VisitBritain launches online directory for tourism businesses
VisitBritain has today become the first national tourism body to launch a free self-managing directory for tourism and hospitality businesses of any size or location.
A core feature of the new UK website, which is open to hotels and restaurants, is that it allows operators to manage their own listings on VisitBritain's platforms. This will increase their global reach and enable their businesses to be searchable and contactable by the overseas market.
There are currently 137 businesses listed on the directory, including Jurys Inn and No.11 Cadogan Square boutique hotel, but the tourism body has called for more companies to sign up.
"We've now empowered the travel trade to manage their own presence, resulting in greater exposure of their product and itineraries, which in turn will bring more visitors to Britain," said international travel trade manager Russell Knight. "We are calling for the tourism trade to sign up now and take advantage of a platform that will increase your business."
All English versions of the website are now live, including: USA, Canada, Australia, India, GCC, Hong Kong, Netherlands and Scandinavia. Throughout October, UK attractions will also be able to create translated versions in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Russian or Chinese.
According to VisitBritain, the impact of its B2B work equates to a value of £233m. The website has already won four awards, including: Best Trade Initiative UKInbound 2013, Best in Class B2B Category IMA Awards 2014, W3 Silver Award 2014 and a Bronze at the Lovie Awards (Government Category).
The new website can be found at: www.trade.visitbritain.com/en-uk/.