New Website for Local Tourism-Focused Organization

Elevage Digital recently completed a new website for the Fredericksburg Regional Hospitality and Tourism Network to provide a fresh new look and updated user experience.

The Challenge: Outdated Website With Limited Functionality

The Fredericksburg Regional Hospitality and Tourism Network (FRHTN) is a networking group made up of representatives from local attractions, restaurants, hotels, media and DMOs.  Their previous website was built in 2020.  Content was not kept up to date and the header was jumbled without a clear call to action.   While they did have the ability for members to pay for their membership online, there was no mechanism to RSVP for monthly meetings online. 

Solution: Clear Design and Helpful Interactivity

Design

Elevege Digital used the existing color palette and images to create a design that has clear organization and noticeable calls to action to help guide the visitor.   We used high-contrast color combinations to make the site easy to use for color-blind and low-vision users.   

Images

The previous FRHTN site had almost no images other than the logo.  Elevage Digital incorporated opportunities to add engaging images to help give the site a sense of action.  This includes the Upcoming Events and Recent News sections.  While FRHTN did have some images, we supplemented with stock photography that felt in line with their activities. 

Content

The previous site had very little content so it was not helpful to current or prospective members.  As part of the new site, we added Recent News posts where FRHTN can provide information about previous meetings or include member spotlights.  We also added a custom member directory and upcoming events. 

Custom Programming

FRHTN requires members to submit an application and pay an application fee before joining.  This application was previously managed with a Google form.  As part of this project, Elevage Digital built a custom member application form that adds the content into their WordPress database.  Once the member application is approved, FRHTN can publish the content item, and the new member will automatically appear in their online member database.