GNF Members Update 29 June - Issue 54
Dear Member
As you are all no doubt aware, Camping in the Forest's ten New Forest campsites are to remain closed until the end of the year which is bad news. The good news is that all local agencies are busily working towards a mitigation plan for what could be quite a negative situation this weekend, both in terms of traffic management and the potential for wild camping. We will of course keep you all updated over the next few days.
In the meantime we have removed all CITF product pages from the destination website and have included reference to the closure on the Camping & Caravan landing page. Both Camping in the Forest and Forestry England have released statements which you can read below.
'We're Good to Go'
Hopefully you will have applied for, or are in the process of applying for your 'We're Good to Go' Certificate and logo from VisitEngland. Our web host is currently enabling software on
www.thenewforest.co.uk
to show the logos, which should be live in the next day or so. If you have received a certificate and wish the logo to be added to your product page, please email confirmation to:
contact@gonewforest.com
.
Website traffic soars!
Between Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 June organic search to
www.thenewforest.co.uk
was up 50%. The top page search was for camping & caravan sites, closely followed in third place by self-catering holiday cottages. The Covid-19, walking, cycling and things to do pages made up the next top searches followed by accommodation general in 7th place. This all augers really well for re-opening this weekend.
'Take a Step Outside' Video
Further good news is that our new re-opening social media video, produced by Velvet Pictures, has already received 22.5k views since its launch 5 days ago!
Update your product page
Please ensure your product page is fully up to date with your opening hours and Covid-19 ring of confidence details. If you have lost your password or log-in details please email
contact@gonewforest.com
.
Content for this week's Local Services Enewsletter
Further to Rachael's reminder on 25 June, if there are any updates to your services or details relevant to this Enewsletter please email
contact@gonewforest.com
by midday tomorrow.
Ruth Baker from Simply Safer and Julie Brown from JayBee Safety to share their advice on carrying out a COVID-19 risk assessment for your business and other health and safety issues which businesses must be aware of at this difficult time.
Becks Neale leads a discussion on 'Shaping the future you want to see'. Designer and Brand Consultant Becks will share with you tips, strategy and branding insights into how you can start to do this.
These Virtual Zoom meetings are free to attend.
Upcoming GNF Virtual Sector Group Meetings
The following Sector Group Zoom meetings have been scheduled - invitations will be sent to each group with agenda and joining instructions. Please note that due to the constant churn of meetings, we are unable to provide notes of each meeting.
Hotels PIR Group -
Wednesday 1 July at 11am
Attractions, Activities & Events
-
Tuesday 14 July at 11am
Bed & Breakfast
-
Wednesday 15 July at 2pm
Self-Catering
-
Thursday 16 July at 11am
Holiday Parks & Camp Sites -
Thursday 16 July at 2pm
Covid-19 Related Suppliers
We are adding Member recommended suppliers to our rolling list, so please send any of your own recommended suppliers/services that will assist our members in preparing and operating during the re-opening phase to
members@gonewforest.com
.
With best wishes,
Anthony
