Creating Experiences to Create Memories

Creating Experiences to Create Memories

At the 2017 NYSTIA Empire State Tourism Conference in Lake Placid, I was inspired by the overall theme of how to make a destination stand out that still stand true today. Bill Geist, DMOproz, talked about the importance of disrupting the status quo in order to drive brand awareness and visitors to your destination during…

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How to Pen the Perfect Pitch

How to Pen the Perfect Pitch

Being able to successfully pitch a story to the media is one of the most important tools to have in your PR toolbox. Public relations campaigns take time, energy and effort. It’s an adrenaline rush when a journalist responds to your pitch and wants to cover your story. But how do you make that happen?…

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How to Combat Overtourism Through Marketing & PR

How to Combat Overtourism Through Marketing & PR

Before March 2020, an influx of people had been traveling to impressive destinations. While on one hand this is exciting, that surge of travel has a downside – overtourism. Overtourism is when there are too many visitors in a particular destination. The impact, as explained by the World Tourism Organization, is congestion at specific locations…

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Identifying Local Influencers

In the age of influencers, it can be hard for destinations and attractions to figure out how to capitalize on this trend. Local influencers are existing members of your community that have built an audience and thought-leadership around your destination – they’re the best brand ambassadors you may not know yet. Being a community member…

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Tapping into Niche Market Tourism

tapping into niche market tourism

What is Niche Tourism? Niche market tourism uses programs to attract visitors focusing on a very specific market segment built around a well-defined product. We’ve said it before, tourists are looking for experiences. So it only makes sense that visitors are throwing out generic “everything but the kitchen sink” trips, and planning vacations that align…

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The Difference Among Travel Media

The Difference Among Travel Media

You’re probably familiar with how the travel media landscape has changed over the past few years – smaller travel sections (or staff) in print publications, a rise in frequency of bloggers and freelancers, and the emergence of social media influencers. These changes in the industry have only been exaggerated by the pandemic. Each one of…

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The Evolution of Welcome Centers

The Evolution of Welcome Centers

Welcome centers were created to provide travelers with helpful information to improve their stay. They provide suggestions on things to do and aim to convince visitors to stay a little longer. Visitors often needed to seek out these centers to get brochures and maps, within a destination or at a highway stop on the way.…

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Collaborative Marketing in Tourism: Working Together to Lift All Boats

Collaborative Marketing in Tourism Working Together to Lift All Boats

In the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, we understand how difficult it can be to grab the attention – and reservation – of a visitor. With limited time and a set budget, travelers have the tough decision of choosing where to go. As a destination, you may often feel like you’re competing against other tourist…

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Creative Travel Writing for Your Destination

Creative Travel Writing for Your Destination

I participated in a creative writing skills workshop at a PRSA Travel & Tourism Conference with the very talented Pam Mandel. During this day-long workshop, we talked about creative travel writing: what it is, how to do it well, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end of the day, I felt empowered and enabled…

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