Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners, April 7, 2021 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC webinar next week focuses on ‘attending’ Visit NC 365 * Visit NC 365 closing keynote speaker Matthew Luhn * Visit NC hosts ‘PR 101’ webinar today * PR team efforts lead to Outer Banks, Dry Falls in media spotlight |
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Visit NC webinar next week focuses on ‘attending’ Visit NC 365 Join Visit NC at 10 a.m. next Wednesday, April 14, for a webinar that will preview the operating system and requirements for attending the virtual Visit NC 365 Conference, April 21-22. Visit NC will also unveil its Co-Op Marketing offerings for the upcoming fiscal year, plus the strategies used to develop this year’s program. Click here to register. |
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Visit NC 365 closing keynote speaker Matthew Luhn: 'To innovation and beyond' Matthew Luhn is the closing keynote speaker for the Visit NC 365 Conference later this month. When your company’s product or service appears similar to your competitor’s offerings, how can you differentiate and get consumers to notice? In this enlightening and entertaining talk, Matthew Luhn will share his methods and experiences working with Pixar and advising Fortune 500 companies. He’s an accomplished writer and story artist on the “Toy Story” films, “Monsters Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “Up” and “Ratatouille.”During Luhn's closing keynote, learn how to innovate, differentiate and stay relevant in today’s business world, while creating more value and winning customer loyalty. The closing keynote session is sponsored by Zartico. Brought to you virtually this year April 21-22, Visit NC 365 is a complimentary, open-to-all event. Click here to register. More information on each speaker and the full agenda can be found here. For more information on the conference, contact Amanda Baker. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; to learn more, contact Dana Grimstead. |
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Visit NC hosts ‘PR 101’ webinar today To help prepare partners for increasing media interest as everyone emerges from COVID-19, today (Wednesday) the Visit NC public relations team hosted a media training webinar moderated by J Public Relations’ Kristin Moller. The session included a review of PR best practices, a primer on interview skills, and a thoughtful discussion about hosting influencers. Thanks to an excellent suggestion from publicist Martin Armes, Visit NC plans to start hosting quarterly meet-ups for tourism PR practitioners to share challenges and advice. A recording of today’s webinar is available here, as many Visit NC webinars are available via its Industry Partner YouTube channel. To find out more about Visit NC’s PR efforts, contact media@visitnc.com. |
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Efforts by Visit NC’s PR team help put the Outer Banks in the U.K. spotlight |
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Visit NC PR team’s pitching leads to Dry Falls among ‘8 Waterfalls in the U.S. Worth Traveling For’ Pitching by Visit NC’s PR team has led to Dry Falls near Highlands being included in Conde Nast Traveler’s “8 Waterfalls in the U.S. Worth Traveling For.” The team had responded to a request from the writer. Of Dry Falls’ inclusion, the article explained, "The U.S. Forest Service has designated a 61.3-mile stretch of roads between Almond and Highlands in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. The route snakes through two river gorges and past two lakes, Wayah Bald, and Cullasaja Gorge before culminating at the majestic Dry Falls, a 75-foot beauty with a dedicated parking area. Though you can see the cascade from the overlook, plan to stroll the walkway that runs behind the falls. The cliff juts out far enough that you won’t get wet and the photo ops are phenomenal." CNTraveler.com garners more than 1 million unique monthly visitors. |
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After pressing pause in 2020, film production has resumed in North Carolina with six recent grant recipients, Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week. With production levels at a six-year high so far this year, the latest productions to be announced as North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant recipients will have a combined spend of more than $134.8 million in the state while creating in excess of 5,700 job opportunities, including 1,681 well-paying crew positions for the state’s highly skilled film professionals. The grant recipients are "I.S.S.," "This Country," "Static," "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," and "Evolution," plus a yet-to-be-named project. “The film industry has been able to safely resume production and we are pleased to see more productions coming to our state,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Film activity provides good jobs and opportunities for local businesses, while also providing a compelling global showcase for North Carolina and its abundant natural beauty.” “Despite some setbacks last year, it’s great to see filming in the state finish strong in 2020 with projects to help kickstart what is expected to be a very successful 2021,” added N. C. Film Office Director Guy Gaster. “As our film professionals follow proper safety protocols and guidance, the industry is able to help create substantial economic opportunities in the communities in which they film.” In addition to the announced grant recipients, production continues with two other grantees, “Virginia Cold Case” and the second TV season of “Hightown,” and recently wrapped on grant-receiving series “Delilah.” Several non-grant recipient productions for national commercials and reality series as well as work done by local filmmakers have also been taking place since the industry’s restart. |
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Research shows nearly 60 percent surveyed travelers say they will travel within the next three months Positive sentiment towards travel has reached pandemic era peaks. Nearly 60 percent of Americans say they will take a trip in the next three months, according to Destination Analysts. In fact, more Americans consider themselves to be ready to travel than at any time during the pandemic. |
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Excitement to travel has been on the rise since December, as has openness to travel information. As well, those who admit to having travel guilt has finally been surpassed by those who do not have guilt. |
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More than 80 percent of American travelers report that after receiving a vaccine for COVID, they will feel more comfortable traveling. The good news is that nearly half of travelers report they have already been vaccinated. While controversial, more than half of travelers report that they would be comfortable with a vaccine passport that would allow access to public activities, assuming the use of such passport would end when the pandemic ends. Nearly three-fourths of travelers believe that proof of vaccination should be required for foreign travelers entering the U.S. For those who are still hesitant to travel, impediments to travel include concerns about variants of the virus, deals and discounts for travel, and the wait to be vaccinated. |
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Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink with links to available studies. |
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‘Why Cheerwine has been North Carolina's favorite cherry soda for over 100 years’ USA Today’s 10Best highlighted Cheerwine in its “Why Cheerwine has been North Carolina's favorite cherry soda for over 100 years.” The article noted, "The story of this extra-fizzy cherry soda began in Salisbury, North Carolina, in more or less the same place where new chapters are still being added." A brief history of the soft drink was included, too. "Cheerwine has a distinct flavor that brings the best out of both artificial cherries and cola... That taste is only part of its appeal; the other is its extra fizz, which makes it an even more satisfying soda... Cheerwine refers to itself as 'Southern food’s trusty sidekick,’ and there might not be a better pairing than a cold Cheerwine and a plate of North Carolina BBQ.” |
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‘North Carolina Weekend’
For the episode on April 8, "North Carolina Weekend" repeats the “Romance” episode that originally aired Feb. 11. Segments feature JuneBug Retro Resort in Weaverville; Leatherwood Mountains in Ferguson; Art and Afternoon Tea at The Umstead Hotel in Cary; The Jarvis at 220 in New Bern; and The Hackney in Washington. (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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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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NewsLink is a publication of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina 150 Fayetteville St., Suite 1200, Raleigh, NC 27601 |
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