Rural Welsh tourist attraction cracks the code to attract visitors

A craft centre is claiming to be the first tourism venue in Wales to effectively use QR codes – barcodes that can be read by the latest generation of mobile phones – to attract visitors

Erwood Station Craft Centre, Gallery and Tea Rooms, situated alongside the River Wye between Builth Wells and Brecon, is using the codes on its leaflets and flyers to promote A Summer of Great Events, a series of performances and workshops taking place at the attraction.

QR is short for quick response. A square black and white image similar to a barcode, a QR code can be photographed and read quickly by ‘smart phones’ such as iPhones or Android devices. Erwood Station is using the code to link visitors to its website.

“I am always trying to save money on paper and leaflets and also to make us more accessible to the younger audience,” said Michael Cunningham, whose family own Erwood Station Craft Centre.

“QR codes on our Summer of Great Events flyers and our leaflets ensure visitors can snap them on their smart phones and view a map to bring them right to the door.”

Throughout the summer, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 16 July to 11 September, Erwood Station will be hosting artist workshops, live music, demonstrations, walks, talks and book signings.

The workshops and demonstrations range from willow weaving, glass making and photographic sessions along the banks of the River Wye to felt making, and chainsaw carving.

Erwood is committed to supporting Welsh artists, Michael said. “I am excited that using these codes can help spread our support for the artists of Wales far and wide. We are in an idyllic setting and lucky that it is also a good area for mobile phone signal!”

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