Marketing Cheshire is set to launch a major national marketing campaign to promote Chester more vigorously as a short break destination.
The new initiative will see Chester advertised on national TV networks for the first time as part of a marketing campaign that also features promotion on national radio.
The marketing drive is also supported by the CH1 BID Company, Chester Zoo, Chester Performs, and Chester Cathedral, as well as Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Chester Race Company and McArthur Glen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester & Cheshire Hospitality Association are also backing the new initiative, including city hotels ABode Chester, The Chester Grosvenor, Crowne Plaza Chester, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, and The Queen Hotel.
Chester’s first ever made-for-TV commercial portrays a fresh contemporary, classical image for the City to attract more staying visitors.
The ground-breaking commercial features several famous Chester landmarks including the Eastgate Clock, the Cathedral, the River Dee, the Racecourse and the Old Dee Bridge.
The TV commercial also includes scenes filmed at The Chester Grosvenor, Oddfellows, Grosvenor Shopping Centre and Doubletree by Hilton and aims to capture Chester as a classic, contemporary city.
The film emphasizes the City’s Roman origins and 2000 years of heritage as a backdrop to enjoying a host of 21st century delights on a short break including designer shopping, soothing spas, fine dining, events and leisure activities.
Marketing Cheshire has also launched a brand new responsive web-site for Chester to coincide with the national marketing campaign.
Visitchester.com highlights places to stay and visit in the City and its environs as well as events and festivals, shopping and dining to help visitors plan their stay in the city and book accommodation online.
The new web-site can also be used more easily on mobile devices.
Marketing Cheshire Chief Executive, Katrina Michel says: ‘ We are delighted with the support we have received from key tourism businesses and other private sector companies and organisations in Chester to create a major national marketing campaign for the city this summer. Our aim is to inspire visitors to stay longer and explore more because people who overnight in the city generate more money for the local economy. We want visitors to come and stay for more than a day to remember ‘.
Christophe Hesbert, Chairman of Chester & Cheshire Hoteliers Association says:
‘Getting TV coverage for Chester fulfils a key item in our wish-list for the city. We are delighted with the way that Marketing Cheshire has brought stakeholders together to invest in a major marketing campaign for Chester. The short breaks market nationally is hugely competitive and we need to devote more resources to campaigns of this kind to make sure Chester stays ahead of the game’.
Jamie Christon, Marketing Cheshire Board member and Managing Director of Chester Zoo says: ‘Chester is a superb choice for a short break destination and works well as a touring base ideal for exploring the amazing range of attractions like Chester Zoo and Cheshire Oaks on its doorstep. We are delighted to be supporting this exciting new marketing campaign and applaud the investment in TV advertising that has worked well for Chester Zoo over the years’.
Nick Peel, UK Regional Operations Director, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets says: “TV advertising provides us with the opportunity to target a far- reaching audience. Once viewers witness what a great region this is, with its many and varied attractions, we are sure they will be enticed to visit.”
Chester is advertising on TV for the first time this summer….watch the ad here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3gaQOXQDyo