Cheltenham Chamber sat down for a coffee with the marketing star behind Visit Cheltenham, Lisa Kowalkowski. Lisa was recently awarded Simpleview Marketer of the Year, beating tourism professionals from across the globe. It was highly deserved after her hard work and dedication promoting Cheltenham over the past 5 years.
Visit Cheltenham is the official tourism website for The Festival Town. It is run by Marketing Cheltenham, which is a team employed by Cheltenham Borough Council and member of Cotswolds Plus, a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accredited by Visit England.
Lisa talked about why businesses should take advantage of this resource. The website and associated social and other media deliver millions of views every year. In addition to wide exposure of the town’s facilities to some two and a half million visitors annually, it’s there to inspire residents to make the most of what their town has to offer.
The site has the region’s most comprehensive shopping and eating out directories.
For businesses, just knowing what’s going on locally can help them plan promotions or even adjust staff rotas. And it means they and their people can make the most of Cheltenham’s rich cultural and social scenes as well as the amazing Festivals. To stay up to date, simply sign up for the free newsletter>>.
Businesses hosting events can get a free listing in the What’s On Guide. (Details here>>). https://www.visitcheltenham.com/whats-on/add-your-event
While those that choose to join Marketing Cheltenham, can enjoy access to lots of different promotional opportunities. Depending on the level, this spans simple listings to appearing in a range of social media, print, PR and banner advertising. (More details here>>) https://marketingcheltenham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/final-2024-2025-marketing-cheltenham-membership-pack.pdf
BID businesses serving the visitor economy automatically get Bronze Membership, which includes a free listing on Visit Cheltenham, adding to its comprehensive coverage.“Our social media accounts share useful information year-round to their many followers. By engaging with our posts, you can share the love of your town and encourage your contacts to visit, live, work and invest here. Which is a win-win, if ever there was one.”
BID and Marketing Cheltenham Members also qualify for free listing on a new app. https://marketingcheltenham.co.uk/2024/04/30/promote-your-business-for-free-via-a-new-app/
She was particularly proud to talk about two very big events.
This year has already seen the most successful Food and Drink week so far, and now it’s full steam ahead to winter and the Ice Rink.
Cheltenham Food & Drink Week was hosted by Cheltenham BID and promoted by Visit Cheltenham, with the fabulous support of Lindsey Holland from the Chamber of Commerce. The week-long programme showcased 60+ town centre venues across 45 events, including masterclasses and many special offers.
It was launched at The Queens Hotel on Monday 16th September with a fine dining evening, hosted by TV Chef Simon Rimmer and a panel of Cheltenham’s top chefs, and culminated with a Chilli Fiesta at The Brewery Quarter.
The week offered businesses in the hospitality sector the chance to attract new customers and offer their loyal ones something a little different. From collaborations between independent and national brands to unique, intimate events in cosy settings, the event brought people from far and wide, proving that Cheltenham really is the foodie capital of the South West.
The campaign generated 33,500 campaign page views on the website, it reached over 360,000 via Instagram and Facebook and an estimated 4 million in press or on radio.
Looking forward, the undercover Cheltenham Ice Rink returns this festive season to Imperial Gardens. It will run from Friday 29 November to Sunday 5 January 2025.
“It’s the perfect festive opportunity for colleagues to get together and enjoy a magical 60-minute skating session around the ice. Doubtless building up an appetite for drinks and festive food at a nearby hotel or restaurant.”
Group discounts or corporate bookings for the whole rink are available. For more details simply email events@meetincheltenham.co.uk or call 01242 384805
