Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#21
I visit Dover regularly but I am not a tourist, so it is a better name !!
Been nice knowing you :)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#22
they will have to make it clear that it is for tourists, the word "visitor" will mean little to non english speaking people.
everywhere you go the word "tourist" is accepted as the norm.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#23
It always used to be the TIC, then a couple of years or so ago, it changed (Nationally) to VICs.
The VIC/Museum look good.
Roger
Guest 700- Registered: 11 Jun 2010
- Posts: 2,868
#24
And very smart the museum looks today, a larger, re-designed shop/information centre. Coolest place was in the (very cool) bronze age boat gallery !!
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Lincolnshire Born and Bred
Guest 683- Registered: 11 Feb 2009
- Posts: 1,052
#25
As a regular visitor, Paul, what would you use the VIC for?
I stood in the Market Square today and tried to look at it as a tourist. There's nothing to draw the eye to the VIC unless you are heading for the museum.
Once inside you are led to the shop first as the VIC is located behind the entrance.
Relocating the centre to the Market Square was a good idea but bolder signage is needed if it is to serve its intended purpose.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#26
I'd give it 5 minutes to bed in and get sorted - it only opened yesterday !!! I don't know what signage there is or is planned...
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 683- Registered: 11 Feb 2009
- Posts: 1,052
#27
Basic business sense would suggest that the branding and signage should have been completed for the opening to capitalise on the tourists (sorry, visitors) who are in town during the final weeks of the main holiday season.
The VIC website:
http://www.websites.thedms.co.uk/tk-dov/thedms_see.aspx?dms=13&venue=3063544 trumpets the new location but shows the old one by the Town Gaol with a very prominent (internationally recognised) 'i' sign in the foreground!!!!!!!!!
This has all the hallmarks of managed decline rather than dynamic marketing.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#28
the current external display is covered in post 19.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#29
Unfortunately when you have ONE person in DDC dedicated to tourism who is also the Museum Curator, there is only so much that can be done.....
Don't forget the flooding which has been a major setback and created a huge amount of unexpected work at the museum, so we need to be thankful they have achieved what they have....
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 700- Registered: 11 Jun 2010
- Posts: 2,868
#30
They have been one of the Dover Museum workers short for the last 2-3 weeks, and others are on holiday. They are working very hard to get everything put right.
The old Tourist Information Signs have just been removed.
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Lincolnshire Born and Bred
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#31
I said give it 5 minutes !!
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 683- Registered: 11 Feb 2009
- Posts: 1,052
#32
Paul
that tiny sign was there the other day but, like the free standing one, you won't see it until you are on it. There is nothing large enough to grab a visitor's attention and advertise the fact that the building houses a VIC.
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
#33
Some good points about VIC signage which are being addressed. I agree with the TIC point & can't understand why the change took place.
I visited this morning[have been on hols]. The change of location , the use of underutilised space & finish have enhanced the Market Square's commercial opportunities.
The local staff tell me that Dover people & visitors have commented favourably on the location & tourist benefits.
As a joint project with Dover Town Council , I commend all involved.
The Market Sq. looked extremely busy, colourful & florally attractive.
Watty
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#34
The new TIC / Museum foyer lookc excellent, nice and fresh and bright and airy. Overall a very good move !
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 752- Registered: 21 May 2012
- Posts: 25
#35
Signage apart, I like the Dover Museum, Well laid out with interesting displays and the Bronze Age Boat is world class
I wonder how many vistors miss the Roman Painted House though. I know that it isn't a DDC responsibility but it is also a top drawer attraction. Lets hear it for Dover!
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
#36
No problem promoting Roman PH. It is accepted as an asset to Dover.
Watty
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#37
Welcome back Paul.
I agree about the Museum and VIC - a job well done - by both DTC and DDC.
With signs outside of the Market Square pointing to the Museum/VIC, it should (as PaulW has said), increase the business opportunities for those in that area.
Roger
Been nice knowing you :)