Modern Tourism and Leader Who Delivers Results
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LEADER
Recently, the results of a survey
by the STEM agency showed that
the OstravaInfo portal is among
the most well-known sources
of information for the city’s residents.
How do you explain this success?
We are, of course, pleased with
the results. It shows that ostravainfo.
cz has, over the years, established itself
as an important and popular source
of information about events in Ostrava.
We continuously update the website,
adding new features (such as article
sharing or creating lists of favourites),
but the most important aspect is the daily
updating and supplementing of the events
calendar, which is managed by the staff
of the individual infocentres.
At the same time, the survey also shows
us that it is becoming increasingly difficult
to reach younger audiences through
traditional websites. This is why we want
to put even more focus on developing our
social media presence.
What are the main goals of the
VISITOSTRAVA!!! project, and how
is this concept developing?
VISITOSTRAVA!!! is the brand
of Ostrava’s destination organisation,
under which we promote the city
within the Czech Republic and,
in cooperation with Moravian-Silesian
Tourism and CzechTourism, and also
abroad. The general aims of destination
management are to promote Ostrava
as an attractive destination for industrial,
cultural, and event tourism, to strengthen its
brand beyond the city itself, to coordinate
tourism-related activities, and to foster
cooperation with stakeholders active
in the tourism sector.
It is important to realise that tourism
in the Czech Republic already generates
a higher share of GDP than some
sectors traditionally perceived as strong
and significant. It can benefit not only
the city itself (through higher revenues
from accommodation fees) but especially
entrepreneurs, operators of attractions,
and providers of related services.
OSTRAVACARD!!! has seen significant
progress – what does the card currently
offer, and who benefits from it the most?
OSTRAVACARD!!! is a card that visitors
to Ostrava receive free of charge when
staying for at least two nights in selected
accommodation facilities. It is valid for
the duration of their stay and offers
a range of discounts and benefits with
partners in gastronomy, shopping, leisure,
and tourist attractions. Currently, 45 benefit
providers and 43 accommodation facilities
are involved.
The card is most beneficial for visitors
with longer stays. From a destination
management perspective, we see
the card as a marketing asset and a tool
to encourage visitors to explore the city
and extend their stay, which again has
a positive impact on revenues from
accommodation fees. We are pleased
that more partners continue to join. What
matters is the willingness to cooperate,
provide quality services, and become
an active partner. In the future, we would
like to digitalise the entire system in order
to gain a comprehensive overview of user
behaviour.
What continues to bring you the most
joy or inspiration in this work, even after
all these years?
I am delighted to see the rising visitor
numbers at Ostrava’s attractions
and accommodation facilities, as well
as on our website and social media.
I am equally pleased by the ongoing
modernisation of the infocentres and their
steady visitor numbers. And of course,
I am looking forward to welcoming guests
to the renovated infocentres at the New
City Hall and Svinov railway station.
Thank you for the interview.