Tourism should maximise using web

There is "no alternative" but to marketing online

The Welsh tourism industry needs to embrace the internet to attract international visitors, the official tourism authority has said.

The Wales Tourist Board called on hospitality businesses to maximise marketing opportunities around the world using the web.

Chairman Philip Evans said the only way to beat competing attractions was to adopt information technology.

People should be able to make bookings at the touch of a button

Philip Evans, Wales Tourist Board Chairman

He said: "We have an excellent product here, but competition is intense and we need to market ourselves worldwide through the latest available means.

"Prospective visitors anywhere in the world should be able to see at the touch of a button what Wales has to offer, and make their bookings using the same method."

In April, the WTB received £1.7m from the National Assembly to create international web sites for Welsh holiday destinations.

The Board's site refers to the range of things to do and places to stay in Wales.

The Wales Tourist Board has its own site

Mr. Evans called on tourism-related businesses of all sizes to re-invent themselves online in a bid to win customers from home and abroad.

The call came before the end of nominations for the IT and Innovation Category of the Wales Tourism Awards.

Competition sponsors the British Tourism Authority said tourism businesses should engage in e-commerce.

A BTA spokesman said: "Tackling the internet revolution is a major challenge for the industry and it is vital that businesses - particularly small ones - realise the role it plays both now and in the future."

Judges are set to look for fast, efficient marketing web sites which use online payment facilities.