Mid Wales steps up sports tourism efforts

Sports clubs and societies, which attract thousands of visitors to Mid Wales, are being urged to upgrade their visibility on the Internet by joining an independent company representing 500 tourism businesses in Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd.

 

Mid Wales Tourism (MWT) has introduced a membership fee of £70 for sports clubs, societies and community groups in the region. Membership gives access to the latest digital marketing expertise, a range of discounts and services and a page on the www.visitmidwales.co.uk website.

 

“Sports clubs, societies and community groups, which are run by volunteers, are responsible for attracting a lot of visitors to Mid Wales every year and we want to help promote them to the widest possible audience,” said Val Hawkins, MWT’s chief executive.

 

“Angling, motor, cycling and golf clubs, for example, are very important to the tourism economy of Mid Wales and it makes good sense that they should be promoted under the umbrella of our website www.visitmidwales.co.uk.

 

“Whether or not they become members, they can also include their events on the www.visitmidwales.co.uk/events events website free of charge.”

 

Mrs Hawkins believes that clubs, societies and community groups could be taking advantage of Mid Wales E shop to sell products and tickets online. By joining MWT, new members receive a £25 discount off the cost of the E shop.

 

They could also join the Guestlink Affiliates programme, which allows members to generate revenue from their own websites by allowing partners to place an advertisement link on them. The programme also attracts more Internet traffic to the partners’ websites, provides customers with more online services and generates income.

 

“We provide a range of support services to help members make money out of their websites and reach a much wider audience,” said Mrs Hawkins. “By improving the profile of sports clubs, societies and community groups, we will also raise the profile of Mid Wales in general.

 

“Mid Wales has so much to offer but we all need to do better in pulling together the information and services in one place to give visitors a complete picture of what is going on in the region.”

 

For more information contact MWT’s membership team for advice on Tel: 01654 702653 or e-mail valh@midwalestourism.co.uk