A new website has been launched to help Bath prove that its independent tourism businesses working together are prepared to hold their own, and promote a local experience of the city.
The launch of StayinBath.org, a collaboration of local independent accommodation providers backed by the Bath Independent Guesthouse Association (BIGHA), is being supported by many of the city’s independent retailers and eateries.
The launch, with honorary guest, Wera Hobhouse MP, is being held on Monday 24th September at Komedia, and will coincide with StayinBath.org’s partnership with innovative digital guest welcome product, Touch Stay.
Through the partnership with Touch Stay, members will easily be able to connect with guests and provide information, discounts and incentives in ‘real time’ for the city’s many independent retailers.
The new site will highlight the high-quality, friendly service you can often only find with independent businesses and brings them all together for travellers to truly see what Bath has to offer.
Guests can also guarantee value for money as booking directly with StayinBath.org members incurs no 3rd party booking fees, therefore offering savings of up to 15%.
Andy McNulty, co-founder of Touch Stay said: “We’re really excited that our app can support associations like StayinBath.org by connecting guests directly to local, independent businesses.
“Guests increasingly want to experience local, authentic brands over larger chains, and we delighted to be a part of the solution.”
BIGHA Chair and independent accommodation owner, Harry Tedstone, said: “Over the last decade, the importance of independent businesses to the Bath economy and the visitor experience has been highlighted on many occasions.
“However, we can no longer solely rely on cash-strapped local authorities, with whom we work closely, to promote and support the independent sector. As with many other stakeholders in the future of Bath, we recognise the need to play our part in maintaining our living heritage.
“As we are all volunteers, we have developed a cost-effective and user-friendly service to act as a shop window for Independent Bath to attract the 21st century traveller to our region. Bath is a great place to live, work and visit and the independent offering is all part of that.”
