Tourist boards slammed for ignoring the web
Tourist boards are missing a trick by doing little or no online advertising, according to web-based suppliers.
Speaking at a YouTravel.com travel industry lunch debate in conjunction with Travelmole, the feeling that tourist boards have failed to get to grips with the internet was unanimous.
YouTravel sales and marketing director Paul Riches said: “The majority of tourist boards have not got a clue.
“They spend millions of pounds on TV advertising but they don’t spend money where people book holidays, which is with a travel agent or on a website.â€
He said the tourist boards’ collective lack of response to the internet was regrettable as they could affect people’s choices about where they holiday.
“The Egyptian tourist board did a fantastic job in rebranding Egypt five years ago,†he said. “They called the Red Sea a ‘Riviera’ and suddenly everyone wanted to go there. That proves that if they are more active they can have a significant impact on bookings and they should be more active online.â€
Hays Travel homeworking consultant Audrey Singh said she had no contact with tourist boards.
“I don’t even think about contacting them for information or advice,†she said.
Ben Braude, sales director of Fleetway Travel, which sells budget holidays worldwide, said he had little contact with tourist boards.
by Linsey McNeill
Phil Davies
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