My spies on what I like to think of as the Croisette here in the Cannes of Kent report that the visitor information centre in the newly renovated Custom House didn't open today, despite coachloads of crumblies and other incomers being deposited in the plethora of car parks that Thanet Council has so considerately conferred on us by knocking down all our amenities.This is curious, as I was under the impression that Ramsgate Town Council had done a deal with diminutive developer Terry Painter to provide visitorial services on a 7/7 basis. Word has it that the man who has more fingers in more pies than Greggs has suddenly and unexpectedly pulled his finger out of this particular pastry. Anyone know any more?
Still, riding to the rescue is none other than my old sparring partner Cllr/Dr Biggles, who's emailed me with details of a new tourism application he's come up with. Simes writes:
If you can spare the 50p cost of an SMS then you might like to test and let others know of a tourism application concept that I came up with. It uses some very clever technology developed and patented by one of our local companies, that leverages the latest generation of mobile phones and we've already got the likes of Avis and 118 118 using the platform for marketing purposes.
Anyway, if you want to find out at any time what's on in Thanet, send the text "tourism" to 80012 and you'll get a link sent back to your phone. From the menu you can then choose Thanet!
It's not 100% comprehensive but we are using Thanet for proof of concept collating information on local events. What makes this so unique and interesting to the larger players is that we can attach one-time vouchers that can be redeemed at local businesses; i.e. 2 for 1 deals etc
All feedback appreciated!
Happy to oblige, Simes! Although forgive me if I don't try it personally. I'm still reeling from your 'trails of breadcrumbs' diatribe a few years back, and I'd hate to think this was some ruse to snaffle my mobile number!!!
11 comments:
Richard, I think you need to give the RTC staff a chance, I have the utmost confidence in them!
I can be bothered with all that paying at least 50p when other towns including Cannes provide decent Tourist information centres and free information, maps etc. If TDC wants visitors then there are no half measures with its tourist operation. In truth Thanet is not at its best at the moment so thst it for me until it improves. If its vouchers you want,take a look at this web site offering meal deals
Maybe the vertically challenged one, having seen a few of his pies burn, is running out of dough.
Southampton is a bit far to go for a pizza-do they deliver?
Why on Earth would you asume that TP has any experience of providing visitor information? Wouldn't you go to someone who has experience of this sort of thing?
As for having confidence in RTC, I hear they are blundering around upsetting allotment holders. I do hope they aren't becoming a mini-TDC. That wasn't their purpose.
If this is true surely it leaves a gaping hole in RTC's finances? They are paying around £40K a year to lease the Custom House, what was TP paying them in rent? Must have been a good few thou?
Anon 9.07 I would not recommend Southampton but but take a trip to Bournemouth. It even has a very vibriant night life.
Yep, I met her when I was on a training course in Bournemouth years ago but she must be getting a bit past the vibrant bit now. I am!
It was open today (friday), I had a tuna bagette and a coffee from the cafe.
Good point, Mr Beachboy! I should clarify.
The cafe and front shop are still open as they are apparently separately run.
However, the visitor information desk and the back shop, which our beloved diminutive developer was operating, are closed.
The VIC and shop are now open again. Looks like RTC have decided to go it alone after booting out the tiny one.
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