Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners - April 12, 2023
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC partners with National Geographic with ‘True North Carolina experiences await just beyond Raleigh city limits’
* Visit NC's webinar tomorrow discusses how partners can participate
in National Travel & Tourism Week
* Visit NC’s TRAC coming to Statesville next week
* 2 N.C.-filmed productions start streaming this week
Visit NC partners with National Geographic for ‘True North Carolina experiences await just beyond Raleigh city limits’
National Geographic photographer Greta Rybus shows real adventure and authentic experiences in and just outside of North Carolina’s state capital in the custom content article “True North Carolina experience await just beyond Raleigh city limits
.” Four destination partners - Chapel Hill/Orange County VB, Discover Durham CVB, Granville County TDA, and Greater Raleigh CVB - are featured, along with Wayne and Stokes counties. Visit NC commissioned and produced the piece in partnership with National Geographic.
National Geographic photographers travel the globe on a mission to capture and share incredible images with the world. And in partnership with National Geographic’s award-winning CreativeWorks branded content studio, Visit NC spotlights the extraordinary Rybus. Readers can follow along on her travels as she hits the road on assignment this spring to capture the vibrant energy, hidden gems and charm of North Carolina’s city life. The message resonates with National Geographic’s curious and engaged audiences while showcasing Visit NC's authentic brand voice.
Visit NC's webinar tomorrow shows how partners can participate in National Travel & Tourism Week
Join Visit NC and guests from U.S. Travel and N.C. Welcome Centers tomorrow (Thursday) at 10 a.m. to talk about National Travel & Tourism Week (May 7-13). Part of Visit NC’s Monthly Partner Webinar series, this week’s webinar offers partners the chance to learn more about ways to get involved in the celebration, as well as resources available for promoting NTTW in their areas. Click here to register.
A previous TRAC in Edenton
Visit NC’s TRAC coming to Statesville next week
Tourism-related businesses in Iredell County – plus the surrounding counties – will have an opportunity to work with Visit NC staff to learn about its research, development and marketing services, and discuss best practices for reaching travelers, the media and increasing tourism visitation and spending. Visit NC's Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC) is a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses. TRAC will be next Thursday, April 20 from 3-7 p.m. at Southern Distilling Company, 211 Jennings Rd. in Statesville.
There is no charge to attend, no reservation is required, and there is no PowerPoint presentation. This is a come-when-you-can/stay-as-long-as-you-like event opportunity for all tourism-related businesses to meet one-on-one with program managers to discuss better ways to promote their property or event. TRAC brings Visit NC’s program managers to local communities to discuss the nuts and bolts of working with the organization. This invaluable program is designed to help tourism-related businesses engage more fully with programs offered by Visit NC and its partners.
Representatives from the EDPNC's Business Services, N.C. Welcome Centers/Visitor Services, N.C. State Parks, and other entities are often on hand to discuss services they can provide businesses, including strategic planning, assisting with identifying funding sources and serving as liaisons with other local, state and federal agencies. For additional information on this session or to learn more about scheduling a TRAC visit to your community, contact Visit NC's André Nabors at (919) 447-7771.
Media Marketplace pitch at Visit NC Tourism Conference inspires Raleigh’s inclusion in ‘Under the Radar Music Destinations You Need to Know’
Pitching at the 2023 Visit NC Tourism Conference’s Media Marketplace with Visit Raleigh’s Jessica Holt led to AARP including Raleigh in its “8 Under the Radar Music Destinations You Need to Know.” In addition, the writer traveled as part of a familiarization trip that followed the Visit NC Tourism Conference, so she learned more about the Capital City’s music scene. "
Raleigh hosts a concert every day of the year in intimate settings from dives to lakefront lawns to large-scale arenas,” she wrote. “This spring and summer, Raleigh welcomes Lizzo at PNC Arena, Pixies and Barenaked Ladies at Red Hat Amphitheater, and Matchbox Twenty and Foreigner at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.” The piece also suggested trips to Chapel Hill and Durham. AARP.org/travel attracts 5 million unique monthly visitors.
Visit NC PR pitch nets Restoration among ‘6 new hotels roll out the welcome mat across the Southeast’
The new Restoration Asheville hotel is featured in a digital roundup headlined “6 new hotels roll out the welcome mat across the Southeast
.” The Restoration was included in the Visit NC PR team’s headline pitch about hotel openings in the North Carolina mountains; the writer followed up with a query to pinpoint the opening date and source photos. “The Restoration Hotel aspires to spotlight the town’s bohemian vibe while focusing on travel experiences,” the online article said, citing the Girls Getaway, Recreate Romance and Outdoor Adventure packages. It also highlighted the property’s dining spots and other amenities. AJC.com attracts 855,000 unique monthly visitors.
N.C.-filmed ‘Florida Man’ premieres on Netflix tomorrow
The N.C.-filmed “Florida Man” is set to premiere on Netflix tomorrow (Thursday). The production filmed in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. It was expected to have a direct in-state spend of more than $48 million and create more than 2,300 job opportunities. The limited series was approved for a rebate via the N.C. Film and Entertainment Grant. The N.C. Film Office has been actively working with Netflix to bring more productions to the state.
‘One True Loves’ debuts on digital platforms this Friday
The feature film adaption of the Taylor Jenkins Reid book by the same name, “One True Loves” is available starting this Friday on Apple TV+, Prime Video and Google Play. The production filmed in Dare, New Hanover and Pender counties and had a direct in-state spend of more than $6.5 million, while also creating 376 job opportunities. The film was approved for a rebate via the N.C. Film and Entertainment Grant.
Research reports increasing excitement for AI for travel inspiration, planning
Recent research from Destination Analysts asked American travelers about their use of ChatGPT and other AI and found notable levels of excitement about this technology. Six percent of American travelers report having used ChatGPT, and two percent for travel purposes. More than a quarter of travelers say they are interested or very interested in using this technology for travel inspiration and/or trip planning.
While The New York Times reported that ChatGPT is a game-changer for the travel industry, there are limitations. Data that can change frequently, such as airline schedules and weather forecasts, are not accessible and the differences between reliable and unreliable information are not always clear. Using the technology as a starting point for trip planning should be followed up by fact checking and enhancing. There are also concerns about using software to undermine the value of travelers reviews.
Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink with links to available studies.
Airbnb report shows North Carolinians in rural counties collectively earned more than $370 million
Visit NC has partnered with Airbnb for the "Dream Big in Small Town NC
" campaign. The campaign, funded by the N.C. General Assembly as part of North Carolina’s Rural Tourism Recovery Pilot Program, is led by Visit NC and Airbnb, in coordination with the N.C. Department of Commerce, to support the state’s post-pandemic recovery and the many unique local shops, restaurants and communities who rely on the local tourism industry. The collaborative campaign aims to promote travel to 16 rural counties in three distinct regions designated as the Scenic Mountains, the Northeast Lakes & Rivers, and the Inner Banks.
Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy on May 9
Airbnb has partnered with the N.C. Rural Center and Beaufort County Community College for “Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy,” with a focus on rural communities. The Academy gives entrepreneurs skills, practical tools and support to become Hosts on Airbnb and earn extra money. The program includes introductory information on the Airbnb platform, hosting best practices, and how to get started. Superhost Ambassador support is designed to set Academy participants up for success as Hosts on Airbnb. The online Academy will be 6-7:30 p.m. on May 9. Click
here to register.
Vote for N.C. nominations among ‘Best of Budget Travel’
North Carolina has several nomination among three categories, part of USA Today’s 10Best’s “Best of Budget Travel.” Daily online voting is open until noon on May 8.
New Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail launching late spring
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, in collaboration with its partners, has unveiled the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity located in Western North Carolina that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. The sites are hosted by NCWRC partners and are slated to open in late spring. Each site on the trail will be designated by signage that provides information on water safety information and notable aquatic species that may be found at the site.
Snorkeling is quickly becoming a popular alternative to the traditional uses of rivers and lakes, and participation has increased dramatically with different businesses and organizations leading groups of people on guided trips. As river snorkeling’s popularity has increased, so has the economic stimulus to the region.
While the website is still under development, information about site kick-off events with guided snorkeling, the trail and snorkel sites will be provided on blueridgesnorkeltrail.comin advance of the trail’s launch in late spring.
Cucalorus among '50 film festivals worth the entry fee' Cucalorus Film Festival is among MovieMaker's "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2023." Of the Wilmington-based Cucalorus Film Festival, the article noted, in part, "Cucalorus isn’t about winning a competition, finding a distributor, or wooing industry insiders – it’s about coming together to have fun and meet new friends who share your love of film... Cucalorus doesn’t give prizes or pit filmmakers against each other, because of its longstanding belief that competition sucks.”
N.C. Train rides, Asheville’s new The Restoration Hotel in the spotlight
In its "5 Beautiful Train Rides in North Carolina Through Quaint Towns, Vibrant Cities, and the Blue Ridge Mountains
," Travel + Leisure noted, "There’s something classic and timeless about taking a train trip... If your travels are bringing you to the Tar Heel State, these train rides offer a unique view of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as themed holiday experiences. Here's a guide to the best train rides in North Carolina that you (and the whole family) won’t want to miss." The article spotlighted the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, New Hope Valley Railroad in New Hill, N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, and Craggy Mountain Line in Asheville.
In a separate article, “This North Carolina City Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2023 – and It's Getting a Chic New Hotel This Month
,” The Restoration Hotel in Asheville is featured. The article noted, in part, “The overall design of the property... draws inspiration from Asheville’s European heritage and the city’s most notable residence: the Biltmore Estate. Think: plenty of dark-wood accents, classic French bistro chairs, suede upholstered sofas, and greenery… But what sets this hotel apart is its restaurants and hangout spaces. The Exchange, a farm-to-table restaurant, will champion Appalachian cuisine and local brews, while botanical-infused cocktails will be the highlight of The Observatory, Restoration Asheville’s rooftop bar. A vintage bowling alley and a performance stage were incorporated into The Draftsman, the property’s underground bar and lounge, which will
host weekly live performances by local artists.”
‘North Carolina Weekend’
For the week of April 13, "North Carolina Weekend” offers “Favorite Flavors.” Featured segments include Flo's Kitchen in Wilson; Old Nick Williams Distillery in Lewisville; Optimist Food Hall in Charlotte; La Recette Patisserie in Durham; and Jettie Rae's Oyster House in Asheville. (Check local listings for schedule; segments are subject to change.) "North Carolina Weekend" is underwritten by Visit North Carolina. In addition, PBS North Carolina has recent editions of "North Carolina Weekend" available online.
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