Feedback from Visit York members plays an important role in shaping our activity and priorities. Over the past year, we’ve taken on board your suggestions and introduced a range of practical improvements designed to strengthen communication, increase transparency and help you gain maximum value from your membership.
Here’s how we’ve responded – and how you can make the most of each update.
“Training events are incredibly helpful. We’d like more.”
We expanded our programme of free member training, delivering sessions focused on AI, digital marketing and practical marketing skills.
Three workshops were supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allowing us to bring in specialist expertise at no cost to members.
These sessions were designed to provide clear, actionable insight that businesses can apply immediately – whether that’s improving content creation,
refining digital strategy or exploring new technologies.
Get involved:
Keep an eye on the Members’ News Feed and your monthly enews for upcoming sessions.
If there’s a topic you’d like covered in future training, email the team to let us know.
“It’s hard to track which Silver or Gold benefits we’ve used.”
We understand that managing membership benefits alongside day-to-day business can be challenging.
To make this simpler, we introduced practical benefit tracker documents to help members monitor what has been used and what is still available.
We also implemented quarterly reminder emails highlighting key deadlines and opportunities. So far, 40 members have used these tools to manage
their benefits more effectively and avoid missing out.
Take action:
Download the latest benefit tracker from the Members’ Area and review your current usage.
If you’re unsure about what’s included in your package, contact the membership team for clarification.
In response to requests for greater visibility around our activity, we launched the
Members’ News Feed.
This space shares updates on campaigns, partnerships, media activity and wider destination marketing work.
We also introduced a Visit York Members’ WhatsApp channel to provide timely reminders about events, deadlines and opportunities in a more immediate format.
Stay connected:
Browse the latest updates via the Members’ News Feed and join the WhatsApp channel to ensure you don’t miss important reminders.
“Help us spot benefits we’re not using.”
To make membership benefits clearer and easier to navigate, we refreshed the members’ area on visityork.org.
Each membership tier now has a clearer breakdown of what’s included.
Alongside this, we introduced the
Membership MOT – a simple checklist designed to help businesses review which benefits they are currently using
and identify additional opportunities that may support their objectives.
Review your membership:
Complete the Membership MOT and book a short review conversation with the team if you’d like tailored guidance on how to maximise your package.
“Let us know what campaigns and themes are coming up.”
Forward planning helps members align with destination-wide messaging and increase visibility.
Our monthly enews now highlights upcoming social media themes, giving businesses the opportunity to contribute relevant content.
We’ve also developed an annual campaign planner outlining five key marketing campaigns across the year, helping you plan promotions, launches and offers in advance.
Plan ahead:Download the annual campaign planner and align your activity with upcoming themes.
If you have content to share, submit it in advance of the relevant campaign window.
“Help us get more direct accommodation bookings.”
Supporting direct bookings remains a priority for accommodation providers.
We created a step-by-step
Direct Booking Offers guide,
including best practice examples and practical advice to help members upload compelling offers
to the Direct Booking Offers page.
We also delivered workshops to guide providers through the process, improving visibility and encouraging bookings through visityork.org.
Increase your visibility:
Login and upload your offer to the
Direct Booking Offers page
and review the guidance to ensure your listing is fully optimised.
“Make it easier for visitors to find the right accommodation.”
To improve the visitor journey, we introduced new accommodation search categories on visityork.org, including options such as City Centre Accommodation and Accommodation for Couples.
These updates enhance the user experience, making it easier for visitors to find relevant accommodation quickly – supporting improved engagement and conversion.
Check your listing:
Log into your member dashboard and ensure your accommodation is categorised correctly so you appear in the most relevant searches.
“Create more opportunities to meet other Visit York businesses.”
Collaboration is central to a strong visitor economy.
Over the past year, we delivered 20 member events, including networking sessions, previews, training workshops and behind-the-scenes visits.
These events provide opportunities to build partnerships, share insight and strengthen York’s tourism network.
Book your place:View upcoming events in the Members’ Area and secure your place early, as spaces are often limited.
“We would like more updated images and videos.”
Strong visual content helps showcase York and supports your own marketing activity.
We’ve added new imagery and video content to the Visit York
Media Library
on a monthly basis, including themed collections such as Winter Snow 2025.
This ensures members have access to fresh, seasonal assets throughout the year.
Download assets:
Browse the
Media Library
for new content and incorporate it into your website, social media and promotional materials.
We will continue to listen, review and adapt where needed. If you have feedback, suggestions or ideas for further support, please contact the team – your insight helps shape our ongoing work for York’s visitor economy.
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