Wanted: Dunedin Businesses for Online Tourism Directory

The "Visit Dunedin" tourism website is live.

But its business directory is still in the construction phase.

Designers are hoping to create a database of tourism-based Dunedin businesses in time for the website's marketing launch in the fall, said Dan Zucker of Zucker & Zucker Marketing, the group designing the website.

"We're off season right now," Zucker said. "So it's a good time to do this."

The website is part of a big marketing push and the final phase of the city's branding campaign, for which the multi-colored "DUNEDIN" logo was designed and selected last year.

A group, which includes Zucker, city staff, business people and other stakeholders, is steering the marketing push to promote tourism to Dunedin using a budget comprised of grants and donations.

The group's strategy includes the Visit Dunedin website and extensive TV and print media and an $11,000 advertising campaign using billboards, airport displays and social media.

Dunedin's tourism-based businesses, such as hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues may sign up for a free listing or purchase directory space on the "Visit Dunedin" website.

A "premium listing" is $120 annually and gives more exposure, Zucker said. The premium listing includes a locator map, detailed information and photo slide show. Paying businesses also populate higher in the directory, he said.

To be eligible, businesses must fit within one of seven categories: arts and culture, golf, hotels and motels, nightlife and entertainment, restaurants, outdoors and recreation, and shopping.

To find out if your business is eligible, visit the "Visit Dunedin" website's business directory.

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