Tourism businesses from across Suffolk gathered together to find better ways of promoting the county.
More than 160 tourism businesses and organisations gathered for The Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation's (DMO) Annual Conference today at Bruisyard Barn.
Speakers from VisitEngland and The National Coastal Tourism Academy gave insights into the current domestic tourism market, access to Dutch markets alongside the launch of the East Suffolk Food Trails and news from The Suffolk Coast DMO.
Annie Willey, Brand Manager of The Suffolk Coast DMO said: 'I'm delighted with the turn out today and in general the level of support the industry and local authorities has given the DMO, we go from strength to strength and it is due to the outstanding quality and range of offers available on the coast which is down to the people behind the businesses who provide such great, authentic experiences for our visitors all year round.'
During the conference, Samantha Richardson, director of the National Coastal Tourism Academy gave an overview of the NCTA's 'Coastal Pass' which opens up new market opportunities for the East Coast.
The pass uses cutting edge technology and interactive video to attract visitors from the Netherlands.
Other speakers gave advice of how companies could better use the internet to boost their businesses.
Harry Young, chairman of the Suffolk DMO said: 'We have over 210 members so for more than 160 businesses to find the time to attend is fantastic.
'We hope the conference has demonstrated ways we can continue to push tourism in the area.
'We had some great speakers showing how we can bring more people into the area and showcase the fabulous offer the county has.'
Topics covered achievements of The Suffolk Coast DMO in engaging with potential visitors over the last 12 months and promoting the destination from Lowestoft to Felixstowe with great results.
It showed an increase of more than 153pc in website users over the last year and a 260pc increase in the number of outbound links from the website www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk to its members' businesses across the year.
Do you have any business news? Email mark.shields@archant.co.uk
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