How to grow your tourism business for free

VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s relaunched Business Advice Hub provides free resources to help England tourism businesses to grow.

On the updated Hub you can…

• Learn how to get international-ready and reach overseas markets effectively
• Get top tips on digital marketing
• Understand your legal obligations as an accommodation business
• Find local support specific to your area
• Explore case studies of real-life businesses

…and more.

Topics currently covered on the Hub are:

1. Start your business

The key target markets in your destination, guidance on the practicalities of setting up a new business and where to get help from mentors.

2. Find funding

Funding options for your business and guidance on managing finances more effectively to maximise your profit margins. 

3. Know your legal obligations

On what grounds you can refuse a booking, what licences you need to provide TVs and how to comply with health & safety regulations. You can also buy a printed copy of the popular Pink Book: legislation for tourist accommodation.

4. Understand health and safety

Your legal responsibilities, how to run a safe business and create a Fire Risk Assessment using a free online tool.

5. Make your business accessible

Guidance, tools and resources to help you provide access for all – and gain a share of a £12 billion market. You can also create an Accessibility Guide for your businesses using a free online tool.

6. Make your business sustainable

How to save money, reduce your impact and win more customers with practical sustainability tips and case studies.

7. Employ and manage staff

Step-by-step guides to finding and employing staff, guidance on managing employees and information on apprenticeships.

8. Find training

Training courses for you and your staff on customer service, digital skills and inclusion.

9. Get quality assessed

How to get an official star rating or accreditation for your business from the national tourist board.

10. Enter the Awards for Excellence

How to apply for one of the highest accolades in English tourism – the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

11. Market your business

VisitEngland/VisitBritain marketing opportunities, our Digital Marketing Toolkit and best practice communication guides.

12. Attract international visitors

Guidance to help your business get ‘international ready’, including extensive research on overseas markets and our Inbound Tourism Toolkit.

13. Find local support

An online tool that tells you who your local Destination Organisation (local tourist board) an Growth Hubs are.

Explore the Hub now at www.visitengland.org/businessadvice