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New Discover Puerto Rico Website is Launched

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“The new DiscoverPuertoRico.com offers a rich, multimedia content experience that inspires visitors to explore the entire Island while connecting them with local tourism businesses directly.” – eTurboNews.com

Discover Puerto Rico has officially launched their revamped tourism website, featuring a user-friendly layout and dynamic content designed to engage visitors across all digital formats. This is the first step in the DMO’s brand repositioning process that will enable Puerto Rico to fully capitalize on its rich tourism product offerings and emerge as a leading Caribbean destination.

“More than 77,000 people make up the Puerto Rico tourism industry and it is a vital contributor to the Island’s economy,” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “Our digital presence is every bit as important as what we have to offer on the ground and it’s critical to create a positive first and lasting impression for the destination.”

The initial launch of the website focuses on needs revealed by a site audit and insights from two digital consumer needs and behaviors studies. Beyond a solid technical foundation using current technology and industry best practices for improved content display, site security and search optimization, it also now features an intuitive navigation structure with more than 300 pages of rich, multimedia content covering all regions of Puerto Rico.

Multiple audiences, from leisure travelers, meeting planners to wedding groups and more, can easily navigate through informative articles and listings for thousands of Island businesses and diverse points of interest. Visitors to the website can explore virtually through tailored content where to eat, stay and play, or select targeted categories such as sports and outdoor activities, history and culture, arts and music, entertainment and events, and more.

The launch of the website is the first of many significant marketing changes Discover Puerto Rico is embarking on to develop Puerto Rico’s brand equity and brand position and lead the way in the tourism industry.

“The digital travel landscape is constantly evolving, and we need to evolve with it. We have established a robust content and feature development strategy for the website to adapt to everchanging traveler needs,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico. “New articles, videos, an event calendar, and additional functionality will be added on a regular basis over the coming months in time for Puerto Rico’s brand re-positioning campaign launching soon. With more in-depth planning information and direct access to local businesses, the website inspires consumers to choose Puerto Rico over competing destinations.”

Developed by Miles Partnership, the website will adapt to any digital platform, from desktop and laptop computers to tablets and other mobile devices. To discover all the beauty the island has to offer, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

This article appeared ineTurboNews, 2/28/2019

Did You Know? A Social Media News Roundup

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Facebook is planning to merge WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger, bringing together more than 2.6 billion users so that they can communicate over the three platforms, the New York Times reports.

This will require rewriting the basic software of all three apps to be interoperable, which would take thousands of Facebook employees about a year to complete. Messages would incorporate end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the users participating in such conversations would see them. This is a big deal, as it would pollinate opportunities across the Facebook ecosystem. 

Instagram Stories will enhance its travel booking functionality this year. Facebook has said it now has two million Stories’ advertisers and it is likely that booking functionality and advertisers getting transactional will be a focus.

“Years ago travel brands built booking features into Facebook pages, but this functionality didn’t get broad engagement from consumers, and many brands let booking features fade away. This time around, given the intense engagement on Instagram and WhatsApp, the e-commerce potential feels much different,” says Skift. 

Pinterest confidentially filed for an IPO last week, seeking a valuation of $12 billion. While Pinterest isn’t going to threaten the Facebook/Google duopoly, commanding only about 0.6% of the US digital ad pie, it will become a bigger player in the digital ad space.

Business Insider reports that Pinterest is projected to nearly double its ad revenue to more than $1 billion by 2020, up from an estimated $533 million in 2018, per eMarketer.

Easy reading, fun illustrations in this report. “Pinterest 100: The Top Trends for 2019” is published (and includes a bonus definition of what makes a trend a trend).

Google adds YouTube video to responsive display ads. “Like responsive search ads (RSAs), these ads are largely automated, with advertisers adding multiple images — and now up to five YouTube videos — headlines, descriptions and brand logos that get served in different combinations and ad sizes dynamically,” reports Marketing Land.

Snap loses another executive. CFO Tim Stone departs after less than one year in the role, following departures by a growing list including chief strategy officer Imran Khan, vice president of content Nick Bell, and HR chief Jason Halbert. Snapchat has struggled in recent years as the competition with Instagram intensifies, notes Business Insider.

Twitter is testing a new swipe left “news camera” feature whose posts will be called “Moments” (again) and it’s a lot like Snapchat. Read more here.

Hmm…still no edit button.

In other Twitter news, co-founder and former CEO Ev Williams has stepped down from its board.

Pandora Stories launches. It’s described as a combination of music and podcasting, says TechCrunch, allowing artists to tell the stories behind their work. TechCrunch notes that the concept could appeal to “actors, filmmakers, athletes, celebs, authors, podcasters, and thought leaders. This will be possible because the feature provides access to Pandora’s catalog of fully-licensed songs to use in Stories.” Does your destination have a playlist?

Facebook is making changes to its location tracking feature to give users more notification about when and how location data is being collected. The adjustments focus on Android users, but iOS users will also receive an alert. Read more from the Facebook engineering department here.

What have we missed? To share your “Did You Know” updates with The Travel Vertical, click on Contact Us in the footer.


People, Jobs, and an RFP

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*People*

Jared Bachar

VisitPittsburgh has named Jerad Bachar, CDME, as executive vice president. Bachar, who worked as a national sales director for the DMO from 2004 to 2008, was most recently executive director of the Economic Development Board for Bahrain. The position has been open since September when Jason Fulvi took up his role as president and CEO of Visit KC.

HTA appointments

Two new key appointments, both Marriott executives, join the new president and CEO, Chris Tatum—also from Marriott— at the Hawaii Tourism Authority: Keith Regan as chief administrative officer and Karen Hughes as vice president of marketing and product development. Both begin work on December 17. 

Adam Perle

Adam Perle, president & CEO of ArtPride New Jersey is named New Jersey Tourism Industry Association’s Executive Board President. In this volunteer position, Perle will help lead the nonprofit trade organization, which works to build tourism in the state and advocates for enhanced government support for the industry by educating elected officials on its societal and economic benefits.

Steven Cook

Threshold 360 has announced that Vermont’s long-serving Deputy Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing, Steven Cook, will join their team as Director of Marketing. Cook will serve as a resource for domestic and international tourism destinations applying Threshold 360’s immersive experiences within their cities, towns, and communities.

Jennifer Haz

Jennifer Haz has been promoted to the post of vice president of communications at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. She previously served as director of media relations for the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Haz has been with the bureau for more than 16 years.

Kelly Craighead

Kelly Craighead, former deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism in the U.S. Department of Commerce, has been named as the new president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). She succeeds Cindy D’Aoust, who announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down after two years on the job.

In the lead up to World Pride 2019 and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, NYC & Company’s President and CEO Fred Dixon was honored with the GayCities Innovator Award 2018. Fred is pictured with Q.Digital CEO Scott Gatz and Q.Digital CFO Justin Garrett. Q.Digital is the publisher of GayCities.

Leonard Williams

The Bermuda Tourism Authority said they have “placed another promising young team member on a pathway to the management ranks.” Leonard Williams, 24, has been with NYC & Company since August as part of a BTA career development program. Leonard then moves over to the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s NYC office to work on the sales and marketing team.

*Jobs*

Visit Seattle

Visit Seattle is hiring a Tourism Manager responsible for marketing and promoting Seattle and Washington State to assigned market segments, primarily in North America, by working directly with Visit Seattle’s partners, fellow DMOs, and travel trade and media contacts from the assigned markets.

Sojern

Director of Travel Insights, Analytics, and Reporting at Sojern in San Francisco. Requirements: 12+ yrs of industry experience in analytics, 8+ yrs leading and growing analytics teams, extensive experience with working with and unifying diverse data sets and diverse groups/stakeholders across an organization toward a common goal, extensive hands-on experience with data analytics and big data technologies (e.g., Excel, Tableau, R, Matlab, Python, SQL, Hadoop, Redshift/BigQuery/Snowflake, Druid), extensive experience in data representation and ETL pipelines, an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or related field.

Tourism New Zealand

Love Kiwis? Tourism New Zealand requires a Senior Marketing Communications Manager – North America based in Santa Monica, CA. Reporting to the General Manager Americas & Europe, the role involves the development of the global marketing communications strategy for the 4-year marketing plan as well as effective management and implementation of marcomm activities for USA and Canada.

Love Great Britain? Here’s an exciting opportunity for a six-month student placement (US citizens, US Green Card holders, or A visa holders only) in the NYC office for VisitBritain, official tourist board for England, Scotland and Wales. The position works with both the PR & communications team and the Travel Trade and Business Events Team providing admin support for the Director of the Americas region. Ample opportunities to get involved across the business.

Google logo

Wanna work for Google? Google Store showcases and sells new devices made with Google technology. On a day-to-day basis, the marketing team is brainstorming innovative ideas to showcase flagship products by driving awareness and traffic, running promotions, acquiring new customers, growing relationships with existing customers, assessing opportunities for analysis and research, and finding creative ways to bring unique shopping experiences to life. The International Digital Strategy Lead will shape and communicate the vision for a global e-commerce destination for Google hardware and build strategy for growth beyond the US market.

Simpleview

It’s simple…Simpleview is growing. The Marketing Outreach Coordinator reports to the Director of Marketing, New Business and Events and is responsible for all marketing efforts targeted at prospects, both domestic and international. This position requires someone comfortable working in a collaborative environment, taking direction and running with the ball, knowing when to self-start and when to get guidance. The ideal candidate carries a can-do attitude, with an optimistic personality that holds strong in the face of multi-tasking and teamwork.

Vail Resorts

Love to ski? Integrated Marketing, Senior Management – Destination is the opportunity at Vail Resorts in Broomfield, CO. The centralized Destination Marketing team exists at Vail Resorts to drive early commitment from Destination guests. As the Integrated Marketing Senior Manager you will be responsible for building multi-channel marketing plans, with an integrated marketing communication plan by segment, to drive visitatio

LASED

Like sports action? Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District seeks a Director of Marketing to build the foundation of the marketing department. Responsible for creating, managing and executing strategies across multiple channels to elevate the profile of the entire Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District to visitors, partners, and the community. The project covers 298 acres of office, retail, and residential space with the centerpiece a 70,000-seat stadium—home of NFL games for both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, host to the 2022 Super Bowl, 2023 College Football National Championship, and the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympics, as well as major concerts and other entertainment year-round.

GulfStream Park

Live in South Florida? Gulfstream Park, a billion dollar gaming, hospitality and entertainment destination is undergoing a transformative change in a mission to offer a more fully immersive, engaging and exciting customer experience. They are seeking a Vice President of Marketing with 10+ years of executive level marketing experience.

The Carlisle Group

Like intrigue? The Carlisle Group has been retained to find a president & CEO by a client who is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation founded in 2005 by the County Board of Commissioners. They are the County’s authorized agency, charged with leveraging and promoting economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for all residents. The unique organizational structure integrates economic development and tourism promotion services to provide a paramount resource for businesses, non-profits, local municipalities and residents.

Disney SVoD

Love Mickey Mouse? Executive Assistant, Content & Marketing for Disney SVOD (subscription video on demand). Combining the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming services – ESPN+, the Disney SVOD service coming in 2019 and its ownership stake in Hulu – alongside Disney’s international media businesses, DTCI aligns cutting-edge technology with world-class content and beloved brands to expand the Company’s global footprint and deliver highly-personalized entertainment experiences to diverse consumers around the world. This position supports the President, Content & Marketing, Disney SVOD in Burbank, CA.

*More*

Discover Puerto Rico has put out an RFP for a “world-class” public relations firm that can develop a “robust, innovative, cutting-edge and outstanding strategy.” Proposals are due by Jan. 3, 2019. Get the details here. 

In Case You Missed It: 10 Digital Travel Headlines

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MarriottMarriott Security Disaster

In a mega-sized Marriott security breach, over 500 million consumers have suffered stolen personal information, including names, birthdates, addresses, locations, gender, email, payment card information and passport information. A class action suit has been filed against the world’s largest hotel group.

One of the largest data breaches ever began in 2014, allowing criminals to freely roam Marriott’s system, remaining undetected for four years. Although Marriott discovered the breach on September 8, 2018, they did not notify consumers for nearly three months, and still have not been transparent on the extent of the breach, identity of the hackers, nor the scope of the attack. The New York Attorney General’s Office announced that it would be investigating the breach, indicating that they should have been notified. Read more here.

 

5G5G is Coming and the Future is F-a-s-t

We’re talking about 1000x faster than 4G. “Wireless carriers are preparing for 5G connectivity, the next generation of cellular networking that promises to bring faster download speeds to consumers. Hardware manufacturers are also getting ready, with plans already in motion for a number of devices that will take advantage of those faster networks,” reports The Verge. Don’t expect to see an Apple phone with 5G until 2020. Read more here and here.

 

Delta Air LinesBiometric Terminal Ready at Hartsfield International Airport

Smile and put your passport away. Delta says the Atlanta airport’s Terminal F has become the “first biometric terminal” in the United States where passengers can use facial recognition technology “from curb to gate.” And Delta has already announced plans to offer the technology in Detroit. Read more here.

 

 

Google Hangouts Will Be Hung Out to Dry

Google Hangouts is likely on the chopping block. “Hangouts as a brand will live on with G Suite’s Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet, the former intended to be a team communication app comparable to Slack, and the latter a video meetings platform,” reports 9to5Google. No word yet from Scott Johnston, Product Lead at G Suite, as to whether the consumer changeover is expected in 2019 or 2020, although he has confirmed the eventual shutdown of Google Hangouts.  Read more here.

 

Unhashtag ViennaSigns of a Social Media Backlash

No selfies, please…We’re on vacation. If you’re sensing it, you’re not alone. Some destinations are joining the resistance against social media in campaigns such as Unhashtag Vienna. For example: “Welcome to Vienna. Not #Vienna.” Heard about the Bali resort that’s banned mobile devices at the pool? Or the Dublin hotel that told off the freeloader (a.k.a. influencer?) Or the Swiss hotels that hire Instagram-sitters to manage guests’ social media posts so they don’t have to?  Read more here.

 

KyotoForecasting Tourist Congestion with Wi-Fi Usage

A new solution to over tourism may be the “Kyoto Arashiyama Travel Guide,” a website based on visitors’ Wi-Fi mobile usage. It indicates estimated visitor congestion in Kyoto’s eight top spots, including Togetsukyo Bridge and Bamboo Grove. Users see a bar chart indicating the number of hourly visitors so they can go when it’s less crowded. The system can predict congestion for any day of the week based on data collected in the previous week. Read more here.

 

Vancouver skylineUnlikely Bedfellows in Vancouver

In a first-of-its-kind landmark partnership, Tourism Vancouver and Airbnb have signed an agreement to market that city as a tourism destination. Airbnb will use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter as well as its magazine Airbnbmag. Read more here.

 

Canada cannabis

Conference: Canada and Cannabis

More from Canada. In October 2018, our northern neighbor became the world’s second nation to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Attendees at the annual congress of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, the largest private-sector association for that nation’s tourism industry, discussed potential opportunities to build expertise and leadership by innovating with new ways of folding consumption into the tourism experience. Read more here.

 

Aira appApp for Visually Impaired to Navigate London Heathrow

Available free of charge, Aira app connects passengers directly to a trained professional agent for advice on navigating through Heathrow. The app is pre-loaded on a mobile phone and an agent provides guided assistance on demand. The number of passengers requesting special assistance at Heathrow is rising by about 8% a year, currently at about 6,000. Read more here.

 

Sunset magazineSun May Be Setting on Iconic Lifestyle Magazine

“Go digital, young man…” Sunset magazine, the longtime lifestyle pulse of the West that’s nearly as old as California itself, is in dire straits.

Publications are suffering from a defection of advertisers to the internet. Magazines have been particularly hard hit; publisher Condé Nast last week announced it was ending the print edition of Glamour. Golf, Bride, and W titles are for sale. Hearst is no longer printing Seventeen or Redbook. Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine is shuttered. After 45 years in Australia, Cosmopolitan is no more. Read more here.

Check Out This Week’s Career Corner for 21 Active Job Searches

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Career Corner – Job Searches

 

Visit WilliamsburgThe Greater Williamsburg Office of Marketing and Promotion is conducting an executive search to find their next Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

Monroe County MIOn the shores of Lake Erie in Michigan, Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau has opened its search for a President. As a part of the new strategic plan, the tourism bureau will undergo a rebranding and will no longer take the primary operation and execution role in area or county festival or events.

 

St Charles CVBA new search for an experienced professional: An Interim Executive Director is required at the Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau in Illinois, under an hour west of Chicago.

 

Philadephia Convention & Visitors BureauPhiladelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau has an opening for Senior Vice President – Convention Division.

 

 

Cincy USA
Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau has an opening for Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing.

 

 

The Creative GroupSearch consultants, The Creative Group/Robert Half is recruiting a VP, Marketing – Tourism based in Los Angeles, with the employer not revealed.

 

Maryland Dept of CommerceIn Baltimore, The Maryland Department of Commerce is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Marketing Data Analyst to lead the strategy and execution of data collection, analysis, insights and reporting within the Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts.

 

San MarcosMain Street Program Manager in San Marcos, TX is needed to follow the approach and principles set by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and to analyze, develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive approach to the destination’s historic downtown revitalization efforts.

 

Marbles Kids MuseumInto interactive museums? Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh-Durham, NC is looking for a Director of Marketing to plan, implement, manage strategy…and there’s even an IMAX.

 

Winchester Mystery HouseLove haunted houses? Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA wants a Digital Marketing Coordinator with 2-5 years of experience.

 

Myriad, an MMGY Company

 

Contribute to the overall development of Myriad in North America as part of the larger MMGY Global family. In Los Angeles, the international marketing company, Myriad, seeks a Director of Tourism Sales & Marketing.

 

R&R PartnersIn Las Vegas, R&R Partners is looking for a Content Creative Director with experience in tourism and/or destination marketing to lead the creative team developing website and cross channel content  on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and more.

StreetsenseStreetsense is recruiting a Senior Account Manager with real estate and/or travel and tourism experience required. This is a mid-level opportunity based out of their offices in the heart of Washington, D.C.

 

Delta VacationsDelta Vacations, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, requires a Partnership Marketing Manager in Atlanta to manage all aspects of programs and relationships with assigned hotels destinations, convention bureaus and tourism boards.

 

TravelzooTravelzoo has a new search for a Client and Content Associate with 3-5 years of experience in online marketing, digital media, or PR to be based in Miami.

 

Madden Media Madden Media, providers of custom and cooperative destination marketing solutions, has a new entry level position open for a Content Specialist based at the Tucson head office.

 

MilestoneThe Chicago office of Milestone Inc. is hiring a Senior Omni-Channel Customer Success Manager with 5+ years experience in Paid Search, Display advertising, and/or Paid Social marketing. Experience in the hospitality industry is a plus.

 

American DreamAmerican Dream, a three-million-square-foot entertainment, retail and restaurant complex, seeks a Director-Tourism and Advertising in East Rutherford, NJ. The Triple Five Group is the company behind North America’s two largest retail and entertainment complexes – Mall of America in Minnesota and West Edmonton Mall in Canada.

 

MediagisticIn Tampa, Mediagistic is a growing marketing agency primarily focused on local advertising for the home service and travel & tourism industries. Looking for web design and Internet marketing skills including SEO, SEM, social media marketing and a certification in Google Ads and Google Analytics.

 

STA TravelBased in Melbourne, FL, the Marketing Campaigns Executive for STA Travel will handle product liaison, supplier proposals, digital marketing, ad hoc events and promotions, development of media plans and campaign proposals, basic budget management and liaison with global teams on digital campaigns and marketing.

 

IAVM Destination El PasoWork for Destination El Paso as Sponsorship Manager to sell and manage event and venue sponsorships and high-level vendor partnerships with Destination El Paso, operating over 2M gross square feet of public assets. International Association of Venue Managers represents senior executives from auditorium, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes and amphitheaters worldwide.

 

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Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Editor
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