Nick Brooks-SykesChief ExecutiveBath Tourism Plus

Beau Nash, Bath’s Master of Ceremonies, 1674 - 1762

Bath – Birthplace of Modern Tourism

Visitors love Bath….• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Internationally recognised brand

• Unique offer

• Quality throughout

• Positive visitor perceptions

• A world class destination

Tourism in Bath

• Supports 11,800 jobs

• 13% of jobs in B&NES

• Earns £357m for the city

• Is good for local businesses and local residents

Bath’s Visitor Economy is worth £357million per annum

“Bath Tourism Plus is a well run destination management organisation and a good example of public and private sectors working successfully together.“

John Penrose MP, Tourism Minister

Bath Tourism Plus• Public/Private Partnership

- 500 members- 80% commercial funding

• Operates UK’s busiest Visitor Information Centre (535,000 visitors)

• Delivers high value marketing: PR coverage is worth £17m per year

• www.visitbath.co.uk is one of England’s busiest tourism websites: 3million visits (2013)

Challenges

• Funding

• Tactical vs strategic

• Internet & Social Media

• Adapting to changes

Some things haven’t changed…

• Partnership

• Regional spread

• Seasonality

• The attraction of the new

Future for destinations

• Funding

• Maintaining what’s unique

• Development & Management

• Animating

E : Nick_Brooks-Sykes@bathtourism.co.ukFollow : @NickB_S

Blog : talking-tourism.blogspot.comWeb : visitbath.co.uk

Thank You