Published: October 17, 2008
Tourism bosses plan busy year of promotional work to combat downturn

A busy year of promotional activities is being planned by tourism bosses from the Burnham-On-Sea area to try and minimise the effects of the financial downturn and a poor summer season of weather on the local holiday trade.

The financial woes were the hot topic among businesses at the annual general meeting of Sedgemoor Tourism Association, which was held on Thursday evening (October 16th).

The Association's Chairman, Bob Nicholson (pictured right), told the 100-strong audience at the Oaktree Arena that a poor summer of weather combined with the financial downturn had led to a disappointing holiday season for many local tourism businesses.

"The weather was once again poor and this contributed to a mixed season," he said. "While the number of staying visitors was maintained from previous years, the retail downturn effected restaurants, bars and gift shops."

"This situation makes it more important than ever that we continue to market and promote our area as a tourist destination to attract new visitors."

The association is planning another busy year of marketing activities, with the finishing touches being put to a new 2009 Somerset holiday brochure, which will have a print run of over 250,000 copies and be distributed across the country.

A tourism conference and literature information fair are also being planned for February 2009 at Brean Leisure Park.

And the association intends to attend various travel exhibitions and promotional bus tours to further encourage people to take holidays in the Burnham area during 2009.