Five websites have been shortlisted for this year's Northwest Tourism Awards, and Welcome to England's Northwest would like everyone to help select the region's winner. The best one will represent the Northwest in the National Awards later in the year.
We're delighted to report that one of our clients, Arley Hall and Gardens has made it on to the shortlist. The other contenders are the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Manchester International Festival, Near Howe Guest House and Cottages and Blackpool Grand Theatre.
By voting for your favourite they'll also enter you into a draw to win a brand new Ipod Nano with video. However, you only have until 2nd October to count and be entered into this draw.
We would like to wish Viscount Ashbrook and his family lots of luck. The website is certainly a credit to them.
28 September 2007
26 September 2007
2008, Already?
We've mentioned on the blog that Christmas is coming early but here at LDS we are already thinking up new ways to kick start the 2008 season. With Easter being so early we're thinking of new ideas so our customers can get a good coverage before the Spring Holidays.
Family Fun Packs have been going for a couple of years now but this year I feel they will be more important than ever. For many attractions they are directly reaching the target audience. We've had great feedback that families are looking at the packs together and deciding where to visit.
"I look forward to receiving the pack, it's very useful and full of fun and great offers" Mrs Heritage, Chester
What a great way to boost any Spring events, special offers or new attractions!
We also have a completely new venture - Holiday Fun Packs. These packs are designed to go into guest establishments all over Chester, whether it be a large hotel or a cosy B&B. We have created the packs so that guests can take them out and about and with them when they leave, hopefully to return! We hope that this will boost local tourism and encourage more return visits to the region.
Anyone wanting more information about either of these schemes should contact me on 01244 671859, or email hayley@ldsts.co.uk. We would really appreciate any feedback or comments on either of these services so we can improve and develop them to suit everyone.
24 September 2007
The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2007
Our Manager, Jennifer Prime, spent two days manning the Cadw stand at the International Group Leisure & Travel Show in Birmingham's NEC (20th & 21st September).
The event provides an opportunity for travel organisers, coach operators etc. to meet suppliers and other organisations involved in the tourism and leisure industry. Basically, it's a chance for them to discuss new ideas and meet other business people face to face.
Although the general consensus among exhibitors this year seemed to be that the show was relatively quiet (following the move from Wembley in 2006), Jennifer made some useful contacts and met a colourful array of characters - from dancing girls to large pink furry monsters and Shakespeare (see pic). Plus, there were free bacon butties in the morning and scones with jam and cream for afternoon tea!
Next year, the show will take place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th September. Hope to see you there.
The event provides an opportunity for travel organisers, coach operators etc. to meet suppliers and other organisations involved in the tourism and leisure industry. Basically, it's a chance for them to discuss new ideas and meet other business people face to face.
Although the general consensus among exhibitors this year seemed to be that the show was relatively quiet (following the move from Wembley in 2006), Jennifer made some useful contacts and met a colourful array of characters - from dancing girls to large pink furry monsters and Shakespeare (see pic). Plus, there were free bacon butties in the morning and scones with jam and cream for afternoon tea!
Next year, the show will take place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th September. Hope to see you there.
18 September 2007
Lovely, Lively Liverpool
For the past 4 weeks ITV has been running a series asking people to vote for their favourite view of Britain - all 16 views were selected by celebrities. The winner was Wastwater in Cumbria, selected by Sally Whittaker, but I noticed several entries from the North West including The Three Graces Building in Liverpool.
The official website quotes Jamie Redknapp as saying: "I look at Liverpool not as city but a country in itself, the people are different there, they are very proud and passionate. If they like you they love you, and you are one of them for ever ... I do get that feeling even now when I go back."
We work for a number of the city's attractions, including the National Museums of Liverpool and the Albert Dock, and it's extremely exciting to be involved with a World Heritage Site and future European Capital of Culture. Nearly two million extra visitors are expected to attend the numerous world-class festivals and events that will take place in the run-up to and including 2008. We're just delighted to be playing a part in it all.
17 September 2007
Travelodge Unveils Mobile Hotel Room
Travelodge has unveiled its second generation Travelpod – the world's first mobile hotel room that can be transported to any outdoor venues such as music festivals or sporting events.
Apparently, the Travelpod has air conditioning, flat screen TV, DVD player with a collection of DVDs, ambient lighting which includes bedside lights and a illuminated headboard, tea/coffee making facilities, washroom with biodegradable toilet and washbasin with running water facilities.
The furnishings are made from recyclable timber and lighting has been designed to use low wattage bulbs. The room comes complete with a luxury double bed, bedside lights, duvet, pillows, fully carpeted floor, window blinds, dressing table with light, mirror and chair.
The palatial pod is sealed in a 6 metre (length) by 2.4 metre (width) x 2.6 metre (height) clear polycarbonate glass box, and the features inside replicate the conventional Travelodge hotel room, which was recently redesigned.
As our existing clients know, LDS has exclusive rights to display literature in Travelodge's throughout North Wales and the North West. We're not quite sure at the moment how we can work this new development to our advantage, but the cogs are grinding. No doubt we'll come up with something!
Apparently, the Travelpod has air conditioning, flat screen TV, DVD player with a collection of DVDs, ambient lighting which includes bedside lights and a illuminated headboard, tea/coffee making facilities, washroom with biodegradable toilet and washbasin with running water facilities.
The furnishings are made from recyclable timber and lighting has been designed to use low wattage bulbs. The room comes complete with a luxury double bed, bedside lights, duvet, pillows, fully carpeted floor, window blinds, dressing table with light, mirror and chair.
The palatial pod is sealed in a 6 metre (length) by 2.4 metre (width) x 2.6 metre (height) clear polycarbonate glass box, and the features inside replicate the conventional Travelodge hotel room, which was recently redesigned.
As our existing clients know, LDS has exclusive rights to display literature in Travelodge's throughout North Wales and the North West. We're not quite sure at the moment how we can work this new development to our advantage, but the cogs are grinding. No doubt we'll come up with something!
13 September 2007
How Many Shopping Days Did You Say?
We always know that the festive season is on the horizon when our client's Christmas literature start arriving from the printers.
Chester Zoo has produced a nice big Frost Fair leaflet this winter, whereas Hoo Farm has gone for a glossy, A5 Halloween/Christmas combined flyer. Today we received an attractive 1/3 A4 Llangollen Wharf Mulled Wine leaflet - the same size as Park Hall's Xmas pamphlet but we've been putting the latter out for almost a month now.
Does Christmas really arrive earlier every year or is it merely that we're getting older? Then again, perhaps it only feels that way because the visitor season has extended so much over the years.
In the Company's early years, there was a very distinct cut off point for leaflet distribution at the end of September. One or two attractions would ask us to keep working into October, but they were few and far between and, by November, most of our customers were taking a well earned holiday in the sun.
How things have changed since then. We now get a slight lull after New Year - although we're hardly aware of it because we're so busy meeting clients to discuss their latest promotional campaigns - but on the whole, the distribution season just keeps on going. Rather like that Eveready powered rabbit you see in the TV adverts!
Chester Zoo has produced a nice big Frost Fair leaflet this winter, whereas Hoo Farm has gone for a glossy, A5 Halloween/Christmas combined flyer. Today we received an attractive 1/3 A4 Llangollen Wharf Mulled Wine leaflet - the same size as Park Hall's Xmas pamphlet but we've been putting the latter out for almost a month now.
Does Christmas really arrive earlier every year or is it merely that we're getting older? Then again, perhaps it only feels that way because the visitor season has extended so much over the years.
In the Company's early years, there was a very distinct cut off point for leaflet distribution at the end of September. One or two attractions would ask us to keep working into October, but they were few and far between and, by November, most of our customers were taking a well earned holiday in the sun.
How things have changed since then. We now get a slight lull after New Year - although we're hardly aware of it because we're so busy meeting clients to discuss their latest promotional campaigns - but on the whole, the distribution season just keeps on going. Rather like that Eveready powered rabbit you see in the TV adverts!
10 September 2007
South Wirral Town and Country Show
The sun shone for some of the weekend while I was manning the Cadw stand at the South Wirral Town and Country Show at Parkgate. This was the last show I was manning this season so it was nice to be out and about and meet the people.The show had some great events to keep the visitors entertained. My personal favourite was the pig racing - they are surprisingly fast! There was also a Falconry Display, Ferret Racing, Sheep Dog Display and Tug of War. Our tent was lucky enough to be outside the smaller event ring where we were treated to several dog agility displays throughout the weekend.
Our stall is mainly to support and promote one of our clients Cadw. Cadw preserve many Castles and Historic sites across Wales and are always looking for new ways to attract visitors. At the stall we are there to answer any questions and encourage people to visit the Castles. Many people often don't realise how many there are within an easy travelling distance.
The next show is the International Group Leisure and Travel Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 20th/21st September. Look out for our manager Jenny Prime who will be working on the Cadw stand.
6 September 2007
A New Bank Holiday
Gordon Brown is under pressure to create a new bank holiday.
The TUCs and a number of voluntary bodies have suggested a Community Day in late October, which they hope would encourage more voluntary work, celebrate our shared values as a nation and help meet the holiday gap between Britain and the rest of Europe.
The Institute for Public Policy Research is pushing for a bank holiday in November - possibly on the first Monday after Remembrance Sunday - to thank community heroes. This, they believe, would help Mr Brown achieve his goal of building a British identity.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), on the other hand, are concerned that another national holiday may cost the economy up to £6 billion. However, it could be very good news for the tourism and leisure industry. A lovely long weekend would be great for hotels and the attractions should get a much needed boost before Christmas.
Fingers crossed it comes to fruition.
The TUCs and a number of voluntary bodies have suggested a Community Day in late October, which they hope would encourage more voluntary work, celebrate our shared values as a nation and help meet the holiday gap between Britain and the rest of Europe.
The Institute for Public Policy Research is pushing for a bank holiday in November - possibly on the first Monday after Remembrance Sunday - to thank community heroes. This, they believe, would help Mr Brown achieve his goal of building a British identity.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), on the other hand, are concerned that another national holiday may cost the economy up to £6 billion. However, it could be very good news for the tourism and leisure industry. A lovely long weekend would be great for hotels and the attractions should get a much needed boost before Christmas.
Fingers crossed it comes to fruition.
3 September 2007
What Does 2012 Mean for the North?
We are assured by the government that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will present unrivalled opportunities to grow Britain's visitor economies.
With teams from 204 countries worldwide and a potential global television audience of over 4 billion spectators, there is certainly great potential for the Games to reach new markets. We have an opportunity to boost domestic holiday taking and to create real appeal for the Britain and London brands in emerging markets. However, will the economic benefits really be spread throughout the whole of the UK?
One wonders whether tourism in North Wales and the North West will be significantly boosted. If there is a lasting legacy, will it be for London and Southern England only? How can we, as leaflet marketing specialists, take full advantage of the situation?
We would love to get some feedback on this issue.
With teams from 204 countries worldwide and a potential global television audience of over 4 billion spectators, there is certainly great potential for the Games to reach new markets. We have an opportunity to boost domestic holiday taking and to create real appeal for the Britain and London brands in emerging markets. However, will the economic benefits really be spread throughout the whole of the UK?
One wonders whether tourism in North Wales and the North West will be significantly boosted. If there is a lasting legacy, will it be for London and Southern England only? How can we, as leaflet marketing specialists, take full advantage of the situation?
We would love to get some feedback on this issue.
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