Destination marketing and management organisation Visit Belfast has launched a range of targeted digital measures in a bid to support local tourism businesses and keep Belfast front-of-mind for those planning future visits when the COVID-19 crisis ends.
The organisation's chief executive, Gerry Lennon, stated, "Travel and tourism has been among those sectors most impacted by the crisis. However, with more people spending more time online, this a huge opportunity for us to reach increasing numbers of people, during this time.
"Digital channels have never been more important, and user-generated content has never been more important, and it's been shown that consumers increasingly rely on this when making their travel decisions.
"Our promotional activity is showcasing everything that's great about our unique and welcoming city while encouraging everyone to get involved to keep those messages alive from the safety of their own homes for now, and until we can safely welcome everyone back once again."
Initiatives
Visit Belfast has been sharing happy and uplifting memories, experiences, and eye-catching Belfast images online, and has launched several standalone initiatives including a Friday Instagram quiz which challenges audiences to test their local knowledge as well as a "Did You Know" Facebook series, the aim of which is to provide people with information about Belfast.
Visit Belfast is also tapping into a range of information and updates from tourism providers, enabling it to provide entertaining blogs that promote Belfast at its virtual best while showcasing the city's attractions, local produce, cooking demos and musical experiences.
Additionally, a series of virtual street art tours and jigsaws have been made available on Visit Belfast's website.
"Inspiring Confidence And Providing Fresh Inspiration"
Lennon added, "As we plan our recovery, inspiring confidence and providing fresh inspiration are important components in our promotion and marketing while we support and maintain our stay safe, stay home message, which supports health agency and government guidelines to help protect the NHS and save lives.
"In the meantime, maintaining and rebuilding awareness of Belfast's attractiveness, energy and creativity in the face of this crisis will be key to ensure we play our part in rebuilding and supporting our tourism industry's recovery response."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
