| Watertour - Issues |
Jun 2006 / 4 |
|
There exists a wide range of development potential for water
tourism activities. Apart from its natural attractiveness, the way
the product is marketed is key. How to place your destination at
the international market? How to identify and approach the right
target group? What must we consider when preparing an internet
marketing campaign? These topics were addressed by Finnish, German
and Irish partners at the second international conference of
WaterTour which was held in Lahti, Finland.
|
|
Preparing a Successful Marketing Campaign |
Lahti. The project partners and regional water tourism
stakeholders – entrepreneurs, tourism experts, administration
staff and journalists – met from 13th until 16th of June. During
the international conference “Interregional and regional marketing
of European watertourism regions” participants discussed issues of
marketing strategies and methods.
|
| In order to meet the complex
demands of tourists and to counteract the increased pressure
of competition at both regional and international levels, the
speakers stressed the importance of product quality, internet
presence and the targeted marketing. Emphasis was placed on
the development of an inte rnet presence as a key marketing
tool. Internet use and access has been increasing for years.
Internet bookings are becoming the norm. Thus tourism
enterprises must consider an internet presence. Do’s and
don’ts in internet marketing and the electronic market place
TravelNet were discussed in detail.
|
Intensive discussion on the quality of
tourism products in the working group led by Mrs. Arasola,
Senior Lecturer, Lahti University of Applied Sciences (2nd
from right)
|
|
|
As well the importance of quality products, the need for both
regional and international marketing campaigns was addressed.
Successful examples were presented by both the Finnish National
Tourism Board and Waterways Ireland.
In the afternoon the participants from Finland, Germany,
Ireland, Hungary and Portugal exchanged knowledge on their
experiences and best practices in small working groups.
|
The Finnish way of watertourism –
lakes, cottages, sauna and smoked salmon – was presented on a
study trip. The city of Lahti offered examples of successful
watertourism companies like the holiday resort of Lehmonkarki.
Participants from central and southern parts of Europe were
fascinated by the Finnish way of recreation: sauna, hot tube
bathing and open-fired-grilled salmon. “We got so many
impressions a nd ideas to expand our product range. We are
already thinking about new offers. These are simple ways
offering an authentic holiday experience!” a canoe rental e
ntrepreneur from Germany said.
|
Participants tasting freshly
roasted salmon
|
|
|
Contact of speakers and moderators |
Ms. Tuula Wyssmann, Product Development Manager/
Finnish National Tourist Board,
tuula.wyssmann@hel.fi
Ms. Sinikka Hänninen, Managing Director/
Sportum Ltd.,
sinikka.hanninen@sportum.fi
Mr. Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and
Communications/ Waterways Ireland,
martin.dennany@waterwaysireland.ie
Ms. Marjaana Salomaa,
marjaana.salomaa@lamk.fi, Ms. Riikka Pöllänen,
riikka.pollanen@lamk.fi / Lahti University of Applied
Sciences, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality
Mr. Sven Ditz, Senior Tourism Consult Manager/
Sitegeist Media So lutions Ltd.,
ditz@sitegeist.de
Ms. Elina Arasola, Senior Lecturer/ Lahti
University of Applied Sciences,
elina.arasola@lamk.fi
Mr. Juha Keto, Project Manager/ Lahti Health
Control and Environmental Protection Centre,
juha.keto@lathi.fi
|
|
Marketing improvement of Päijät-Häme Region and watertourism
enterprises |
In the project WaterTour Päijänne Region’s wate rtourism an
internet presence has been developed:
www.lakepaijanne.com. The website introduces the region
of Päijänne with maps, pictures and an event calendar. The most
important part of the pages is a route description, which contains
information of the harbours and travel services of entire Päijänne
Region.
|
| The route description service
searches the information from Sportum Ltd’s TravelNet system.
The WaterTour project has contributed to the development of
the internet presence by adding information on enterprises
that offer services for tourists in south Päijänne region.
This increases visibility of the companies and the website
operates as a new marketing channel where enterprises can
introduce their activities and products more accurately.
Through the TravelNet marketplace company, the information has
also been linked to several other Finnish travel pages.
www.lakepaijanne.com route description is a very
useful tool for planning a trip on the waterways. It provides
information on the Päijänne Region, harbour services and
interesting sights. An English ve rsion of the pages is also
available. The website is currently managed by Jyväskylä
University of Applied Sciences.
Contact and additional information:
Ms. Virve Kuha, Project Coordinator, City of Lahti,
Phone: 00358 3 814 3166 or 00358 50 539 1699,
email:
virve.kuha@lahti.fi,
www.lakepaijanne.com
|
 |
|
|
Complex tourism programmes in South Transdanubia |
The Dráva River and its surrounding area for tourism development
in Hungary. Through the WaterTour project a number of marketing
activities and tourism co-operations between the enterprises
(river trip organizers, B&Bs, tour guides, spas, wine cellars,
etc.) have been developed. The South Transdanubian Regional
Development Agency coordinates several projects which contribute
to the development of the tourism facilities within the region:
|
Important for the cyclists is the
closing gap of “Eurovelo”, the bicycle route between Mohács
and Barcs. Financial support will be provided by the “Three
Rivers Bicycle Route”-project of Hungarian and Croatian
institutions. On the 120 km long track along the river of
Dráva 20 information boards will introduce the local
attractions of the area including detailed maps.
|
Canoeing at river Drava
|
|
Good news for those who are fond of quality wines! Within the
frame of the Interreg IIIC operation “VinTour” Italian, Spanish
and Hungarian wine routes will set up a common quality system to
ensure common standards on service quality (tasting, cellar
visits, accommodation, information provided etc.). In the future
Croatian, Romanian and Finnish wine routes will also join this
initiative.
With the help of these instruments tourists will easily find
the leisure activities which they like the most, while they will
be able to peacefully enjoy the pristine and natural beauty, flora
and fauna of the region.
More information can be found on
www.viziturizmus.hu. The presentation will be available
in English soon.
Contact and additional information:
Mr. Balazs Borkovic, Project Manager, South Transdanubian
Development Agency, Phone: 0036 72 513 734, Email:
bbalazs@ddrft.hu
|
|
Canoeing and boat tourism in Vorpommern |
Numerous meetings of small scale entrepreneurs and representatives
of local tourism organisations has resulted in the development of
a tourism map showing waterways and bicycle routes in Vorpommern.
|
| The map shows the hinterland
waterways, the possibilities of using both motor boats and
canoes and also displays bicycle routes. The map illustrates
tourist information points and references useful guidebooks
and maps and a code of good behaviour.
The map also illustrates nature activities off the beaten
track at the Baltic coast for tourists who want to relax
enjoying wellness-products, canoeing and cycling.
Vorpommern has also revamped its internet presentation,
which emphasis on water based activities, nature and wellness,
history and culture.
Contact and additional information:
Mr. Tobias Valentien, Managing Director, Regional Tourism
Board Vorpommern,
Phone: 0049 (0)3834 981 0,
Email:
info@vorpommern.de
|
Tourism map: Waterways and watertourism
routes in Vorpommern
|
|
Please find more information on
www.vorpommern.de
|
| Major
Billboard Campaign Announced by Waterways Ireland |
Waterways Ireland the body re sponsible for the inland navigations
on the island of Ireland recently announced details of a major
advertising campaign.
|
The campaign consists of a series
of 5 adverts centred on the themes of relaxation,
exhilaration, contentment, character and nature, which promote
different aspects of the waterways such as boating, water
sports, angling, heritage and nature. The adverts are being
displayed on billboards and adshel facilities in over a 100
locations across the island of Ireland.
|
|
|
| Mr. Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and
Communications with Waterways Ireland said that the campaign aims
to focus attention on the wonderful resource that is Ireland’s
inland waterways. “Ireland’s inland waterways provide a unique
experience for everyone. They provide a natural environment with
excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of
activities, from high adventure to total relaxation” said Mr.
Dennany. He added that the adverts were specifically produced to
drive business through the award winning Wate rways Ireland
website and on to the many links contained therein.
The adverts and other information can be viewed on
www.waterwaysireland.org
Contact and additional information:
Ms. Sarah Morgan, Planning and Policy Research Officer, Midland
Regional Authority, Phone: 00353 (0)57 93 52996, Email:
smorgan@midlands.ie
|
| Next
International meeting |
The final international meeting will be organized by our
Portuguese partners AFLOPS from 13th of September until 16th of
September, 2006.
|
|
Contact address for additional information |
WaterTour project coordination
c/o Gesellschaft für Tourismusentwicklung Vorpommern mbH
Fischstr. 11
D – 17489 Greifswald
Tel. +49 (0) 3834 891 132
Fax +49 (0) 3834 981 130
E-mail: getev@getev.de
•
Download this newletter in pdf |
FINLAND
GERMANY
HUNGARY
IRELAND
PORTUGAL
