Marketing support for tourism businesses prior to predicted surge in ‘staycations’

As the fourth largest sector in the region remains closed for the foreseeable future, local business support programme, Business Northumberland is on hand to help tourism businesses re-emerge, restart, refresh and recover.

As a predicted surge in ‘staycations’ is expected to hit stunning Northumberland when safe to do so, Business Northumberland is dedicating a week to help tourism businesses prepare to re-emerge post lockdown to host the millions of domestic tourists for the delayed season. 

The tourism week which will all be delivered through Microsoft Teams, adhering to government guidelines, will kick off with a virtual networking event on 12^th June with virtual digital marketing workshops taking place Monday 15^th June to Friday 19^th June with a follow session taking place on 2^nd July.

Business Northumberland provides support to small and medium enterprises across the North East who are looking to sustain and grow their business online. The fully funded support programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Advance Northumberland, so there is no cost to eligible businesses when accessing the support.

The workshops are being held at what should be the busiest time for the tourism industry, but instead it is hoped that the affected businesses will be able to use the down time to advance on their digital marketing skills, something that they may have not had time for during peak periods.

Lucy Evermore, Programme Manager of Business Northumberland said “Tourism is one of Northumberland’s biggest sectors and it is vital we help prepare these businesses for what may come, although the message is clear tourism is closed for the ‘foreseeable future’ we want to ensure that businesses are ready for when they can open and start again”

Business Northumberland’s Tourism Week boasts a total of six workshops and one networking event, all tailored to tourism businesses with input from Northumberland Tourism and content created by digital marketing experts, Digital Allies. From spring cleaning your SEO, creating energising, engaging email marketing campaigns to perfecting your digital marketing strategy to reflect the ‘new normal’ there is something to benefit all tourism businesses.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Chair of Advance Northumberland, added: “As we begin our economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis, it’s crucial all businesses take advantage of opportunities to help them prepare for the future.

“Tourism is such a key sector for the county and I hope as many businesses as possible sign up for this vital marketing support.”

So whether you are a B&B, running a hotel or rent out glampods, tourism week will support you to re-engage with previous customers as well as tap into new markets by turning website visits into real visits. 

Businesses must be registered to the Business Northumberland programme to attend the digital marketing workshop.

For more information and to register please go to: www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk or contact a member of the team at business@advancenorthumberland.co.uk