Bristolian Friendly

Dear Tanya

Thank you for the circular letter you posted me a copy of.

Your idea is an interesting one. Certainly the value of repeat visits by local residents to city attractions is recognised by many in the industry. Indeed, residents are the greatest generator of visits to the city as they attract friends and relatives throughout the year. I would have thought that discounting entrance to locals would then encourage them to take their visitors to local attractions.

The following is a list of what is currently available:

All the city museums offer free entrance to anyone: the City Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol Industrial Museum, Georgian House, Red Lodge and Blaise House. Others do offer discounts exclusively to locals: The ss Great Britain and Matthew offer a discount of 70p on standard ticket prices to holders of the City Council's Leisure Card, and the Royal West of England Academy offers 50p off to Leisure Card holders.

The ss Great Britain and Bristol Zoo Gardens also run annual memberships whereby after paying an initial fee all entrances are free. Members also receive newsletters and other exclusive benefits.

http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/wildscreen/default.htm is currently offering a 2 for 1 voucher offer, available to anyone. From March next year look for discounts of Ł1 in leaflets to Wookey Hole, not far away. If caves are your thing then you might also be interested in Cheddar Showcaves' 'Friends' scheme, similar to an annual membership.

- As you can see there is quite a bit available.

The City Council's Leisure Card is the obvious hook on which to place any additional discounts / incentives. Indeed some more attractions would most probably come on board if encouraged. Unfortunately development and promotion of the card appears to be a low priority currently as its future is undecided.

I hope this has been of help, and all the best in your cause.

Regards,

Giles Ingram
Marketing Manager
Bristol Tourism & Conference Bureau
St Nicholas Church
St Nicholas Street
Bristol BS1 1UE
Tel: 0117 946 2203
Fax: 0117 929 7703
www.visitbristol.co.uk