Visit Kent colleagues alongside Chris Brant of Unmissable England are currently holding a series of workshops to inspire, encourage and help Kent based tourism businesses to develop new experiences. The eight workshops focus on key themes such as inspirational journeys, festivals and events, cultural experiences, well-being, landscapes and nature.
Yesterday's workshop focused on developing arts, craft and media experiences and the key takeaways which are relevant for any tourism business looking to develop its product offer were:
- Whatever is trending on film, TV and social media will influence leisure choices - consumers want to feel a part of it!
- Creative experiences have been proven to help well-being
- Traditional/nostalgic craft experiences are very popular - think rope making and scone baking
- Experiences are all about the story - create a beginning, middle and end - and stick to your story!
- Remember your experience should be attractive, feasible, profitable, accessible, responsible and sustainable
- Guests get hungry - include food and drink if possible which should be included in the overall price
- Include 'the unexpected' in your experience i.e. have a surprise for your guests
- Don't be afraid to offer the cliché and traditional especially for international visitors e.g. afternoon tea, fish and chips etc
- Keep it simple and flexible
- A key selling point for out of season activities is that consumers are likely to have a more intimate experience
- Don't include too much education in the experience - people are on holiday after all!
- Routes to market could include Airbnb Experiences, Tripadvisor, Expedia, TXGB, Unmissable England, tour operators (for international visitors) and of course your local destination management organisation.
If your DMO or local authority would like help running a series of workshops in your destination to stimulate product development - please get in touch!
Kent based businesses should consider applying for the Experience programme and information about the scheme can be found here.