Coventry businesses show support for new city tourism offer
Coventry businesses are showing their support for a revitalised marketing offer from the city’s destination management organisation which is set to boost the city’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors.
Destination Coventry, the destination management organisation (DMO) for Coventry, launched an enhanced marketing proposition last year and the model is gathering support from the city’s businesses.
The business model aims to be a growth accelerator by providing access to a wide range of marketing channels for partners to grow their business, while also promoting collaborative working to further grow the city’s visitor economy.
It builds on the existing work by Destination Coventry to promote and support businesses in the city, with the marketing arm of the organisation refocused with a stronger emphasis on digital marketing and lead generation.
The DMO has made significant investment in new websites and tools which will drive traffic to websites and accelerate growth for businesses.
Destination Coventry is also placing a key focus on region wide collaborative working as part of the new approach, with businesses encouraged to share knowledge and expertise to help win bids for national and international events.
Coventry Building Society Arena, Warwick Conferences, Coventry Cathedral, Hotel Indigo, Coventry Conferences, Dhillon’s Brewery, The Telegraph Hotel, The Belgrade Theatre, Ramada Hotel, PLMR Advent and Skydome Coventry have signed up to support the scheme.
Coventry’s visitor economy was valued at £855 million and attracted 11.3 million visitors in 2023.
Destination Coventry formed in 2021 and is a collaboration between Coventry City Council and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Paul McMahon, Managing Director of Destination Coventry, said: “We’ve seen a great initial response to our revitalised offer and there is a clear desire from businesses in the visitor economy to work more closely together to drive positive growth.
“As the destination management organisation for the city, we are bringing together as many businesses from across the city as possible to help Coventry’s visitor economy reach its true potential.
“All the tools are there, we have fantastic attractions, great history, an innovative future and a compelling story to tell.
“The challenge is to reach new audiences with that story and in turn bring more people to visit the city, which is what we are aiming to do with our marketing approach and partnership model.”
Warwick Conferences, which is part of the University of Warwick, is an award-winning conference and meeting venue based on the university campus and has over 200 diverse spaces for events.
Paul Bartlett, Director of Warwick Conferences, said: “Joining Destination Coventry as a partner feels like a natural step for the University of Warwick as we share a passion for showcasing our region as a vibrant and exciting visitor destination.
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, the University is committed to making a better world together and we're immensely proud of all we have to offer to those who visit, study, or collaborate with us. From the largest arts centre outside of London to our world-class Sports and Wellness Hub and our award-winning conference facilities, there's something for everyone.
“This partnership is essential for fostering a thriving community where collaboration and innovation can truly flourish and where everyone in the region can reach their full potential.
“By being part of Destination Coventry, Warwick Conferences aims to extend its reach and impact, driving growth and excellence in the region's hospitality and events sector.”
