Great marketing idea that might be of interest

[JoanneSteele]

I spend my time nerding around looking for great rural tourism marketing ideas, and a great one came to my attention this week in Tennessee, USA. It has application to other areas around the world, so I wanted to bring it to everyone's attention. I wrote about their new trails project in my blog post today at http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2009/11/how-tennessee-usa-uses-scenic-byways-to-draw-urban-visitors-to-its-rural-town-delights/.

Ireland does a better job than just about anywhere else of putting together walking tours. If anyone can give me more information about how these are organized, I'd love to write about them. Drop me a line at my email RTMGblog@gmail.com
thanks,
Joanne Steele

[Virginian]

Joanne, I couldn't agree with you more that walking trails with web downloadable maps are the cheapest and most convenient form of tourism. There really is no reason why every town and village shouldn't have their own webpage and guide of things to do and places to visit within a short distance. I really do believe that local knowledge is an invaluable source in identifying opportunities, however computer/IT skills are lacking in most communities and valuable assistance could easily be made available from the more knowledgable regional 'tourism' marketting experts. In these challenging times it is even more important that everyone is working together to create viable tourism opportunities, which may never materialise without proper guidance and supports.

[apadloxia]

Wow, thats actually a great idea. Thanks for sharing the article, I may look into their service.

[Hotelsinone]

That sounds like a good idea, every additional activity or attraction that can help draw tourist into rural contryside is always welcomed

[kierans]

Joanne, I couldn't agree with you more that walking trails with web downloadable maps are the cheapest and most convenient form of tourism. There really is no reason why every town and village shouldn't have their own webpage and guide of things to do and places to visit within a short distance. I really do believe that local knowledge is an invaluable source in identifying opportunities, however computer/IT skills are lacking in most communities and valuable assistance could easily be made available from the more knowledgable regional 'tourism' marketting experts. In these challenging times it is even more important that everyone is working together to create viable tourism opportunities, which may never materialise without proper guidance and supports.

Hi Virginian,
The challenge is to find the most effective way to help local tourism businesses to improve their IT skills and to understand the real benefit of marketing a collective offer.
Kieran

[csmith]

I will over the next week forward you on information on a walking tour in Cavan. I provide the accommodation and am very interested in getting a package put together. Catherine;)

[Rathcroghan Tours]

I have been giving guided walks of Rathcrohan for a few years now but have just started Rathcroghan Tours, www.rathcroghantours.com. You guys look to be an invaluable source of information. I look forward to chatting in the near future.
Mike

[Calli]

Hi Virginian,
The challenge is to find the most effective way to help local tourism businesses to improve their IT skills and to understand the real benefit of marketing a collective offer.
Kieran

Having just typed walking tours into Google it becomes obvious that a collective marketing point is needed.

I do like the Google maps /local search / small business search and also Yelp.ie for recommendations. Image sharing sites like Flickr can also share views of Ireland effectively however Flickr does not allow website promotion.

I suppose a starter point is to define how people search for information - this is where the Analytics come into play - check the keywords that have directed views to the site.