Digital communications agency Code Computerlove has been tasked with three pro-jects on behalf of Visit Manchester, the tourist board for Greater Manchester. Code will be redeveloping the Industrial Powerhouse and Manchester’s Countryside websites and creating ‘green’ pages on visitmanchester.com.Code won the business following a pitch involving four agencies and work has already begun on the sites, which are due to be rolled out from the end of February. Industrial Powerhouse is an umbrella brand, promoting industrial heritage across the Northwest. The main project resource is its online presence, aimed at en-couraging potential visitors to learn more about the region’s vibrant past and its significance in the development of the modern world. The new site will explore themes including power, fashion, transport, the workers and revolutionaries. Manchester’s Countryside is a partnership of seven local authorities in Greater Man-chester that aims to develop rural tourism in the sub region. The specific objective of the website is to generate an increase in short breaks and day visits to the Northwest, particularly to the countryside and rural locations across Greater Manchester. In addition to highlighting key attraction, event and places to stay in the area, the site will also promote the fact that the countryside around Manchester is easily accessible by public transport. Commenting on the appointment Steve Peters, account director at Code said, “All the indications are that taking holidays in the UK, rather than flying off overseas, is likely to become increasingly popular and like other areas throughout Britain, Greater Manchester is looking to benefit from this. The region has a huge amount of diverse attractions and a long and fascinating history so it’s ideally placed to attract tourists. Our aim will be to encourage visitors to explore each site in more detail – and sign up for the regular email newsletter.”Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: “Code has a great track record for web design so I’m really pleased we’re working together on these projects. The Manchester’s Countryside offer has become more prominent and the new website will provide the promotion it deserves. Likewise, industrial heritage attractions in Manchester and the wider Northwest region are an important aspect of our tourism product and it’s important they have an impressive web presence. “In addition, visitmanchester.com/green will provide essential information about how Manchester is embracing green issues; including ratings participants in the Green Tourism Business scheme.
