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Members

If you would like to promote your tourism business on www.visitwiltshire.co.uk please contact the VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership for information and an application form.

Tel: 01225 756198

Email: VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership

Frequently asked Questions

What is the VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership?

The VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership (VisitWiltshire) is one of nine Destination Management Organisations or Partnerships, created under the South West Tourism "Towards 2015" Strategy. VisitWiltshire covers the geographic county of Wiltshire (ie the areas of the new Wiltshire unitary authority and the Borough of Swindon).

What will VisitWiltshire be doing?

Over the next 12 months VisitWiltshire will, in consultation with the private sector and based on the experience of the public sector representatives, be developing a range of services and products including: marketing campaigns, business tourism as well as providing advice on sustainable tourism. We will continue to promote and enhance the new Wiltshire branding, the new website, offer training courses and advice. With the move to the new Wiltshire Council, the tourism services currently provided by the District Councils will come together under the VisitWiltshire umbrella.

What will South West Tourism be doing?

The role of South West Tourism will be changing, to concentrate on what is most efficiently done at a regional level. It will represent regional interests and lobby on the industry's behalf, whilst advising Destination Management Partnerships, regional and national bodies on issues affecting tourism. Importantly, it will also research trends and look to the future of tourism so that it can advise the industry on the kind of investment required to achieve success in the future.

Where will the money come from?

VisitWiltshire will be a private sector/public sector partnership with funding from the local authorities, tourism businesses, external grants and sponsorship. As part of our engagement with tourism businesses a new membership scheme will be rolled out across the county over the next few months. This will not only offer participation in the various marketing activities, but also significant cost savings for most businesses through a joint purchasing scheme run jointly with other DMOs in the south west.

Will accommodation providers still have to be 'inspected'?

Yes. You can choose to be inspected either by Quality in Tourism (on behalf of VisitBritain) or the AA. Attractions will be expected to have signed up to the VisitBritain 'Code of Conduct', or to have joined VAQAS.

Where can I go for business advice?

Please ask your local Tourism Officer in the first instance. If you feel we can help, please contact VisitWiltshire: 0845 602 7323 or alunwilliams@wiltshire.gov.uk. If we can't provide an immediate answer, we'll put you in touch with someone who can.

Who will be marketing the county?

Regional, national and international marketing will be undertaken by VisitWiltshire. South West Tourism will continue to work with the South West Regional Development Agency to develop regional and image campaigns.

Who will be marketing Wiltshire overseas?

VisitWiltshire will undertake selective international marketing in partnership with other south west Destination Management Organisations to avoid duplication and to give greater impact. We will also work with Visit Britain where appropriate on overseas campaigns.

Who should I go to for business advice on fire regs, funding, research, planning, etc?

VisitWiltshire and your local Tourism Officer. South West Tourism will be able to provide advice and assistance to VisitWiltshire on request.

Who is responsible for improving roads, public toilets, public places etc?

VisitWiltshire is aware of the importance of these in terms of affecting the quality of visitor experience and will be seeking to actively engage and influence the planners, Highways Authority, transport providers and local authorities to maintain investment in and work to improve these essential services.

Who will lobby government on our behalf?

This is part of the future strategic role of South West Tourism, speaking on behalf of the tourism industry in the south west. The South West RDA will continue to be the lead RDA on tourism, taking a pro-active role in various national fora to ensure that tourism issues are heard by the Government. VisitWiltshire will speak as the voice for tourism in the county acting on behalf of local businesses.

How do I get my views heard at a regional and national level?

By supporting, and when membership packages become available joining, the VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership, as through these you will automatically become a member of and be represented by South West Tourism.

Who will keep me updated on changes on government policy, regulations, licensing, scams, etc?

Visit Wiltshire will be taking on this role, keeping you up to date through a series of regular e-newsletters.

What will this cost me?

VisitWiltshire has already levered additional funding from a variety of public bodies. In many cases these projects require matched funding. We are committed to providing value for money and to offering a range of membership options to meet the different needs of businesses in Wiltshire. If this is to be a true partnership between the public and private sectors, then both will be asked to contribute. Full details and costs for the various membership options will be available shortly. Our aim is that most businesses should be able to cover much of the cost of their membership through savings made from the purchasing scheme.

Isn't this just another layer of bureaucracy?

Definitely not. With the move to "One Council" for Wiltshire, VisitWiltshire will co-ordinate all tourism activities, based in one office. The aim is to reduce duplication of effort and to achieve economies of scale, increase efficiency and provide an even better service for visitors and for businesses in Wiltshire.

Who will be supporting us to become greener and more sustainable?

VisitWiltshire is committed to supporting and encouraging the businesses to adopt a range of practical, common sense, sustainable business practices.

Can I join another Destination Management Partnership/Organisation?

Yes. Although we very much hope that all tourism businesses situated within the county will wish to join VisitWiltshire as your first choice. We recognise that your customers do not plan their visits, nor you your marketing, based on administrative boundaries. Indeed we look forward to working with our neighbouring Destination Management Partners to offer you even greater benefits and opportunities in the longer term.

Who do I contact to find out more?

Alun Williams (alunwilliams@wiltshire.gov.uk) at VisitWiltshire: 0845 602 7323.