The English Riviera Tourist Board is to attract direct bookings via a revamped website.
The new-look site for Torquay, Paignton and Brixham at www.englishriviera.co.uk includes an online booking system and new photography. Tickets for local events will also be available.
In addition to English, pages will be translated into Welsh, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Polish and Dutch.
A ‘dynamic’ itinerary planner has been added to let visitors search for attractions and events.
Ten downloadable podcasts are to be made available within the next month, including introductions to Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. MP3 walking tours will be available to download to iPods and mobile phones from the autumn.
Danielle Staunton, quality officer for the tourist board, said: ”Online booking is to play a big part in the future of the English Riviera’s tourism. We are capturing a market that we have been unable to reach until now.”
Tourism director Aviva Pearson said: “This is just the first in many stages we have planned to stay ahead in the destination game in terms of technology.
“With so many people now computer literate and keen to act as their own travel agents to shop for bargains, it is vital that their needs are serviced.
“I am confident that we now have the best website in terms of look, style and content out of any seaside resort in the UK and that this will have a concrete impact in terms of bookings and sales.”
by Phil Davies
