are classified on the Internet as a hotel when in fact they are not - more of that at a later`date.
There is a move by tourist boards to stop this by insisting that members that use the word "hotel" actually have hotel facilities - however they only have policy control over the owners that register with them.
As there is no compulsory hotel registration scheme in the UK, owners of "hotels" who are not members of official tourist boards can call themselves whatever they want !
My definition of a hotel is one that has someone on reception all the time, has a restaurant that has more than one choice of meal, a bar area and a lounge.
However there are plenty of establishments around, especially in London, that call themselves hotels but don't meet this definition.
These are sometimes described as "bed & breakfast hotels", or are classified on the Internet as a hotel when in fact they are not - more of that at a later`date.
There is a move by tourist boards to stop this by insisting that members that use the word "hotel" actually have hotel facilities - however they only have policy control over the owners that register with them.
As there is no compulsory hotel registration scheme in the UK, owners of "hotels" who are not members of official tourist boards can call themselves whatever they want !
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
When is a hotel not a hotel ? Part 1
A hotel in England may be a Private Hotel.
The distinction is that in a private hotel you are a guest of the owner so if you turn up and he doesn't like the look of you he can say "You can't stay here"
A normal hotel has to give you a room - as long as you can pay for it !
There are still some small private hotels around - mainly in large seaside resorts and cities.
Part 2 ? coming soon...
The distinction is that in a private hotel you are a guest of the owner so if you turn up and he doesn't like the look of you he can say "You can't stay here"
A normal hotel has to give you a room - as long as you can pay for it !
There are still some small private hotels around - mainly in large seaside resorts and cities.
Part 2 ? coming soon...
Monday, 30 April 2007
Hotel Room Key Cards
Is it just me that hates those hotel key card, push card in - take out slowly and see the light go green - no it doesn't - so try again - nope doesn't work- try again and again and again... - Ah at last .
And after a few drinks it always seems to be more difficult.
A few years ago we tried and tried the key card - went to reception and was told we had been locked out as we had a drink at the bar, charged it to the room, and no-one had asked for a credit card when we checked in ( the room was prepaid)
"But we left a message on your telephone voice-mail in your room" - oh yes good idea - so how do we get into the room to get the message ?
We forgive you City Inn Westminster - as it was a few days after you opened, and we have been back since !
Thought of the day - Why are simple things so difficult ?
And after a few drinks it always seems to be more difficult.
A few years ago we tried and tried the key card - went to reception and was told we had been locked out as we had a drink at the bar, charged it to the room, and no-one had asked for a credit card when we checked in ( the room was prepaid)
"But we left a message on your telephone voice-mail in your room" - oh yes good idea - so how do we get into the room to get the message ?
We forgive you City Inn Westminster - as it was a few days after you opened, and we have been back since !
Thought of the day - Why are simple things so difficult ?
Sunday, 29 April 2007
The Unsung Heroes of English Tourism
They work hard, long hours, and often for free.
They are the public interface answering questions on disabled access, lost property, people trying to find long-lost relatives, finding somewhere to stay on an August Bank Holiday weekend in a tourist destination near you ..
They don't get to go to the "conferences" held in sunny far-away places, they struggle to get funds and support. Yet they are often open and serving you on a Sunday.
Who are they ? - the great people who work in the local Tourist Information Centres.
Thank you - you do a great job.
They are the public interface answering questions on disabled access, lost property, people trying to find long-lost relatives, finding somewhere to stay on an August Bank Holiday weekend in a tourist destination near you ..
They don't get to go to the "conferences" held in sunny far-away places, they struggle to get funds and support. Yet they are often open and serving you on a Sunday.
Who are they ? - the great people who work in the local Tourist Information Centres.
Thank you - you do a great job.
Saturday, 28 April 2007
The Latest Hotel Marketing Ploy or Gimmick
Lets recap - over the years we have had ( going to show my age here !)
1. got a crunchy drive - so you're a country house hotel
2. Put a spa jaccuzzi thing in a bathroom - so your a spa hotel
3. Make everywhere no smoking - so you are a Non-Smoking Hotel then - that gets rid of 30-40% of customers but hey who wants guests to stay and have to clean the rooms ?
4. Got a spare room with a table and a power point - a conference hotel now
The latest one..
A zero Carbon footprint eco-hotel - watch out for these coming your way fast - the fact that you have to drive to get there seems to make no difference - but if you don't use the towels we won't wash them saving us some money ( and of course saving the environment) .
Oh we love bandwagons..
1. got a crunchy drive - so you're a country house hotel
2. Put a spa jaccuzzi thing in a bathroom - so your a spa hotel
3. Make everywhere no smoking - so you are a Non-Smoking Hotel then - that gets rid of 30-40% of customers but hey who wants guests to stay and have to clean the rooms ?
4. Got a spare room with a table and a power point - a conference hotel now
The latest one..
A zero Carbon footprint eco-hotel - watch out for these coming your way fast - the fact that you have to drive to get there seems to make no difference - but if you don't use the towels we won't wash them saving us some money ( and of course saving the environment) .
Oh we love bandwagons..
Intro time
Ok this is just going to be a range of topics related to tourism in England - is a fragmented mess ?- is it joined up or just a typical English muddle...
Everything here is an individual opinion only - so feel free to comment ( sign in first - all comments are moderated to stop the spammers out there !)
I'll try to keep the subjects relevant - but if I go off on a tangent it will be just be me.
Everything here is an individual opinion only - so feel free to comment ( sign in first - all comments are moderated to stop the spammers out there !)
I'll try to keep the subjects relevant - but if I go off on a tangent it will be just be me.
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