'Bookability' is a Boon for Tourists and Travel Trade

North Norfolk District Council launches a new service later this month that makes holidaying in the District easier than ever - and which gives accommodation-providers a new tool for attracting potential customers.

NNDC is introducing an online booking system, building on its 'destination management system' (DMS) or database of tourist information, which is connected to other regional tourist board websites and the VisitBritain and VisitEngland network of sites. The North Norfolk information contained in the DMS will be published on www.visitnorthnorfolk.com

The new system, called Bookability, allows visitors to book accommodation online (until now, the existing 'Roomcheck' service has allowed visitors to see what rooms are available, but not to book them). And visitors can see much more information about the facilities offered by each contributor than before.

It also gives accommodation providers vital monitoring data about where their information is being published online, what it looks like and how often it is being seen, to help with their business planning.

The media are invited to join North Norfolk District Council and representatives of the tourism industry at the launch of Bookability on Friday, 27 January, 2006 from 11am to 2pm in the Committee Room at NNDC's Holt Road office in Cromer. Lunch will be provided. Media representatives wishing to attend the launch are asked to RSVP to Nick Manthorpe on 01263 516059.

Tourism businesses that have advertised in NNDC's 2006 holiday brochure, North Norfolk Coast and Countryside, can sign up to Bookability for free. Other accommodation-providers can advertise on www.visitnorthnorfolk.com and take part in Bookability at a cost of £125 for the period February to December 2006. Businesses should call Di Rolph on 01263 516009 for more information, or to reserve a place at the launch on 27 January.

ENDS