Including new Merchandise/brochure
Minutes:
Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager RMBC, provided an update on what had been happening since April, 2008.
Accommodation establishments:- 2 new ones had been set up – The Old Police House and Aston Hotel.
YES project at Pithouse West, Rother Valley Country Park:- had been given the go ahead.
New businesses:- 3 more had been set up.
Quality Assessments:- 3 grants had been issued
International Links Committee:- Rotherham was twinned with St. Quentin, in NE France; The Leader and Chief Executive headed up the Committee, which developed links to schools, clubs, and a leading supermarket to exchange information etc Representatives from St. Quentin had a stand at the recent Rotherham Show, and Rotherham had been asked to do something similar in St. Quentin.
Promotional activity - update:-
- A new visitor and accommodation guide had been published
- Food Guide for South Yorkshire - from Business Link
- South Yorkshire Attractions Guide – SEE
Access Guide:- it was reported that this was out of date and needed to be updated. Members of the Forum would receive their existing sheets back for updating. Forms were available for new members should they wish to be included.
Heritage Open Days:- the Tourism Service had promoted this event for the 1st time this year and produced a leaflet, including over 20 attractions. The open days were also advertised via the website. Feedback had been very positive and it was considered very good value for money for the investment made. David Bliss and Anne Hicks added that from the Minster’s point of view the event had been a great success and reported that the Chapel on the Bridge had been used as the venue for the Yorkshire launch.
Local Residents’ Campaign:- it was explained that this initiative aimed to encourage people, their friends and relatives, to visit local attractions during the off-peak time in November. To date 7 attractions and 4 accommodation providers had expressed an interest. Discount vouchers and 2 for 1 offers would be included in a leaflet which would be included in the new Community Newspaper and in Rotherham Advertiser.
Walking Festival:- it was reported that over 1,000 people took part. Results from the customer satisfaction survey showed that 95% of participants thought the event was excellent.
Signage:- 4 tourist information points were found in storage and needed locating. One had been agreed with the owner to be located at Parkgate.
Rotherham in Bloom:- judging was now complete and a presentation event hosted by the Mayor was to be held on 23rd September.
Events and Exhibitions:-
- Group Travel Exhibition with YST
- Production of a new attractions guide with YST
- Domestic campaign for the UK and for the overseas market with YST
- Business tourism with YST
- Thorpe Salvin Garden Trail – presence to promote other venues
- Rother Valley Country Park:- Triathlon and Party in the Park
- Rotherham Show
- Together with working with the Events and Promotions team on overnight packages
Visitor Centre – update:-
- footfall to date had been 32,496 with 68,000 target
- BABA – 18 had been booked since April
- Mystery Shopper – overall YTB result 93% and VisitBritain 90%
- Merchandise at the Visitor Centre now included Rae Jewellery, recipe greeting cards
- Databox had also been installed so the Visitor Centre was able to sell theatre tickets
Joanne Edley would check the retail policy to see if establishments could purchase items at a discount.