North Somerset takes leap into 21st Century

The 19th century was for North Somerset and its main resort of Weston-super-Mare a time of rapid and massive expansion. The calming and restorative quality of the seawaters combined with the new road and rail system saw the area grow from a small village to a major holiday hotspot.

Now we are in the 21st century for road and rail read Internet and Investment. North Somerset Council and the Weston Tourism partnership have joined forces with neighbours Bristol and Bath at the forefront of an IT revolution. Utilising the Government’s Single Regeneration Budget and partnership funding and up-to-the- minute technology, the council’s Tourism Unit has begun a process, which is planned to reposition the destination, make it easier to find information and make it easier to book. “UK tourism is so competitive now, we strive to make North Somerset a very accessible and amenable place to visit,” states Tourism Officer Julia Stuckey.

The team at North Somerset has been overseeing a major upgrade in its computerised information services, which has led to development of a new web site, new information and content management system and a package to improve the management of vacancies and availability in many accommodation outlets within the district. “Late last year we decided to join forces with other local authorities and have made a major investment in destination management software,” said Julia. “Stage one of has been completed some time ago and we have just entered into the second phase with the launch of our new web site www.somersetcoast.com The information staff are utilising the wealth of data to assist customers via post, phone, email or face-to-face in our visitor centres. The next stage has been to ensure that this is easily and readily available via our web site, kiosks and through our e-marketing services. We have a lot to offer the holidaymaker for both short and long breaks and for local residents’ leisure time. We just need to let people know and make it easy for them.”

In addition to the destination management software, North Somerset has ensured that the whole system is sustainable and not subject to large web editorial costs that in many cases restrict the freshness of the site. “Our software partners in this project, OmniTourism (UK), are supplying the system, the know-how and the tools by which we can continue to develop the strategy without the need for third party assistance,” added Julia.

OmniTourism (UK) Director Graham McKenzie was equally enthusiastic. “North Somerset, along with their near neighbours, have seen the advantages of investing in up-to-date technology. The fact that they are utilising our on-line tools to power the web site, to enhance the booking process, to offer brochures, to assist e-marketing and to maintain the web content is equalled only by the top down enthusiasm for the project, the resort and the end client.”

“This project is part of the North Somerset Blue Skies Tourism Vision and will be a huge benefit for our local businesses, visitors and residents, as well as making our tourism information service more efficient,” Julia concluded.

Media contacts:
Julia Stuckey

Tourism Officer
North Somerset Council
Winter Gardens
Royal Parade
Weston-super-Mare
Somerset
BS23 1AQ
Tel (01934) 634955 (Internal – 7272)
Fax (01934) 614087
julia.stuckey@n-somerset.gov.uk

Graham McKenzie
+44 1403 865800
gmckenzie@omnitourism.com