Online tourism traffic doubles in a year

 

 

Online accommodation bookings totalled £645,228, which was 84 per cent up on 2010, underlining the increasing importance of the Internet to tourism businesses in Mid Wales.

 

MWT is an independent organisation representing 550 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd.

 

“We have seen a huge increase in web traffic and online accommodation bookings, both through our regional websites and via an increasing number of third party websites and other online channels,” said Anne Lloyd-Jones, chairman.

 

“We support businesses on a one-to-one basis to help members make the most of online opportunities.”

 

Chief executive Val Hawkins said investment in digital marketing technology was now at the core of MWT’s work.

 

“We provide a range of services and benefits, in independent voice for the tourism business sector and investment in the latest digital marketing technology, helping members to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” she added.

 

Mrs Hawkins revealed that MWT’s new corporate website had just been launched to provide the latest news and information about services and suppliers.

 

“It’s important that our members keep going forward in terms of marketing because markets are moving so quickly,” she said. “There are exciting times ahead for our members.”

 

In 2012, she added, MWT would be focusing on the venues market for conferences, weddings and meetings as well as continuing to improve member services.

 

Mrs Lloyd-Jones said she was pleased to report that MWT’s membership figures remained strong despite a difficult trading environment.

 

“As a business-led organisation, we are committed to delivering activities which support the growth and development of a strong and sustainable tourism industry in Wales, which contributes £3 billion annually to the visitor economy,” she added.