What is a destination website actually for – and how do you know if yours is doing its job?

In this first episode of Destination Unknown: A Destination Website Podcast by DestinationCore, we discuss the purpose of destination websites, who typically operates them, and the role they play for organisations such as DMOs, LVEPs, BIDs and Shopping Centres. We look at the value they create for users and stakeholders, the kinds of actions they should be designed to drive, and how they position themselves against OTAs and other travel platforms by focusing on local relevance and inspiration.

We also introduce a recurring feature: a “weird and wonderful” event from the world of destinations. This time it’s the legendary Worm Charming championships in Cheshire, and what this kind of brilliantly niche event says about character, storytelling and giving people something memorable to connect with.

In this episode, we explore:

• What the central purpose behind a destination website should be

• Who typically operates them (DMOs, LVEPs, BIDs, Leisure & Retail centres and place partnerships)

• The value they deliver for users looking for inspiration and planning support

• The visibility, impact and political value they create for stakeholders and partners

• The key user actions a modern destination website should be designed around

• How these sites sit within the wider digital travel landscape alongside OTAs and global platforms

• Ways to use local relevance and inspiration as a core point of differentiation

If you’re responsible for a destination website – or trying to explain its role to colleagues, partners or funders – this episode gives you a clear, practical way to articulate its purpose and why it deserves serious strategic attention.