A web site supporting tourism in the South East was launched today by the South East England Tourist Board (SEETB).

Developed in partnership with BT, the site is aimed at improving information sharing and business profitability.

It is designed for existing and potential SEETB members and operates as a virtual community offering tourism businesses in Sussex, Kent and Surrey, access to online business information, advice and support services.

It includes:

latest news and information, such as research findings, marketing opportunities, training courses and research material;

opportunity to build a web page and help with business promotion;

information about accommodation grading schemes and quality assurance.

In addition a foot and mouth business "survival kit" can be accessed and downloaded from the site. The kit is designed to support and help all tourism businesses to get the best and latest advice.

SEEBT chairman Joan Patten said: "At a time when rapid communication is essential, the board's new internet site will prove invaluable to tourism businesses across the region."

Fred Cubbage, the board's managing director, said: "This new portal clearly shows the SEETB to be at the very forefront of today's tourism agenda. Several years ago, this board was the first to initiate and maintain a consumer-facing web site for tourists alongside a basic corporate web presence.

"It is extremely gratifying to now see the development of our corporate web presence into an all-embracing business-to-business portal."

www.tourismsoutheast.com