Pre-Christmas Networking Event 2019
Pre-Christmas Networking Event – November 2019
We organised a networking event for local businesses to introduce
- New updates to the Visit Lynton & Lynmouth website
- Discuss current issues regarding tourism
- Show our leaflet distribution plans for 2020
We presented a slideshow presentation which highlighted the work that Victoria had done to promote Lynton & Lynmouth and the website features.
Website Features
- LIVE checking of accommodation availability
- NO COMMISSION on bookings
- Improved business listings and USP focus
- FEATURED BUSINESS highlighting premium subscribers on the home page
- More local activities and things to do
- SEO focused to help discovery of the Visit Lynton & Lynmouth website
- Seasonal & Annual Event promotion
Many attendees contributed to the analysis of the issues which have affected or local businesses.
The following table reflects those responses from a SWOT activity which was conducted at the event. Comments were submitted on specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by Lynton & Lynmouth.
Strengths
Lynton & Lynmouth- Attractions such as the Valley of Rocks, Cliff Railway and SW Coast Path
- Great website
- TIC at the Post Office
- Beautiful location – tranquil, secluded, quiet
- Stunning, unspoiled scenery
- You can usually find somewhere quiet, away from the crowds
- Good feeling of community, helping each other
- Individual, independent (non-chain) shops
- Lots of local artists galleries and local crafts
- Some excellent places to eat and stay
- Due to random opening times, there is usually something open
Weaknesses
Lynton & Lynmouth
- Post Office not open Sat/Sun or Bank Holidays – how do tourists get info at these times?
- Not enough national publicity
Location/Exmoor National Park
- Access from motorways and arterial routes which filter people to South Devon and Cornwall
- No sign on M5
- No sandy beaches
- No where for ‘yachties’ to moor boats, unlike South Devon coast
Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council
- General appearance of the villages – unkempt and scruffy in places
- State of the highways/roads – in particular Riverside Road and Watersmeet Road
- Lack of signage for tourists – signage not consistent
Local Businesses
- Restaurants closed either for most of the summer
- Inconsistent opening times and closing earlier at the margins of the season
Opportunities
Visit Lynton & Lynmouth
- Green tourism
- Social media – we can all promote the area
- Festivals – Photography / art / book / music / poetry /
scarecrow / Lyn-in-Bloom - Trail for children to find/see/collect things
- TIC signage required to increase knowledge of it
- Interactive information screen
Location/Exmoor National Park
- Better signage on M5 or at Minehead/ENP entrances
- Work/connect with ENP more
- Could we have more things for people to see/do?
Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council
- Extension of L&BR to Lynton
- Electric car charging points
- BREXIT – too expensive to visit EU, so stay in UK
Local Businesses
- Opportunity for coordinated networking ie: sharing of staff / closing and opening times for eating places
- Restaurants communicate/cooperate to ensure places
are open to cater for tourists
Threats
Visit Lynton & Lynmouth
- Other parts of the country are more well known – what did Salcombe or Lyme Regis do to gain recognition?
Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council
- BREXIT – downturn in the economy, fewer tourists from EU, possible rise in fuel prices
Local Businesses
- Online Travel Agents (OTAs)
