How you would improve your an existing heritage visitor attraction?
Just need some ideas for a group discussion, such as. Add a coffee shop, train tour guide etc.
Don't anybody say "google it".
Answers:
Well, I've got a long history of research on visitors to such attractions and, apart from the obvious comment that there is no 'one size fits all' response, I'm happy to advise generally, in the absence of further details as to whether you mean a stately home, a gallery, or a piece of protected coastline!
1. Have a cafe and make sure it is a good one! Visitors appreciate refreshments but are often critical about their quality and/or price.
2. Have seating available at various points. Mothers with small children, old folk, disabled people all tend to have the time to visit places more than others, but don't have so much stamina!
3. Toilets: these need to be modern and clean. Clean on its own won't work- old toilets are perceived as inherently dirty!
4. Signage. Signs pointing the way to different features/attractions need to be clear and legible for both old and young. Think about the sight impaired and also about foreign visitors.
5. Labels. If this is an attraction where items are exhibited with explanatory labels, then make sure that the labels are concise, easily read, and in a position where shorter people/children can read them as well as the rest of us!
6. Further explanation of features: is there any advantage in having tape machines with guidance on them, which people can hire out and then use to show them round items/rooms?
7. Routing. If what you have to show is in a building or complex of buildings, then ought you to have 'free flow' of people, or instead try to guide people round in a certain direction? There is often anxiety that some parts of the attraction might be 'missed' in the free-flow situation, and the latter can also help creat chaos when a busy time comes along.
8. Leaflets, advertising, the uise of media generally. Make sure your target audience (which, of course, you have defined?) knows about you, knows what you have to offer, and when and at what price you offer it!
9. Things 'working'. Broken or dirty items on show will de-motivate visitors from repeating their visit. Have a strict schedule for fixing items.
10. Parking and transport links. Make sure everyone who wants to come knows how to get there, and if by car can find somewhere to park!
There's 10 tips to be going on with!
Ah is this for Leisure and Tourism?
First of all have a comprehensive web site with sections marketed at children, schools, the elderly, disabled etc. Make this extremely informative and allow people to book ahead for a discount.
Have a variety of refreshment outlets, e.g. a cheap fast food cafe with a children's play area, a licensed bar and somewhere where people would be allowed to bring their own food.
Then organise tours for specific groups (e.g. schools, the elderly) and specific occasions (e.g. Mothers Day, Xmas).
Offer reductions where appropriate such as free tea and coffee for the elderly. Have excellent disabled facilities including the option to hire a wheelchair.
Finally, add specific attractions to your heritage site such as a gift shop, a kids train ride, a maze etc.
Number 1, provide great facilities.
Put yourself out as a venue for other peoples events, such as corporate meetings, local workshops etc.
Interpret! Put decent signage up telling visitors all about the place. Tour guides are an excellent idea. if possible employ people from the area or who maybe have a direct connection with the site or industry in the area.
You'd need to be careful with adding a coffee shop but definately adding a gift shop would be a great little money spinner.
You can also put your self more on the map by providing tourist information. you can get racks for leaflets etc.
Don't anybody say "google it".
Answers:
Well, I've got a long history of research on visitors to such attractions and, apart from the obvious comment that there is no 'one size fits all' response, I'm happy to advise generally, in the absence of further details as to whether you mean a stately home, a gallery, or a piece of protected coastline!
1. Have a cafe and make sure it is a good one! Visitors appreciate refreshments but are often critical about their quality and/or price.
2. Have seating available at various points. Mothers with small children, old folk, disabled people all tend to have the time to visit places more than others, but don't have so much stamina!
3. Toilets: these need to be modern and clean. Clean on its own won't work- old toilets are perceived as inherently dirty!
4. Signage. Signs pointing the way to different features/attractions need to be clear and legible for both old and young. Think about the sight impaired and also about foreign visitors.
5. Labels. If this is an attraction where items are exhibited with explanatory labels, then make sure that the labels are concise, easily read, and in a position where shorter people/children can read them as well as the rest of us!
6. Further explanation of features: is there any advantage in having tape machines with guidance on them, which people can hire out and then use to show them round items/rooms?
7. Routing. If what you have to show is in a building or complex of buildings, then ought you to have 'free flow' of people, or instead try to guide people round in a certain direction? There is often anxiety that some parts of the attraction might be 'missed' in the free-flow situation, and the latter can also help creat chaos when a busy time comes along.
8. Leaflets, advertising, the uise of media generally. Make sure your target audience (which, of course, you have defined?) knows about you, knows what you have to offer, and when and at what price you offer it!
9. Things 'working'. Broken or dirty items on show will de-motivate visitors from repeating their visit. Have a strict schedule for fixing items.
10. Parking and transport links. Make sure everyone who wants to come knows how to get there, and if by car can find somewhere to park!
There's 10 tips to be going on with!
Ah is this for Leisure and Tourism?
First of all have a comprehensive web site with sections marketed at children, schools, the elderly, disabled etc. Make this extremely informative and allow people to book ahead for a discount.
Have a variety of refreshment outlets, e.g. a cheap fast food cafe with a children's play area, a licensed bar and somewhere where people would be allowed to bring their own food.
Then organise tours for specific groups (e.g. schools, the elderly) and specific occasions (e.g. Mothers Day, Xmas).
Offer reductions where appropriate such as free tea and coffee for the elderly. Have excellent disabled facilities including the option to hire a wheelchair.
Finally, add specific attractions to your heritage site such as a gift shop, a kids train ride, a maze etc.
Number 1, provide great facilities.
Put yourself out as a venue for other peoples events, such as corporate meetings, local workshops etc.
Interpret! Put decent signage up telling visitors all about the place. Tour guides are an excellent idea. if possible employ people from the area or who maybe have a direct connection with the site or industry in the area.
You'd need to be careful with adding a coffee shop but definately adding a gift shop would be a great little money spinner.
You can also put your self more on the map by providing tourist information. you can get racks for leaflets etc.
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