Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners
April 29, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC's webinar "Research Insights into the American Traveler and NC Lodging Industry"
* Space still available for Fall print co-ops
* Retire NC program impacts, 
inspires  relocation to N.C.
* Research shows travel economy continues to deteriorate as the pandemic continues
Visit NC's webinar "Research Insights into the American Traveler and NC Lodging Industry"
 
"Research Insights into the American Traveler and NC Lodging Industry" was the topic presented in detail during a webinar held earlier today (Wednesday), presented by Visit NC. Panelists included Erin Francis-Cummings with Destinations Analysts, Jennifer Foster with STR and Jason Sprenkle with Key Data Dashboard. The panel offered insights into the sentiment of American travelers and their thoughts on North Carolina in particular. Information on the state of the commercial lodging and vacation rental sectors in North Carolina and the U.S. were also provided. A Q&A followed where webinar attendees submitted questions for the experts.
 
Recordings of past webinars - NC Tourism Amid COVID-19, Crisis Research and Communications for Tourism During COVID-19, 2020-2021 Visit NC Co-op Program Presentation, Shifts in Social Media Strategies and NC Tourism Legislative Update - are available here.

Visit NC plans to host another webinar next Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. The topic and registration information will be posted as available on Partners.VisitNC - COVID-19 and VisitNC365.com.
Local Market Combo: Northern Markets
Space still available for Fall print co-ops

Fall print co-ops are still available for partners to participate in as part of Visit NC's new 2020-'21 Partner Program - and deadlines to secure a space are approaching quickly. There is still space remaining in Southern Living as well as our Local Market Combo bundles. Please contact Hailey Weddington at (704) 552-6565 to reserve your placement.
 
Southern Living (September 2020): Visit NC's fall print co-op will reach readers in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
  • Total Circulation: 1,381,000
  • Quarter-Page Ad Investment: $9,000  
  • Deadline for Space Reservation: May 11
  • Deadline for Materials: June 1
 
Local Market Combo: Large Markets (September 2020): allows partners to be featured in strategic large markets where we see travelers coming from to visit North Carolina in four (4) publications.
  • Total Circulation: 725,554
  • Quarter-Page Ad Investment: $8,350
  • Deadline for Space Reservation: May 15
  • Deadline for Materials: June 5
 
Local Market Combo: Northern Markets (September 2020): includes drive-market states like Tennessee and Virginia, while also capturing key northern states like Ohio and Pennsylvania in a total of six (6) publications.
  • Total Circulation: 275,842
  • Quarter-Page Ad Investment: $5,500
  • Deadline for Space Reservation: May 20
  • Deadline for Materials: June 10
 
Local Market Combo: Southern Markets (September 2020): allows partners to market to those readers that are either within the state or very close in five (5) publications.
  • Total Circulation: 805,714
  • Quarter-Page Ad Investment: $6,500
  • Deadline for Space Reservation: June 4
  • Deadline for Materials: June 25
The Ideal Living Expo in New York
Retire NC program impacts, inspires relocation to N.C.

The Retire NC program promoted retirement and relocation to N.C. at five Ideal Living Expos during FY 2019-'20. These expos had an average of 800 attendees looking for relocation and travel destinations. The National Change of Address (NCOA), reported by Focus 3, reveals that North Carolina had 327 moves within and to N.C., of which 157 were from out-of-state. Research states the average new resident to an area generates approximately $50,000 per year in economic impact. New York, New Jersey and Virginia are the top three states from where residents made N.C. their new home. Several of the N.C. Certified Retirement Communities who attended these consumer shows credit the shows with having a significant impact on influencing someone's decision to move to their areas.
 
Visit North Carolina continues its efforts to promote the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program, which consists of Edenton, Elizabeth City, Jamestown/High Point, Johnston County, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Lumberton, Marion, Mount Airy, New Bern, Reidsville, Roanoke Rapids, Salisbury, Tarboro, Washington, and Winterville. For more information about the Certified Retirement Community Program or Visit North Carolina's marketing initiatives for retirement relocation, contact André Nabors at (919) 447-7771.
Research shows travel economy continues to deteriorate as the pandemic continues

The North Carolina travel economy continues to deteriorate as the pandemic continues. The U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics most recent update shows weekly travel spending as of the week of April 18 has dropped 85 percent to $79 million. These spending losses contribute to tax revenue losses of $15.4 million in state taxes and $9.3 million in local taxes. This is compared to US spending loss of 89 percent year-over-year for the week of April 18. Total losses in North Carolina for 2020, through April 18, are estimated to be nearly $2.2 billion in spending, $65 million in state taxes and $39 million in local taxes as compared to the same time period last year.

The Harris Poll results this week reminds us of the caution that Americans will use before resuming a pre-COVID-19 lifestyle. It reports that almost three-quarters (73 percent) of Americans worry about future public activities such as public transit or socializing; or (68 percent) going to bars, restaurants, hairdressers, etc. Taking a flight (66 percent) is also a concern as is even going back to the office (63 percent). Dining out remains the activity that Americans miss most (70 percent miss a lot/somewhat) but report that they will need reassurance that it's safe, such as changing layouts for social distancing (62 percent). The most research data from Destination Analysts also noted that Americans want to see businesses provide hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and well-explained cleaning procedures.

In terms of when Americans will feel safe to travel domestically, official advice from the CDC/health experts is the top cue by far, reports Longwoods/Miles Partnership. Federal government sources and state government sources follow.

Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink each week with links to available studies.
ACC Tournament to return to Greensboro in 2023

The ACC announced yesterday (Tuesday) that the 2023 men's basketball championship will be played in Greensboro at the Greensboro Coliseum. Greensboro had been scheduled to host the tournament this year but the March event was cancelled due to the coronavirus - the first cancellation in the history of the tournament. ACC Commissioner John Swofford said, "One of my most immediate thoughts was the tournament needed to come back here ASAP... but Greensboro deserved to have this back as quickly as possible... I'm very pleased for Greensboro, very pleased personally because this is our home."
Join the Virtual Road Trip next Tuesday during National Travel & Tourism Week

National Travel & Tourism Week kicks off this Sunday, running through Saturday, May 9. On May 5, the U.S Travel Association is encouraging the travel & tourism industry to take to Twitter for the first-ever #VirtualRoadTrip across the U.S. - highlighting the destinations, businesses, experiences and attractions that embody America's Spirit of Travel to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week. Who can participate? Anyone! Even if your organization doesn't have or use an official Twitter handle, you can engage from your personal handle. Spread the word to your travel and hospitality partners and encourage them to join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #VirtualRoadTrip. Share with them that the trip will "stop" in North Carolina at 1 p.m.,though it never hurts to chime in anytime during the day (so visitors know what they have to look forward to on future "trips"). Click here for Virtual Road Trip details, including Road Trip Prompts such as "best place to hike," "favorite zoo animal" and "most unique tour."
May brings 'The Hiking Issue'

The May issue of Our State magazine is The Hiking Issue. "Downown" tours Manteo; "Restaurant" features Toot-n-Tell Family Restaurant in Garner; "Getaway" checks out Engadine Inn & Cabins in Candler; and "Brewery" visits Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. The May issue is available now.
For the week of April 30 on "North Carolina Weekend," the program repeats the episode that originally aired March 5. Features include Fort Defiance in Lenoir; Fortnight Brewing in Cary; and Black Mountain's music scene at White Horse Black Mountain; plus a "House Special" segment on Chico's Mexican Restaurant in Greenville. (Check local listings; segments are subject to change.) "North Carolina Weekend" is underwritten by Visit North Carolina. In addition, UNC-TV has recent editions of "North Carolina Weekend" available online.
Resources for travel industry regarding COVID-19

As the travel industry is facing challenging times in the ever-changing situation of COVID-19 and its effects, there are several useful resources available to help with information, communications, planning and guidance.
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