BUSINESS and tourism experts at New Forest District Council have dropped plans for a points-based loyalty card in favour of one linked to offers advertised on a website.
And instead of the card being offered free, residents who want to take advantage of bargains offered by traders signed up to the Brand New Forest site will have to fork out for it.
Speaking after the business launch of the website, council tourism chief Anthony Climpson said the the cost of the card had yet to be finalised.
“A fiver would be about right, but I don’t think I would like to commit to it,” he said.
The card looks likely to be available from mid-July and will be officially launched at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show from July 27 to 29.
Holidaymakers as well as locals will be encouraged to buy a card.
The idea is that cardholders will log onto the brandnewforest.com website, search for offers and then take their card along to the business to claim their offer.
The website is already up and running and businesses are now being signed up. About 100 are needed but the council would like 400-500, said Mr Climpson.
New Forest
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