VisitHebrides
Those who have not had the joy of visiting this site are probably in the majority.Starved of investment, neglected by VisitScotland and not updated except by the many users on the (now restored) discussion boards the site is old, unappealing and far from current.
I understand that the site attracts fewer than 15,000 hits per month, or about under 180,000 per annum, of whom many (most) are on the discussion board. By contrast, a site in Berneray has achieved 200,000 in one week by judicious and clever PR. My pathetic little contribution to the blog scene gets not far short of 100,000 page views per annum, which shows what can be achieved.
The bottom line is, what is VisitScotland doing for these islands? When was the last time you saw an advert extolling the virtues of visiting here - other than those by CalMac and Cala Hotels?
Tourism is supposed to be a key industry for the islands, but those charged with delivering the goods seem to have taken the money and run. Simple question: who from the tourism sector is involved in VisitHebrides? It used to be run by the sector, now it's run by bureaucrats.
15 comments:
"Old, unappealing and far from current" - remind you of anyone?
I am sorry but the TB scare is dead!
To give credit where it is due, VisitHebrides does have up-to-date links to events. But you are quite right, the whole site is in dire need of an upgrade. Suggest you speak to them direct.
I can see the latest Visit Scotland campaign now...
"Visit the Isle of Lewis now before 200 wretched wine turbines wreck the pristine landscape and make it not worth visiting"
Can you blame them for not bothering investing tourism PR in us!!!
It's difficult to attract tourists on a 6 day week basis, will there be a fresh debate within the Council on opening the sport centre on Sunday's.
It is a nonsense to suggest that the wind turbines will affect tourism
It is a nonsense to suggest that the wind turbines will affect tourism
It's nonsense to suggest they won't, considering that surveys by Visit Scotland have shown that tourists are less likely to visit areas with turbines than those without.
And how much are YOU getting paid by AMEC?
people always mock what they do not appreciate...
addendum to last anon (by same anon)...and visitors of admire what locals think of as eyesores!
It is stupidity to think that windfactories will NOT effect tourism.
I see another piece of stunning forward planning means that the Museum is to be closed throughout the summer for repair and upgrade.
Exactly what does go on when these decisions are taken
Angus I know this is always a parochial issue but you should see the pitiful job that VisitScotland do with the Borders. In the Lammermuir Hills where I live we too are over run with turbines and VisitScotland have failed to raise even an eyebrow in protest.
They are a complete waste f our money. The board members alone are paid circa £750,000 p.a. and the whole thing is a scandal.
It is a nonsense to suggest that the wind turbines will affect tourism
Spain anyone? riddeled with wind farms, besides if we do not attempt something to boost isles economy then we will resemble St Kilda in 100 years time,
From Anonymous #4
As the owner of a tourism business, I've asked all 138 visitors this year about the impact of the proposed wind farm on their desire to visit the Western Isles in future.
138 (that's 100% Angus)said the wind farm would be a complete disaster, and dissuade them from visiting in future.
How exactly Angus is my future loss of income to be recompensed by this ill judged and probably inappropriately financially "encouraged" proposal?
I have never denied there will be some losers. I'm very pleased that you have had 138 visitors this year, but they provide how many people with a job? You and your partner? Full-time?
The possible future will involve you renting accommodation to a different segment of the market - or possibly, and unfortunately - you (and others) having to find other income sources.
Conversely, if we don't do something to reverse demographic calamity then I (and others) may have to find another source of income in the future.
That is the nature of decision I was involved in. I think and hope I was right, but most of all I am prepared to stand up and justify it and let the future be the judge.
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