An introduction to the project and the task and finish group

A Task and Finish Group was set up in the spring of this year and charged with developing the Digital Tourism Business Project for Wales (DTBP).Via the Task and Finish group and this online space we aim is to inform people about who is involved, how the plans are being put together and what stage we are in the process. We also hope to gain constructive feedback and direction on any of the issues related to this project, especially from the Wales tourism industry.

The industry, public and private, in Wales will help guide and form the way the above project develops. We all know that the digital landscape is fast moving and filled with new opportunities that present themselves on a daily basis. TripAdvisor alone adds an average of 3 new products a month to its portfolio of business eg. The TripAdvisor Owner Centre was launched in March and allows businesses and destinations to manage their presence and interact more efficiently with Potential customers. If you haven’t already, check it out here http://www.tripadvisor.com/Owners

This DTB project, from training to online networks and cutting edge marketing techniques and practices will help create what many like to call a ‘digital business ecosystem’ for tourism in Wales that will help us compete even more effectively on an international stage.

What is the DTBP?

The DTBP is a European Convergence funding project proposal sponsored by Visit Wales and its partners the Wales Tourism Alliance

Project proposal? You mean it hasn’t been agreed?

That’s correct, while the overall approach has been agreed following industry feedback, the actual business plan (what gets done and when) is in the process of being drawn up.

Progress to Date

The project requires funding from Europe via the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO). There are 3 stages to complete before WEFO agree a project for European funding.

1. Project Idea form (PIF) √
2. Expression of Interest (EOI) √
3. Full business plan

The DTBP has successfully passed through stages 1 and 2 and is now in the business planning stage although we will be resubmitting the EOI to reflect how the project has already begun to evolve in line with industry needs and the fast moving digital landscape.

You can view the EOI here and the Measure/framework that the Project will fall within here.

Who is involved in moving forward the DTBP?

The DTBP has a Task and Finish Group comprised of :-

• Visit Wales
• Wales Tourism Alliance
• Local Authorities
• Regional Tourism Partnerships
  
• Representatives from specific sectors of the tourism industry.

A full list including contact details can be found here

What is the overall project about?

The DTBP is a large and ambitious project and is likely to have many projects of different sizes running at various phases, but broadly speaking it consists of the following major elements which will cover;

• Business/Industry engagement – Improving the way tourism businesses and organisations market themselves and Wales in the digital environment. more

• Developing the digital network environment – making sure that content and information is developed and accessible not only to people but also to networks (Search, Social Media etc). more

• Business Demand Creation / stimulation – while it is essential that information and media about Wales is accessible to all the project recognises that people are still being inspired to visit Wales. more

Please see our FAQ’s about the DTBP

What are the next steps?

We are currently working on a questionnaire that aims to provide us and WEFO with a snapshot of tourism SMEs’ adoption of internet technology, online marketing and ecommerce. Keep an eye on this blog for further details about the questionnaire, how to get hold of one and how to distribute it to your network.

The next challenge is to finish stage 3 of the WEFO application. The Business Plan section of the blog outlines the three main strands to the project – take a look and tell us what you think

Advertisement