Local tourism and hospitality businesses took the opportunity to get together this July at a series of ERBID destination marketing focus groups. The aim of the meetings, held at the TLH Victoria Hotel in Torquay, was to present ERBID's destination marketing activities to date, and to gather feedback and fresh ideas from BID partners, ahead of making destination marketing decisions for 2024. 

More than 80 participants attended across three focus groups, one for each of our different sectors: Accommodation, Food and Drink, and Attractions.  
Carolyn Custerson (ERBID CEO) kicked off the meetings with a presentation of what ERBID has been up to in 2023 on behalf of BID partners. This covered Out of Home (OOH) national advertising, digital campaigns, social media, websites, events and more. The presentation can be viewed here. 
Carolyn ended the presentation by asking three questions:
What would you like to see us repeat?
What would you like to see us change?
What new ideas would you like to share on marketing the English Riviera?

Then it was over to delegates to put their heads together and chat through their experiences and ideas for the future. There were some lively debates and inspiring ideas, particularly around events, both new and existing. All feedback is being collated and will be shared with BID partners.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend, particularly at such a busy time of the year. Destination marketing plans have to be considered in good time for the year ahead, so holding the focus groups now will really help ERBID make the most of BID partners' budget and to create exciting opportunities for the English Riviera in 2024.