Conference, exhibition and event organisers can benefit from an initiative that increases visitor benefits trialled throughout the autumn by Harrogate International Centre.
HIC has launched a voucher system, offering discounts and incentives to attendees at events taking place in Harrogate. The scheme allows visitors to experience all that Harrogate has to offer, whilst local retailers, restaurants and bars will benefit from additional custom.
Harrogate International Centre, Lynne Farrow: “Whilst it will take some time to gauge the full benefits and ROI of this initiative, we have already had plenty of positive comments and anecdotal feedback from the town and visitors to recent shows. As a venue it is vital that we work closely with organiser to provide added value to both the event and the visitor experience.”
HIC worked closely with various events, including the Harrogate Flooring Show to trial the scheme, which offers both online and print vouchers. Businesses offering discounts saw immediate results despite the low numbers involved in the trial and expect the scheme to build even greater links between the community and event centre over the coming months.
Lynne continues: “We have invested a great deal of time pulling together a range of discounts and incentives that truly demonstrate Harrogate’s offering, whilst providing value to organisers, visitors and local businesses. HIC’s economic impact on Harrogate is substantial but there is always more we can do, this scheme and the creation of the vouchers are a demonstration of everyone’s desire to ensure Harrogate remains not just a leading destination for business tourism but also a town with a reputation for professionalism and friendliness.”
Tom Van Zeller from Ven Zeller Restaurant said: “”The voucher scheme gives the town’s businesses an opportunity to get close to the town’s business visitors, and to offer them a genuine and well meant welcome. We already benefit from delegates who meet for business lunches or have exclusive use of the restaurant for corporate events and it’s nice to give them something back through this scheme.”
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