VisitEngland launches travel hub offering real-time tourism advice via Twitter

VisitEngland is combining technology with tourism expertise to provide travellers with real-time advice on how to make the most of their trips.

The national tourism body has launched RealTimeTravelGuide.co.uk, a new online hub allowing users to tailor their break using real-time tweets from England’s tourism experts. The move is designed to reflect the preference of modern travellers to access tourism information while ‘on-the-go.’

Teaming up with Tourist Information Centres (TICs) and local destination organisations from across the country, the new service aims to revolutionise how local tourism organisations and businesses share information to consumers via Twitter. It will consolidate real-time information for people researching things to do on holiday, planning a weekend, day trip, or making plans while they are already there.

A quick search of the site reveals a map of England, pin-pointing local Twitter handles providing real-time information. Users can search the site by destination or by interest, to find relevant local information such as news about restaurants, seasonal activities, upcoming events and special promotions.

“This is an exciting and pioneering project and a tourist board first,” said VisitEngland CEO James Berresford.

“We know consumers are increasingly using social media to find information and although a lot of information is already out there, this new site draws it all together to benefit everyone – helping destinations engage consumers; enabling SMEs to share information on products and services; and ultimately provide visitors with real-time information.”