Leisure and tourism businesses in West Lindsey are set to benefit from a series of free workshops designed to maximise the visitor economy offer in the district.
West Lindsey District Council are engaging with Unmissable England, who specialise in working with businesses to develop new bookable experiences that tell the story of the people and the place.
Two new free workshops are now available, via funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for West Lindsey businesses which are aimed at the leisure and tourism sector.
A further two workshops will be planned for the autumn with more details to be confirmed.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Leisure, Culture, Events and Tourism Group at West Lindsey District Council welcomes the news of the free new training series. She said:
“These workshops are a great opportunity for any businesses looking to further develop their offer, adding value, and stimulating the growth and development of the district's visitor economy.
“West Lindsey has a great visitor offer with its rich heritage within the market towns, to the breathtakingly beautiful countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. I look forward to seeing how businesses can take advantage of the fantastic opportunity.”
Chris Brant, Director & Experiential Tourism Advisor at Unmissable England is looking forward to returning to Lincolnshire who is already supporting businesses within North Kesteven. He said:
"I'm really excited to be back in Lincolnshire and support businesses in the West Lindsey District to develop new bookable visitor experiences for domestic and international markets.
“Globally, there's been a big uplift in experiential travel. Visitors are no longer looking to simply just visit a place; they want to experience it. They want to go where the locals go, go off the beaten track, listen to the stories of a place, learn something new and create lasting memories.
“Unmissable England has worked all over the country supporting businesses to design authentic experiences, creating new collaborations and new products for a range of markets. We are now about to do the same in West Lindsey in partnership with the District Council.
“I can't wait to see what ideas businesses will have and where we can take those ideas in creating new products for the district and wider region."
Details of the first two workshops are below.
Experience Maker Workshop
Thursday 29 February 2024, 11am to 2pm (includes lunch)
At Rand Farm Park, Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
Discover how to design and market authentic visitor experiences and develop new collaborations.
Businesses will broaden their knowledge of experiential tourism and begin the initial steps of creating their own bookable experiences for visitors. Explore the essential ingredients needed to develop experiences, identify the opportunities for new experiences and learn from various case studies that could spark new ideas, allowing businesses to reach new markets and increase their success.
Workshop topics include:
- The difference between a tour and an experience
- What makes a good experience
- 5 important steps in creating an unmissable experience
- Case studies and examples of visitor experiences from across England
- Ways to market and distribute experiences including travel trade, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and booking platforms.
There will also be activities throughout the session to help you think about and develop your own bookable experience.
How to Attract Walkers and Cyclists Workshop
Thursday 14 March 2024, 10.30am to 12.30pm followed by a networking lunch
At The Bistro Bar & Kitchen, 55 Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EN
This workshop provides tourism businesses with a clearer understanding on how to attract more cyclists and walkers to their business and the local area.
As well as helping businesses to better understand how to market to walkers and cyclists, this workshop is an informative resource for adapting and preparing business facilities in order to become more walker, cycle and horse riding friendly.
This workshop will benefit businesses that already, or would like to welcome visitors to their business in the West Lindsey District and surrounding areas.
Workshop topics include:
- Benefits of Walking & Cycling Tourism
- What to do to Make Your Business Appeal
- Where to Focus Your Marketing Activity
- Smart Connections & Local Resources
- Case Study Examples
- Q&A Discussion
Places are limited, therefore booking is essential. To secure your free place, please email tourism.info@west-lindsey.gov.uk. To receive regular updates on a range of topics including business support, grants and training, sign up to the Business E-Brief.