Explore Minnesota Archives - The Travel Vertical

DMOs Making a Splash: Cincinnati, Newport Beach, San Antonio, Minnesota

March 26, 2022 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

Great job, tourism. Let’s keep up the good work on social.

“The words that comprise our convention and visitors bureau name have served this region well for more than 75 years. But the world – and this destination – are very different places. With a place so vibrant, we need a name and brand to match. Today, the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau is now VISIT CINCY!

Visit Cincy is more than a name. It’s an invitation. When we say ‘Cincy’ we mean the entire region.”

“The Visit Cincy brand will be an exciting catalyst to rally our regional partners and meet new growth opportunities,” said President & CEO Julie Calvert. “Visit Cincy is more than a name, it’s an invitation that conveys our mission and invites the world to visit Cincy.”At a time when the vision for improving and expanding our convention and tourism assets has never been clearer, the Visit Cincy brand will be an exciting catalyst to rally our regional partners and meet new growth opportunities head-on.”

Forget the Super Bowl. Visit Newport Beach made its Oscars® advertising debut on ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles’ entertainment special, “On The Red Carpet After the Awards,” marking the destination’s long-standing history with Hollywood.

“This year marked the 94^th Annual Academy Awards, and well before the first Oscar was handed out nearly 100 years ago, Newport Beach has enjoyed a long-standing history with Hollywood serving as a silent film set, to a haven for Hollywood’s Golden Era actors and actresses to inspiring stories for TV and film today,” said Gary Sherwin, President & CEO, Visit Newport Beach in a press release.

Newport Beach got its big break during the silent film era as a set in the original Cleopatra in 1917 to and later in All Quiet on the Western Front in 1930. Hollywood stars made Newport Beach a coastal hideaway, and today, Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is one of the nation’s leading film festivals. It attracts 58,000 film and food fans to over 100 feature films, 30 short film programs, and a dozen public parties featuring more than 60 culinary partners.

Eating is always a good idea. David Gonzalez, VP Media Relations & Communications at Visit San Antonio writes, “So proud of our team making this announcement with The James Beard Foundation! Kudos to our leader Marc Anderson for dreaming up this collaboration.”

Visit San Antonio and Culinaria San Antonio announce the first-ever statewide festival partnership with the iconic James Beard Foundation. Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival debuts on Oct. 27-30, 2022 in Travis Park, the heart of downtown.

Explore Minnesota is marketing itself as the ‘Dream State’ in a new campaign introduced at the governor’s conference on March 1 in Minnetonka, MN. In addition to targeting travelers from traditional markets—including bordering states, Illinois, Nebraska and Colorado—this summer the reach will extend to include Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah.

Lauren Bennett McGinty, who took over as Director of Explore Minnesota in November said, “While we don’t anticipate a complete return to pre-pandemic levels until late 2023 or early 2024, we are working our way back and anticipate stronger travel volume in 2022. Minnesota is a unique, four-season destination, and we have a major opportunity moving forward to position the state as a top 10 travel destination. After nearly two years of pandemic constraints, Explore Minnesota is ready to execute a new strategic direction to attract travelers from our state, around the country and across the globe who are eager to get back out, explore, and reconnect with the people and places they care about most.”

Newly released snapshot from the Meetings Information Network database (MINT+), looked at the top non-sports events with a minimum of 3,000 rooms on peak night that book in changing locations. A collaboration between Destinations International and Simpleview, MINT+ produced the 2022 Top 250 Conventions Report.

The busiest month in 2022 is June with 14% of the top conventions and second busiest month is October. The second quarter is strong, with one-third of the year’s meetings. Least busy months are December, January, and February.

Speaking of meetings in Orlando, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the 23rd Annual eTourism Summit at Orange County Convention Center.

People: Explore Minnesota, Visit Dallas & More | Plus CMO Mark Romig, New Orleans Voice of the Hometown Saints

November 9, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

PEOPLE PROFILE

Mark Romig, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for New Orleans & Company, has been granted the Order of Civil Merit by His Majesty the King Felipe VI of Spain to honor “the civic virtues of officials at the service of the State, as well as the extraordinary services of Spanish and foreign citizens in the good of the Nation.”

Romig assisted the City of New Orleans in the coordination of the royal visit during the city’s Tricentennial in 2018, serving as president & CEO of the 2018 NOLA Foundation, the support organization for Tricentennial events.

Fun Fact:

Mark Romig is also the voice of the Saints as PA stadium announcer for games at the Caesars Superdome. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Jerry Romig, who did the job for 446 consecutive games over 44 years. “He never missed a home game,” says Mark’s mother Janice Romig, who accompanied her husband to all of them.

It’s a family affair. Mark’s sister Mary Beth is a spotter and brother Jay operates the clock and yardage/down controls in the booth. Watch them in action in “The Romig Family — The Heart of the Superdome” on the NFL Network.

*Mark Romig, Stadium Announcer for New Orleans Saints*

Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Lauren Bennett McGinty as the new director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. For the last decade, Bennett McGinty worked in various roles with Minnesota nonprofits, most recently as executive director of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. Bennett McGinty replaces former director John Edman, who retired in June after holding the job for more than two decades under four governors.

Jennifer Walker has accepted a new position as Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Dallas. She joins from AVB Marketing in Sacramento, Calif., and was previously Director of Brand Advertising at Visit California, VP of Marketing & Strategy at Visit Santa Barbara, and Director of Marketing Communications at Visit Austin.

Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that Tim White has been selected as Executive Director. He previously owned the Wildwood Agency, a communication company that created brand stories for organizations.

In California, Rancho Cordova Travel & Tourism has promoted Marc Sapoznik from Executive Director to President & CEO. He joined the DMO in 2014 and serves on the board of the the local chamber of commerce, Gold Country Visitors Association and the California Travel Association.

Dawn Hall joins as Operations Director, Leena Riggs has been promoted to Director of Marketing & Partnerships, Ciara Parreñas Ursos has been hired as Marketing Coordinator and Maggie Thyken Huss as Director of Sales.

Melissa McClure has joined the team at Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau as Global Tourism Sales Manager. She joins from Visit Fairfax where she served as sales manager for domestic and international leisure travel.

More new appointments and promotions from PHLCVB:

Jaime Martorana (left) is the new Communications Manager at Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Prior to joining, she served as public relations manager at the standards development organization, ASTM International and as PR specialist at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.

John Ryan (right) has been hired as Social Media Specialist at PHLCVB. Most recently, Ryan managed social media and developed digital communications for Philly311, the City of Philadelphia’s customer service center for non-emergency inquiries.

Chelsea Ann Rovnan (below right) has joined PHLCVB team as Content Coordinator. She spent five years as a news writer for CBS-3 Eyewitness News.

Robin Bloom (left) has been promoted to Director of Content. Before joining the PHLCVB in 2017, Bloom served as producer and on-air host for WHYY for more than 20 years.

Kyle Huff (right)has been promoted to Content Manager. Prior to his promotion, he held the social media specialist position and before joining PHLCVB in 2018, Huff served as social media strategist and digital content curator for Honeygrow.

Beth Headley has joined Visit Estes Park in the new position of Sustainability & Policy Manager. She comes to the DMO from an event role with the Town of Estes Park.

Rachel Keeney is named as the new Executive Director at Top of West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau. She comes to the DMO after working in marketing and communications management at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Libby Doss Lloyd is the newly appointed Director of Communications at Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has been with the DMO since 2012.

Seth Eli Barlow steps up to Content Manager from his previous role as Content Creator, which he held since joining the bureau in 2019.

Stasha King Irby, a meetings professional, is a new addition to the team Destination Services Manager. She joins from Sonesta Hotels.

Brandon Darnell has been promoted to Director of Content at Visit Sacramento. A former editor and reporter, he joined the DMO in 2012 as Content Marketing Manager.

Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes Lindsey Rohrbaugh as Sales Manager. She had held various sales roles at Visit Fort Collins over a period of nine years.

UK-based Toby Morris moves to Epsilon as Senior Business Development Director – Travel following six years as Sales Director for UK / Ireland / Netherlands at ADARA. Previously, he had been Sales Director – EMEA at Expedia.

Well, we couldn’t resist and went and made a print magazine and directory for a digital conference. Click through and see people you know, plus some interesting content. Feedback welcome! Click here to look inside.

How eTourism Summit Was Born — An interview with Founder Jake Steinman

Looking Into a Cloudy Crystal Ball — Predictions from Richard Black, Sojern; Katie Cook, Zartico; Ed Harris, Discover Lancaster; Justin Bresler, Visit Denver; Jackie Saunders, National Harbor

Bright, Shiny, New Objects: Where Are They Now? — Out of the shark tank success stories from Cree Lawson, Arrivalist; Mo Parikh, Bandwango; Ben Hatala, Clicktivated; Dan Holowack, CrowdRiff; Darren Dunn, Zartico and newcomers: Jason Holic, Impactulator; Bob Gilbert, Tourism Alchemy; Chris Lukenbill, Shrpa; John Mark Ebenhardt, Stroll; Ian Ross, Placer.ai.

How Well Do You Know Montana? — a quiz by Jacquie Garcia, Social Media Specialist, Visit Montana
A Day in the Life of a Content Strategist — by Rachel Semik, Tempe Tourism Office, Arizona
Meet the Emerging Tourism Stars 2021: Jake Brown, Visit South Bend; Sabrina Dueñas, Visit Oakland; Cody Gray, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism; Kyle Johnson, Visit Indiana; Maria Skrzynski, Emily Zertuche, Visit Corpus Christi; Katie Utken, Hamilton County Tourism, IN
2021: Year of the Destination Refresh — Featuring Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Visit Lauderdale, Visit Salt Lake, Visit Myrtle Beach, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Destination Augusta, Destination Vancouver
eTSY Award winners: Visit Lex, Visit Williamsburg, Discover South Carolina, South Carolina State Parks, Traverse City Tourism, Costa Rica Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Meet AC (Atlantic City), Alabama Tourism Department, Visit Florida, Economic Development / Tourism Winnipeg, Visit Napa Valley, Discover Atlanta, Visit Savannah, Visit Tampa Bay
Sponsor Directory and Meet the Connect Travel Brands and more…

‘Don’t Come Here’ — An Intentionally Snarky Tagline — And More Destination Strategies

November 9, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL — A new tourism podcast on the Treasure Coast called “Don’t Come Here” is doing exactly what it was designed to do — that is, to catch people by surprise.

The first “Don’t Come Here: Stories of the Treasure Coast” podcast was launched this fall, and St. Lucie County’s director of tourism and marketing, Charlotte Bireley, said they hope to produce a podcast once a month.

“The name of the podcast, ‘Don’t come here,’ is from a campaign that we launched in the summer of 2020, and really the thought behind it is — of course, it’s a little snarky and a little sarcastic, but we needed to stand out in a very ad-cluttered world,” Bireley said.

She said they knew that travel was making a rebound and there was going to be a lot of travel ads out there and they wanted something that would stand out.

“I think it’s catching the eye of a lot of people and that’s what we wanted,” said Bireley. “The podcast itself is just another platform for us to tell the story of the Treasure Coast and what makes it so special here and what makes this place so unique compared to other places you can choose to vacation.”

“Don’t Come Here: Stories of the Treasure Coast” can be viewed on YouTube and various podcast platforms. — (Source: KCCI, Des Moines)

FLATHEAD VALLEY, MT — Glacier Country Tourism has been marketing the region as a travel destination for 34 years. Last week, the DMO launched a 10-year collaborative community partnership to determine its new strategy in for a more sustainable approach aimed at managing aging infrastructure, overcrowding and impact on local lifestyle.

“Destination Stewardship Strategy” began with a forum led by Jim McCaul of MMGY NextFactor and Cathy Ritter of Better Destinations. Sentiments expressed by stakeholders echoed the #RecreateResponsibly movement that encourages visitors to be good stewards of Montana using slogans like “know before you go” and “respect others.”

Follow the conversation at partners.glaciermt.com/destination-stewardship. — (Source: Flathead Beacon.com)

https://youtu.be/wSKUh__PeE4

BOISE, ID — Idaho was just three days into its “Fall for Idaho” tourism promotion campaign when crisis standards of care were declared statewide due to hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients — and the state slammed on the brakes.

The marketing campaign was put on pause for a month. “Things are moving quickly. We’ve had to make a lot of adjustments over the last 18, 19 months,” said Matt Borud, marketing and innovation administrator at Idaho Department of Commerce. “To understand what was happening, we felt like it was prudent for us to pause the campaign.”

The planned $800,000 fall campaign, which was focused on mostly digital marketing of outdoor Idaho adventures, started September 13, halted September 16, and then restarted October 13. It’s now on track to run right up until the bigger winter tourism marketing campaign, which focuses in large part on the ski season, launched November 8.

The stop-and-start is emblematic of what tourism marketers have been facing around the country and the world since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We haven’t really been doing the ‘Everybody come to Idaho,’ that kind of thing, really since COVID,” Borud said. “Not very many destinations have. That’s difficult messaging right now.”

Instead, Idaho has focused on marketing its outdoor experiences and road trips, which long have been a big part of Idaho’s tourist appeal. “It’s our bread and butter,” Borud said. “It’s what folks travel to the state primarily to experience.” Note: There’s even a little quiz to take online, “Find out what Idaho getaway fits your fall personality.”

It’s been working well: Idaho’s hotel/motel tax revenues, which took a deep hit during the shutdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, have now rebounded to beyond pre-pandemic levels. — (Source: BoiseDev.com)

ALBANY, NY — This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a $450 million investment to bolster tourism. She noted that tourism was among the industries hit hardest, with visitor spending down nearly 55% in 2020 compared with 2019. To ease the recovery, New York State will provide $2,750 in stimulus payments to 36,000 unemployed hospitality workers and issue $100 million in grants to businesses that re-hire and expand their workforce for at least six months. For every worker brought back and kept on the job for six months, the employer will get $5,000.

The state has set aside $25 million in grants to help convention centers and conference spaces bring back business travelers. Another $25 million investment will bring the state’s tourism marketing campaign to new domestic and international audiences, Hochul said. (Source: CBS)

MONTEREY, CA — On the Pacific coast, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau launched “All In…” last week as their new meetings-focused advertising and marketing campaign. Think: “all innovative, all incredible, all inhale, all inspired, all invited, all in the moment, all in awe…

“Monterey County is a destination that inspires creative thinking,” said Rob O’Keefe, president and CEO
at Monterey County CVB. “From brainstorming on the beach to conceptualizing after wine tasting – it’s
easy to see how these all-inspired moments have built a legacy of hosting some of the world’s most
recognized organizations and leaders.”

If “All In” sounds familiar, that’s because it was used by NYC & Company, introduced mid-pandemic in summer 2020. That city is currently touting, “It’s Time for New York City.”

WILMINGTON & THE BEACHES, NC — Guy Gaster, director of the N.C. Film Office, confirms that project spending in the state during 2021 is projected to reach at least $410 million, but it could likely be more in what has been a banner year. Indie adventure fantasy “Boys of Summer,” starring Mel Gibson, is set to begin filming in Wilmington next month.

*A NC Film Office trade show stand in 2011*

However, the swell in demand for film content places stress on a finite number of trained workers to produce that content.

Susi Hamilton, former secretary of the state’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is the interim board chair for the newly formed Film Partnership of North Carolina with the aim of building a skilled local and regional workforce with an emphasis on women and minorities who are largely underrepresented in the industry.

“…the first thing an interested company will ask, whatever the project, is ‘Tell me about your workforce,’” she said. “That was the one thing we weren’t doing enough of in the entertainment industry; developing a future workforce.” Now, a $400K grant approved by the city will support those efforts via a partnership with the N.C. Department of Commerce and UNC’s School of FIlmmaking. (Source: Wilmington Biz.com)

TWIN CITIES, MN — Explore Minnesota is targeting Canadian residents of Thunder Bay and Winnipeg with billboards, inserts in local newspapers, ads on social media and Google searches.

“We’ve missed you, dear friend,” the full-page print ad reads. “COVID may have closed our borders, but we welcome you back with open arms.”

It’s not just destinations nearest to the border that are celebrating open borders. Roughly 10% of Mall of America visitors are international, the mall estimates. “Canadians came down to go shopping, they came down to experience our great restaurants and our retailers, our hotels, our resorts, so I think everybody across the state can rejoice in this opening,” Explore Minnesota spokesperson Alyssa Hayes said, noting that the closure also kept many family and friends apart.

JOHNSON CITY, TN — Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association is taking steps in expanding the understanding of the industry.

The DMO offers a certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management in two six-week sessions taught by qualified leaders and faculty. Courses cover a range of topics from sustainable tourism to revenue and restaurant management to event management, public relations and crisis management.

SAN JUAN, PR — Discover Puerto Rico will roughly double its current spending on island marketing and promotion initiatives via $120 million in funds provided through the American Rescue Plan, said Gov. Pedro Pierluisi.

“We will improve and strengthen our brand domestically and globally and also increase our marketing and communications initiatives through our global partners to broaden our reach to new segments and further increase the awareness and desirability of our island,” said the governor.

In addition, Puerto Rico will allocate $50 million in ARP funds to promote the island as a leisure destination, $20 million to encourage domestic tourism and $10 million to promote entertainment and conventions. Another $30 million will be used to revitalize tourist attractions, natural resources and public beaches.

Discover Puerto Rico website will shortly debut a fully translated Spanish-language version. — Travel Weekly

NEWARK, NJ — There’s a new 2:30-min. video, “Welcome to Newark.” At its launch, Ricardo Salazar, president & CEO of the Greater Newark Convention & Visitors Bureau noted, “I’m proud to say that this dedicated marketing campaign is a first for the city of Newark and one that is long overdue.”

Funded by a state grant through the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, the video is seen on the website, newarkhappening.com and the DMO’s YouTube channel. It will also be featured at local, regional, national, and international travel and tourism meetings and conferences The 15- and 30-sec. versions of “Welcome to Newark” will be rolled out through broadcast TV, radio, digital, social media, out-of-home, and other advertising platforms.

LAWRENCE, KS — Claiming to be “unmistakenly Lawrence” and a “little bit quirky,” Xplore Lawrence has a new website, explorelawrence.com, working with Simpleview on the strategy and design for the new mobile-first site. eXplore Lawrence also worked with the Mammoth Creative Co. film team to produce new videos housed on the site. The new website was funded in part by a tourism marketing grant from the Kansas Tourism Division.

“The new website comes at just the right time,” said eXplore Lawrence Executive Director Kim Anspach. “The recovery of the travel industry is integral to the health of the Lawrence economy. The new website packages all of the amazing assets Lawrence has to offer visitors in meaningful ways, and it will help our local travel and hospitality industry bounce back.”

People & Jobs: From Sitka to Yuma, San Diego to Nova Scotia

April 27, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

PEOPLE

Explore Minnesota State Travel Director John Edman is stepping down after 21 years of service, effective June 3, 2021. Edman has served in national and state leadership positions: National Council of State Tourism Directors, Great Lakes USA, Mississippi River Country, The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Foundation, University of Minnesota Tourism Center, Brand USA and U.S. Travel Association, which named him State Tourism Director of the Year in 2015. Edman also spearheaded the important evolution of Explore Minnesota as its own state agency, guided by the Governor’s appointed council on tourism. Explore Minnesota’s assistant director, Leann Kispert, will lead on an interim basis until a new tourism director is appointed by Gov. Walz.

Candace Carr Strauss, president & CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau announced that the DMO has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, fulfilling an objective that began with a 2016 assessment. Other USA destination members are Moab Area Travel Council, Catalina Island Tourism Authority, and Arizona Office of Tourism.

Experience Kissimmee welcomes Casey Leppanen as the new vice president of marketing and communications. Prior to his new role, Leppanen served as director of marketing and fan development for Sharks Sports and Entertainment headquartered in San Jose, Calif. He also spent 10 years with sports and live events leader AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), serving as senior director of marketing and broadcasting for the LA Galaxy and StubHub Center.

Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau has appointed Sandra Rios as the new public relations and communications manager. Her most recent marketing and PR roles were at top Florida resorts, including Longboat Key Club and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. She has served on the Visit Sarasota Marketing Committee, chair of Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee and on committees for Visit Florida.

Tom Perlozzo has been appointed in Ocean City, Maryland to fill the recently-created director of tourism and business development post. He joins from previous roles as Worcester County director of recreation and parks and tourism and economic development and as a golf resort specialist.

Kristin Hanifen returns to Lake George, NY as Warren County’s new Tourism Development and Events Coordinator. She had previously been with the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce as director of sales.

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City has appointed Jarrod Finley as the new hotel’s opening (2022) director of sales & marketing. He had previously served as VP Sales at San Diego Tourism Authority and Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Eva Mossberg has joined the Adventure Travel Trade Association as North America Community Lead and Global Partner Coordinator. A native of Sweden based north of Boston, she has sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, crossed the Andes on horseback and has also lived in the West Indies and Portugal.

SEE TOMORROW

“I am honored to participate in the eTourism Summit panel discussion with Miles Partnership. The panel topic is ‘Recovery Requires More than Marketing.’ A tourism recovery will take a comprehensive economic development strategy that takes workforce migration, abandoned infrastructure, liquidity limitations and new consumer behavior factors into consideration. Come nerd out with me!” — Jen Paul Schroer, New Mexico Tourism

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JOBS

Director — Colorado Tourism Office | Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade

Chief Marketing Officer —Travel Nevada

President & CEO — Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

President & CEO — Visit Phoenix

President & CEO — Visit Franklin, TN

President — Meet Chicago Northwest

President & CEO — Destination BC, Vancouver

President & CEO — Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority, WA

President & CEO — Big Sky Chamber of Commerce & Visit Big Sky, MT

CEO — Experience Olympia & Beyond, WA

Executive Director — Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority, GA

Executive Director — Marietta Visitors Bureau, GA

Executive Director — Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce, NM

Executive Director — Visit Wausau, WI

Executive Director — Park County Travel Council, Cody, WY

Executive Director AND Leisure Sales Manager — Corpus Christi Sports Commission, TX

President & CEO — Explore Newnan-Coweta, GA

Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — Travel Portland, OR

Vice President of Marketing — Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, NV

Vice President Marketing AND Vice President Sales — Visit Wichita

Vice President Marketing — Visit Florida

Sr. VP Marketing & Communications — Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB/Broward County

Sr. VP Finance & Operations — Visit Salt Lake

Chief Marketing Officer AND Finance & HR Manager AND PR & Communications Manager — Visit SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo, CA

Controller — Meet Minneapolis

Director, Information Technology — Visit Seattle

Director of Marketing — Experience Scottsdale

Director of Marketing — Visit Walla Walla, WA

Director, Content Strategy — Choose Chicago

Director of Marketing and Public Relations — Visit Beloit, WI

Public Relations Manager — Visit California

Director, Marketing (Sports, Meetings & Conventions) AND Director, Diversity & Inclusion Programs AND Senior CRM & Digital Marketing Manager AND Social Media Manager AND Destination, Visitor Center & Retail Specialist AND Destination Specialist-Meetings & Conventions — Experience Columbus, OH

Director of Communications — Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, CA

Marketing Director AND Director of Business Development — Visit Napa Valley, CA

Director of Brand Marketing/Content Development — Sonoma County Tourism, CA

Deputy Director of Marketing — Destin-Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa County, FL

Director of Digital Marketing AND Digital Content Producer AND Domestic Marketing Manager AND Planning & Budget Manager AND Research Specialist — Georgia Department of Economic Development

Marketing Director — Visit Stillwater, OK

Marketing Manager — Visit Macon, GA

Marketing Manager — Visit Tri-Cities, Kennewick, WA

Marketing Manager — Visit Placer, CA

Director of Market Experiences — Discover Halifax, NS

Economic Development & Visitor Services Director — San Juan County, UT

Manager of Video & Digital Marketing — Think Iowa City

Manager, Business Development & Community Engagement — Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau

Business Analyst — Visit Grand Junction, CO

Executive Director — Pleasanton Downtown Association, CA

Director — Dayton Chamber of Commerce, WA

Senior Manager, Search Engine Optimization — NYC & Company

Director, Insights & Analytics AND Partner Services & Relationship Manager — Destination Cleveland

Research Manager — Experience Kissimmee, FL

Social Media Content Manager — Visit Greenville, SC

Social Media Manager — Experience Columbus, OH

Fellow, Social Media Strategist, Visit Sitka, AK

Digital Marketing Specialist — Visit Mason City, IA

Digital Marketing Storyteller — Visit Quad Cities, Moline, IL

Marketing Communications Manager AND Sales Manager — Visit Fresno County, CA

Marketing Specialist — Visit Yuma, AZ

Partner Relations Manager AND Digital & Creative Associate AND Social Media & Content Associate — Visit Pensacola, FL

Cultural Heritage and Tourism Manager AND Community & Public Relations Manager — Visit Natchez, MS

Economic Development Tourism Manager — City of Danville, VA

Destination Manager — Discover Front Royal, VA

Digital Marketing Associate — 1Berkshire, Pittsfield, MA

Marketing Associate — Visit Modesto, CA

Destination Services Manager — Visit Raleigh, NC

Digital Marketing Coordinator — Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, Chandler, AZ

Tourism Marketing Coordinator — Randolph County Tourism Development Authority/Heart of NC Visitors Bureau

Business Development Coordinator — Visit Visalia, CA

Group Sales Manager, Eastern Region — Visit Boise

National Account Executive-Wash., DC — Visit Milwaukee

Sales Manager — Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, AZ

Conference Sales Manager — Visit Ithaca, NY

Convention Sales Manger — Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, LA

Events Coordinator, City of Norcross, GA

Manager, Leisure Trade — Singapore Tourism Board, San Francisco Bay Area

Client Success Manager — Bandwango, Murray, UT

Digital Content Editor AND Content Coordinator— Simpleview, Tucson

Project Manager (Remote) AND Account Director — Miles Partnership, Denver

Email Marketing & Automation Manager — MMGY Global, Kansas City Metro

Chief Sales Officer — Arrivalist, NYC or Naples, FL

Search Engine Optimization Manager — Tempest, Philadelphia

SVP of Customer Behavior and Digital Analysis — Strategic Partners, Boston

Senior Strategic Consultant — Destination Think, (Remote)

Director, Sales & Marketing — Official ASM Global, Columbus, OH

Director, Sales & Marketing — Official ASM Global, Dayton, OH

Manager, Meetings & Events — Oklahoma Restaurant Association

Director, Benefit and Partner Marketing in Travel and Lifestyle Services — American Express, NYC

Director, Branding & Promotions — Amtrak, Washington D.C.

Vice President, Marketing & Brand Strategy — D.C. United, Wash DC/Baltimore

Product and Contracting Manager, No. Amer. / Caribbean — Your Golf Travel Limited, Atlanta

Director of Marketing — Pacific Hospitality Group, Napa, CA

Marketing Manager — Sunriver Resort, OR

Manager of Season Pass International Marketing — Vail Resorts, Broomfield, CO

Digital Marketing Manager — Catalina Island Company, CA

Digital Marketing Manager — Surly Brewing, Minneapolis

Director of Digital Marketing — SpeedVegas, Las Vegas

Marketing & Sales Manager — Meow Wolf, Santa Fe

Destination Management Senior Project Manager — Silversea Cruises, Miami

Manager, Port Operations — The World»Residences at Sea, Fort Lauderdale

Director-Strategic Partnerships & Key Accounts — Crystal Cruises, Miami

Specialist, Global Advertising — Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu

Chief of Business Development — Port of Everett, WA

Principal Marketing & PR Rep — Port of San Diego

Asst. VP, Marketing & Sales — Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Digital Manager, Audience Engagement — Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville

Marketing Manager — Central Amusement International Inc., NYC

Communications & Marketing Manager — National Sailing Hall of Fame, Newport, RI

CRM Manager — Summit One Vanderbilt, NYC

Director of Sales & Communications — Reunion Tower, Dallas

Marketing Manager — Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, OR

Marketing Manager — Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach

Marketing Manager — Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Pittsburgh

Marketing Manager — Cuvée, Denver

Market Manager US — Trip.com, NYC

League Sales & Marketing Manager — VOLO, Baltimore

Director of PR — Peek, Remote

VP Travel & Tourism — Hill & Knowlton Strategies, Miami

Account Supervisor, Travel & Hospitality — NJF, NYC

Product & Marketing Manager — Search Influence, New Orleans

Social Media Strategist/Content Creator — BlackDog Advertising, Miami

Senior Copywriter, Hospitality — Ogilvy, NYC

Sr. Media Relations/PR Director — af&co., San Francisco

Media Buyer, Programmatic — Creative Digital Agency, Las Vegas

Marketing Specialist — Suntex Marinas, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Marketing Manager — Metrolink, Los Angeles

Marketing Manager — Macerich, Niagara Falls

Social Media & Content Specialist — Arizona Boardwalk, Scottsdale

eTourism Summit 2020 Announces Winners in Third Annual eTSY Awards

November 10, 2020 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

ORLANDO, Nov. 10, 2020—Connect Travel, owner and producer of eTourism Summit, is pleased to announce the winners of the 3rd Annual eTSY Awards. The recognition goes to destination marketing organizations and their media partners during the eTourism Summit, now in its 21st year.

Powered by Expedia Group Media Solutions, the eTourism Summit Excellence Awards celebrate the best of 2019-2020 tourism promotion with awards in 11 categories covering destination campaigns focused on website content, video, email, augmented and virtual reality, website, influencers and innovative approaches.

“The quality of digital marketing in the travel and tourism industry is impressive. Every category was highly competitive,” said J. William Seccombe, president of Connect Travel. “We applaud everyone for submitting examples of great work and congratulate the winners.”

*eTSY Awards 2020 judges: Monya Mandich, Brian Matson, Matt Stiker*

The call for entries opened in May 2020 and concluded four months later, garnering strong interest from city, state, county, and regional DMOs and attractions throughout the U.S. Appreciation goes to a panel of expert judges: Monya Mandich, Global Vice President, Marketing at Expedia Group Media Solutions; Brian Matson, Senior Director of Strategy & Education at TwoSix Digital; and Matt Stiker, Founder of Capital M Marketing who considered budget as well as three key criteria: strategy and objective; creativity; and impact/measurability.

“With the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, this year’s submissions demonstrated agility and creativity as travel brands continuously adapted their efforts to remain relevant and engage with consumers in meaningful ways, even when they’re not traveling,” said Mandich. “The importance of travel—now and in the future—was highlighted across the submissions and the campaigns illustrated how travel brands are using this time to reflect, improve and innovate to maintain connections and continue inspiring consumers to dream of travel, she added.

Regarding 2020 eTSY Award entries, Matson said, “This year showcased the versatility and creativity required to execute remarkable online campaigns during an extremely challenging time. It’s great to see that so many DMOs innovated in ways that serve to inspire and elevate the marketing efforts of the entire community.”

Stiker commented, “DMOs are facing unprecedented challenges this year, and yet as evidenced by these entries, they’re responding with creativity and innovation, reminding people in the industry and outside of it that tourism is the lifeblood of our local, regional and national economy.”

2020 eTSY Award Winners

Best Campaign That Went Viral — “Travel Iowa Parks Passport” by Iowa Tourism Office

Best Content Marketing Program (small budget) — “Art Macao U.S. Launch Campaign” by Macao Government Tourism Office

Best Content Marketing Program (small budget) — “BeLONG on Long Island” by Discover Long Island

Best eMail Marketing Campaign — #SanJoseLove Covid-19 by Visit San Jose & MMGY Global

Best Influencer Marketing Campaign (large budget) — South Carolina Pimento Cheese by South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Best of Augmented, Mixed or Virtual Reality Campaign — Table Rock State Park Virtual Reality Experience by South Carolina Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism

Best Use of Video (large budget) — Discover Puerto Rico’s Virtual Vacay Campaign by Discover Puerto Rico

Best Use of Video (small budget) — “Don’t Come Here” by Florida’s Treasure Coast and Madden Media

Best Website (large budget) — ExploreMinnesota.com

Best Website (small budget) — VisitFlagler.com

Innovation Award for Best Use of Ideas or Technology — Discover Puerto Rico COVID-19 Response: Virtual Vacay Campaign by Discover Puerto Rico and Miles Partnership

ABOUT eTOURISM SUMMIT: Since 2000, eTourism Summit, produced by Connect Travel, has represented the intersection of fast-moving digital and tourism in an interactive setting where destination marketers, attractions, and their vendors present and receive updates on the latest trends in media tools, platforms, content, search, social media, mobile, and web design. In 2018, the annual eTSY Awards were introduced to recognize and share outstanding consumer-facing campaigns. The Travel Vertical is a free weekly e-newsletter of curated items especially for and by the eTourism community.

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