Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners | August 12, 2020 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC webinar today features Job Retention Grant Program, Count On Me NC * Brown Mountain Lights featured on 'Into the Unknown'
* First look, release date for N.C.-filmed 'Uncle Frank''
* Research shows one-third travelers expect to travel this fall, discounts aren't appealing right now |
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Visit NC webinar today features Job Retention Grant Program, Count On Me NC
Visit NC's webinar today (Wednesday) examined the Job Retention Grant Program, provided an update on Count On Me NC and highlighted the latest travel sentiment research.
Visit NC's Wit Tuttell started with overview and research on where the state has been and where it's going. Traveler sentiment, he noted, really hasn't changed lately for personal health concerns, and many feel the pandemic is going to be here for some time to come. While travelers are showing signs of being receptive to travel information, Tuttell noted it's important to be careful with the message being sent. He emphasized the need to get people comfortable in the safety of traveling in their own community; only then would they be comfortable traveling outside their community and be more open to welcoming visitors to their own community. N.C. Department of Commerce's David Spratley explained the new Job Retention Grant Program. He offered straight facts on the program, including it's targeted at employers, both for-profit and non-profit entities. However, Spratley also mentioned there's a short window on applying for this non-competitive grant program. He provided eligibility requirements, how much a company may apply for and the "fine print." Commerce is now accepting applications online only, which can be submitted by clicking here. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. Any questions may be submitted by emailing jrg@nccommerce.com. Visit NC's Allison Schult and Dana Grimstead provided an update on Count On Me NC. Schult mentioned the safety campaign is getting noticed by media, too. For instance, Afar mentioned the campaign in their enewsletter this week, that went to more than 2.3 million readers. The enewsletter noted "Count On Me NC is a free public health initiative that got our attention for how it empowers businesses, visitors, and individuals to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19." Schult thanked those participating partners for embracing this program to ensure its success. She showcased the 60-second video, which features Sunny, that addresses safety guidelines in a light fashion, helping to combat consumer fatigue regarding COVID-19. In addition, Schult offered the phased roll-out for the media portion of the safety campaign. Dana Grimstead guided webinar attendees through the Count On Me NC partner toolkit, noting it's available in both English and Spanish. In addition to numerous graphics, the toolkit includes examples of social posts partners can adapt for their own use. She also spotlighted several partners who are successfully promoting Count On Me NC, whether by noting on their websites the local businesses who have completed the online safety modules, sharing in their industry and/or consumer enewsletters, and even using billboards.
The next Visit NC webinar is in two weeks, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. Visit NC's webinar topics and registration information will be posted as available on Partners.VisitNC - COVID-19 and VisitNC365. Recordings of the Visit NC webinars are available here. |
Brown Mountain Lights featured on 'Into the Unknown'
The Brown Mountain Lights near Morganton will be featured on the Travel Channel's "Into the Unknown," set to premiere next Monday, Aug. 17. "The Brown Mountain Lights" episode is described as "For over a century, people have witnessed strange orb-like lights rise up from the deepest gorges near Brown Mountain, North Carolina. Cliff Simon goes on an eerie recon mission through dangerous terrain to find out the source of the mysterious lights." |
First look, release date for N.C.-filmed 'Uncle Frank'
Amazon Studios has released a first look at the N.C.-filmed feature "Uncle Frank," which the studio acquired earlier this year at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. In addition to the first look - a scene from the actual film, not a trailer - a release date of Nov. 26 has been set for the film on Amazon Prime Video. The project was based in Wilmington and shot in various locations in Bladen, Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, including key scenes taking place at Singletary Lake State Park. The production was a key recruitment "win" for the NC Film Office and a recipient of a rebate from the NC Film and Entertainment Grant. "Uncle Frank" had a direct in-state spend of just more than $4.1 million, while creating 379 job opportunities. View the first look here. |
Research shows one-third travelers expect to travel this fall, discounts aren't appealing right now While the coronavirus is still impacting the number of trips and trip cancellations of American travelers, there has been an uptick in the percentage who have travel plans later in 2020. One-third of travelers in this week's research by Destination Analysts reported that they expect to travel in the fall of this year (up from 30 percent last week). This is despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of American travelers disagree that the virus situation will be resolved by fall. Excitement to travel, and openness towards learning about new travel experiences, increased to early June levels this week.
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Though Americans are slightly less likely to change the type of travel they take after the pandemic as compared to sentiment early in the pandemic, North Carolina is well positioned to welcome visitors when they do begin traveling again. American traveler lifestyle priorities for the next six months closely align with the state's brand. As well, nearly 60 percent of travelers agree that planning a vacation for some time in the next six months will bring them happiness. |
When marketing to potential travelers in the fall and beyond, it is worth noting that discounts are not appealing to most travelers right now. More than 70 percent of travelers noted this week that no discount or price cut would make them more interested in travel at this time. Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink with links to available studies. |
The hotel experience is set to change way beyond cleaning protocols
In its "The hotel experience is set to change way beyond cleaning protocols," Condé Nast Traveler notesthe hotel industry respoded quickly to the threat of the novel coronavirus by introducing a blitz of safety measures." These measures ranged from UV germ zappers to turn-down service with treats in a bag left on the room door handle to face masks for employees. But the most lasting impact of COVID-19 may be a fundamental shift in how people interact in hotels even after the pandemic is over. At the 18 brands within the Hilton portfolio, this may mean leaving handwritten notes on room service trays - which now must be dropped off outside guests' doors, in disposable packaging - to "let guests know we are glad they are here." |
For the week of Aug. 13 on "North Carolina Weekend," the program repeats the episode that originally aired June 11, which highlighted several country stores and markets. Featured sites include DE Turner & Co. Hardware in Mooresville, Historic Thompson's Store in Saluda, Stanfield's General Store in Four Oaks, JR Moore & Son General Store in Gulf, Conrad & Hinkle Food Market in Lexington, and Wilkes County Hardware in North Wilkesboro. (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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