As well as an increase in visitor numbers, it is hoped that the new site will also provide a better service to business partners.
The site was built by web and software development company Motive Technology. It was designed around a custom-built content management system (CMS) and also has a new Destination Management System, which aims to offer real-time information to users.
The new site can be updated, also in real-time, to provide visitors with the most up-to-date and relevant information available. To enable this, the partnership can also remove redundant content, making the site clutter-free.
Business partners can login to a separate password-protected area, enabling them to upload and access news, local information and business advice including guidelines on how to achieve sustainable tourism.
John Jagger, executive chair of the Partnership, said: “The old website was not content managed, and was so saturated with data that it was exceptionally difficult to navigate and monitor. Visitors were getting lost within the site and failing to negotiate their way back out again. Motive has met our criteria of a three click limit on reaching information within the site.”
Jagger explained that the Partnership has already seen the benefits offered by the new website. “Within the first few weeks of implementation, we are already seeing significant benefits in time and cost savings and have received positive feedback from our staff and business users alike,” he said.
Jagger hopes that the site will be fully operational in time for the peak tourism seasons. He said: “Over the forthcoming months, Motive will work with us in a consultancy role to fine-tune our system, ensuring that when the peak season begins we will have a comprehensive website that increases the profile of Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate as a congenial tourist destination.”
The new site can be found at www.yorkshiredales.org
