Tourism marketing organizations in industrial cities

Abstract

The types and mix of organizations involved in city marketing for tourism are examined in five old industrial cities in Britain (Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent). Two trends in the tourism marketing organizations in these cities are identified and evaluated, namely the increasing use of public-private sector partnerships in the form of visitor and conference bureaux and a recent trend towards corporate city marketing. The objectives behind the tourism marketing activities by the five cities were found to be very similar, although some differences were evident. The potential consequences of establishing a public-private sector visitor and conference bureau are considered for two key aspects of urban governance: for the coordination of urban policy and management, and for local democracy.