Membership FAQs

Here’s some of the most commonly asked questions we’ve received from potential members. If you can’t find what you need here, then email us to ask your own question: 

What is membership? 

Membership provides businesses with a suite of marketing opportunities and benefits designed to help businesses better reach a visitor audience, with specially designed marketing and business engagement programmes to assist in maximising opportunities within the business and leisure tourism industry. Your membership of Visit West goes directly into supporting the work undertaken to promote and develop Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire as a visitor destination, both for leisure and business. 

What is the difference between Visit West, Visit Bristol and Visit Bath? 

Visit West is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It acts as an umbrella organisation for many of its brands such as Visit Bristol, Visit Bath, Meet Bristol and Bath and three business improvement districts in Bristol. Visit West members are represented by either Visit Bristol or Visit Bath depending on their location, but all our members are supported by the entire Visit West team. 

What are the benefits of membership? 

You can view all the benefits of the different membership levels here. 

What is the difference between bronze, silver, gold and partner membership? 

Bronze is the basic level of membership for small businesses. Silver is the standard level of membership for those interested in general leisure marketing opportunities, including group business. Gold is for those wanting to focus on both the leisure and business tourism market, especially developing opportunities with the business events, conference and meeting market. Partner membership is for those wanting to significantly support and help develop the tourism industry and in turn receive a unique level of business support. 

How much will it cost me? 

Having reviewed a number of tourism membership models across the UK, we’ve produced a model which allows members to access a range of benefits depending on the needs of their business. Membership fees vary across bronze, silver, gold and levels, you can find full details of each category’s benefits and membership fees here. 

How long does membership last for?  

It is an annual membership and starts the day you join for 12 months. 

How do I sign up for membership? 

To apply for membership, please complete this short form and then one of the membership team will be in touch within 48 hours. 

How do I pay for my membership? 

You can pay via card, invoice (30 day payment terms) or via direct debit for no extra cost. 

Do you offer any discounts for charities? 

Yes we do, please get in touch to discuss this. 

Do you organise any events for your members? 

Yes, we run a range of events throughout the year exclusively for our members. You can view our current member event calendar here. 

Do you offer any advertising outside of membership? 

Absolutely. We are delighted to offer a range of digital opportunities across Visit Bristol, Visit Bath, our social channels and our newsletters. You can view the options here. Members receive a preferential rate on all additional advertising. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions on this or would like to consider a package consisting of numerous digital options. 

I am interested in promoting an event, what are the best ways to advertise this? 

If your event is located in or around Bristol it is free for both members and non-members to submit events to appear on our events calendar. Or, if you are looking for greater coverage, we have a range of digital advertising opportunities across both the Visit Bristol and Visit Bath websites, social channels and newsletters. There is also the opportunity for a wider partnership through a bespoke Visit West event membership so please get in touch to discuss all the options.