By the Visitor Manager, Julia White.

The Chairman informed everyone present that the name of the Forum had been changed from the Visitor Management Forum to the Tourism Development Forum. 

The Visitor Manager gave Members the highlights since the last meeting via a brief presentation which covered the following subjects:

v  Visitor Management Strategy 2017 – 2020.

v  Marketing - Premium Destination Partner on Trip Advisor.

v  Marketing – Events.

v  Marketing – Mice marketing activity.

v  Marketing – FAM visits & Funding Bids.

v  Royal Windsor Information Centre.

v  Digital and Social Media.

The Visitor Manager informed everyone present that it was a busy time of the year with sales events and marketing for the year.  It was noted that a number of people present had been involved in the consultation for the Visitor Management Strategy 2017 – 2020. 

Members were informed that the Royal Borough had been invited to become a Premium Destination Partner on TripAdvisor which would allow the Council to add official content alongside the existing user generated content, including video, image gallery, editorial and collections.  It was noted that there would be lots of links back to Windsor.gov.uk and the opportunity to drive sales through the Windsor e-shop.

The Visitor Manager explained that the Tourism South East media party had taken place on the 15 February 2017 and whilst there had been fewer journalists in attendance there had been some excellent quality journalists present. 

It was noted that last week the Visitor Manager had spent two days at ExploreGB which had taken place in Brighton on the 02 and 03 March 2017.  It was noted that ExploreGB had provided an invaluable opportunity to meet and do business with up to 350 hosted international travel buyers from 40+ countries.  The Visitor Manager explained that she would be putting together a report that business in the Royal Borough would need to follow up on. 

Members were informed that Business Visits @ ExploreGB was a parallel event specifically for MICE buyers.

The Visitor Manager went onto explain that the new MICE marketing activity had launched and included a venues directory, website development and social media.  It was noted that the Council had joined up with Tourism South East on their Meet Beyond London marketing activity which would also help promote the area for corporate, meeting and event business.  Members were informed that there was currently a database of 8,500 buyers. 

It was noted that three FAM visits had taken place so far this year – Korea on the 25 – 28 February, South Africa on the 6 – 13 March and Great British Food on the 10 and 11 March.  Members were informed that 10 European MICE Buyers would be on the 20 and 21 May and New Meridian group travel organisers on the 11 and 12 June.

The Forum was informed that the Royal Borough was involved with Discover England funded projects, Great West Way, Last Mile and Majestic Waterways.  It was noted that any opportunities arising from those projects would be communicated to partners.  The Visitor Manager explained that the Royal Borough had also bid for round two funding of £150,000 to deliver a rebranding project designed to change international travellers perceptions on where to base themselves in the UK, i.e., Windsor rather than London.  It was noted that the working title was ‘London’s Country Estate’. 

The Visitor Manager informed the Forum that the refurbishment of the Royal Windsor Information Centre was now complete.  It was noted that advertising was available on the six digital screens and another three screens were being installed into monoliths in high footfall areas of the town – Station Approach, Coach Park and outside Riverside Station. 

The Visitor Manager informed everyone present that windsor.gov.uk had been updated over the last two months and the team were continuously working to improve the content.  It was noted that the Council had now employed a blogger, Emily Wren, who had produced three pieces so far and was gearing up to do more as the season got underway including covering the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Jaguar Festival and racing at Ascot. 

It was noted that the Councils social channels were performing well with a reach so far this year of nearly 1 million and 1.5 million impressions on Facebook.  Members were informed that the Royal Borough had just run its first Facebook contest which attracted nearly 700 entrants – the prize of which was an overnight stay and dinner for two at the Castle Hotel.  The Visitor Manager explained that the next Facebook contest would run through April and was in partnership with Ascot Racecourse, Harte & Garter Hotel, Bateaux Windsor and Windsor Carriages.   

In the ensuing discussion the following points were noted:

Ø  That whilst Emily Wren was a blogger, rather than a vlogger (someone who did video links / blogs) it was possible for the Council to use video content from local businesses on the website. 

Ø  That there would be a new destination page created in the future – it was currently at quote stage.

Ø  That the only negative complaints received on the website regarding tourist expectations was at Christmas when a group of people had protested about the reindeer parade. 

Ø  That the Tourism Development Day would take place on the 04 October 2017 at Ascot Racecourse.  It was noted that the Royal Collection Trust would be present to speak on the day.

Ø  Wyatt Gates (South West Trains) agreed to chase up the response the Visitor Manager was waiting for following her meeting..  

Ø  Nick Day (The Crown Estate) stated that he felt the Visitor Manager and her team did an extremely good job with an extremely tight budget regarding tourism in the Royal Borough. 

The Chairman informed everyone present that if anything needed funds to please let him know by September at the latest so it could be included in the budget.

The Chairman thanked the Visitor Manager for her update and for all her hard work throughout the year.