Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC Partners - August 1, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC webinar next week: ‘Crisis Communications & Issue Management Best Practices’
* NC-filmed ‘Greedy People’ releases trailer, in theaters Aug. 23
* Gaster talks film in NC at SEDC Annual Conference
* AHLA launches Hospitality Law Database for hoteliers
Visit NC webinar next week: ‘Crisis Communications & Issue Management Best Practices’
For Visit NC's August webinar next week, "Crisis Communications & Issue Management Best Practices," partners will learn how Visit NC and its agency partners manage responses to natural disasters and crises statewide, collaborating with officials to provide visitors with timely information. Partners will also be able to discover how local DMOs can communicate area-specific updates to Visit NC as well. Additionally, insight will be shared on Visit NC's protocol for addressing political issues, travel boycott threats, and other sensitive topics during this election year. Attendees will also gain insights into effectively handling visitor, local, and media inquiries across their own social media, websites, and with media outlets. The webinar will
be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8. Click here to register.
NC-filmed ‘Greedy People’ releases trailer, in theaters Aug. 23
An official trailer for the NC-filmed feature film “Greedy People” has been released. The production filmed primarily in and around Southport, as well as parts of New Hanover County in 2022. The feature is slated to open in theaters on Aug. 23, the movie follows the residents of a small island town who must navigate a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars, all of which leads to a series of bad decisions that upend a once peaceful community. According to audits submitted to the NC Department of Commerce, “Greedy People” had a direct in-state spend of more than $6.1 million View the trailer
here (note: viewer discretion is advised due to language).
Gaster talks film in NC at SEDC Annual Conference
NC Film Office director Guy Gaster joined representatives from Georgia, Arkansas and Louisiana for a panel that highlighted film as a catalyst for economic development earlier this week in Savannah, Ga. at the Southern Economic Development Council’s annual conference. While offering specifics about film’s impact in North Carolina, Gaster and the other panelists also talked about job creation, how projects can shine a spotlight on a community and offered examples of when productions have helped in the revitalization of an area. This year’s SEDC had more than 600 attendees.
AHLA launches Hospitality Law Database for hoteliers
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has launched its Hospitality Law Database, which gives hoteliers quick access to a nationwide compendium of state and local laws that impact hotel operations. This new online tool will help hotel owners, managers, human resources professionals, lawyers and others navigate and abide by the ever-changing patchwork of state and local laws that affect the hotel industry. Tracking laws across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the top 25 U.S. hotel markets, AHLA's growing Hospitality Law Database makes it easy to filter hotel-related laws by both topic and jurisdiction. AHLA members and others can access the database
via this link.
Avelo Airlines bringing six new flights to Concord
Avelo Airlines has announced six new, nonstop flights to Concord-Padget Regional Airport (USA) in Concord. Starting Oct. 24, Avelo begins service to USA from Lakeland (Fla.) Linder International Airport (LAL). Starting Nov. 7, service starts to Concord from Albany (N.Y.) International Airport (ALB), Manchester (N.H.)-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), and Bradley International Airport (BDL) near Hartford, Conn. On Nov. 8, service begins to USA from Wilmington (Del.) Airport (ILG) and from Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester (NY) International Airport (ROC).
GalaxyCon inks longterm deal with Raleigh Convention Center
Last week, at the onset of GalaxyCon's four-day festival in Raleigh, GalaxyCon's owner inked a deal to keep the convention there until 2031 and Animate! until at least 2030, reported Axios. The convention for comic books, sci-fi and video game lovers, and its sister conference Animate!, which debuted last year, are two of downtown Raleigh's biggest annual events. Last year's GalaxyCon had more than 50,000 attendees and an economic impact of more than $8.5 million, according to the Greater Raleigh CVB.
Ad sales open for the Guide to Birding in North Carolina
Ad sales have begun for the Guide to Birding in North Carolina, which is available for download via VisitNC.com. According to the National Ocean Service,, 45 million Americans participate in birdwatching. Advertising cost for the third edition of the statewide digital publication is $1,700 for a full-page ad and full-page of editorial; $950 for a half-page ad and half-page of editorial. The ad deadline for this year’s edition is Nov. 12. The publisher, Executive Media Global, can also design your ad. For more information or to sign up, contact Randy Reagor at (904) 393-7968.
Wilmington featured in ‘Time and Tide’
In its August issue, Travel + Leisure offered “Time and Tide” (online as "I've Lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, for 20 Years – Here's Why I Recommend Travelers Visit
"). The locally based journalist included several landmarks, plus offered suggestions for where to stay, where to eat and what to do. He offered, in part, “even if the city’s identity is fuzzy, there is an undeniable charm that may owe its existence to precisely that quality. Wilmington does not brand itself as aggressively as many other Southern coastal cities. It has chill, as the kids say these days. If you want to get to know it, you have to explore it some. The exploration is worth it.”
Ocracoke among ‘8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture’
Outside magazine include Ocracoke in its “8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture
.” Of the inclusion, the article explained, in part, "All of the surf on Ocracoke is beach break, and the sandbars are constantly shifting, so it’s hard to point you to one specific spot. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, two miles south of the village, has a guard on duty and, thanks to that added safety net, is the best place to get in the water as someone who is new to the sport. But if you’re an experienced surfer and have 4WD you can cruise the beach looking for your own personal break. The surf is best in the fall and winter, but you can find good conditions year round.”
Local Hidden Gem: Zelda Dearest in Asheville
In its Local Hidden Gems series, USA Today spotlighted Zelda Dearest in Asheville in its "We visited Asheville and bypassed North Carolina's chain hotels for this quirky, local gem
." The article noted, in part, [Zelda] Fitzgerald's presence and legacy are felt throughout the property. From the original bold and colorful artwork lining the walls to the art deco vibe and wonderfully charming uses of shades of purples, blush pinks and blacks throughout, the world's original flapper – and wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald – now has a permanent home perched atop a tree-lined hillside just outside of town.”
Surveys, Industry, Marketing & Travel Trends
TikTok's “Soft Travel” Trend – HuffPost, in its "You Should Absolutely Try TikTok's 'Soft Travel' Trend For Your Next Trip
," reported “If you’re on the travel side of TikTok, you may have come across topics like ‘soft life,’ ‘soft travel’ or ‘soft life travel.’ In these videos, viewers often see beautiful, bright images of beaches, flowy dresses and coffee mugs sitting by a window. Many creators are embracing this lifestyle-turned-travel trend. It originated from the idea of living the ‘soft life,’ as named and popularized by Nigerian influencers and Black women. Basically, it means living in a way that’s less stressful, less busy and more fulfilling… Explained one expert, "This type of approach 'allows individuals to rest and disconnect from the stress of their everyday lives. Not only does it promote physical relaxation,
but [it] also [benefits] mental health.' Managing stress can help you sleep better, feel happier, have less muscle tension and get along better with loved ones… pleasurable, relaxing activities (and fully immersing yourself in them without rushing) can give you a mental break."
Why people are going into debt to travel – In its “‘I don’t have a budget’: Why people are going into debt to trave
l," CNN noted a 2023 study from WalletHub, which reported 25 percent of Americans say it’s worth going into debt for a good vacation. One author explained, “We wouldn’t have been able to predict it, the way the pandemic affected different generations in different ways, but the idea that our friends matter, living life matters, how important living a good life is – that has led to a change in how people spend their money. When you’re young, you don’t have money to shift into another area, but you can say, ‘I’ll think about this later and live my best life right now.’” One expert added "that social media has changed the way many people think about travel. Digital nomads, influencers and content creators make it look
like traveling full-time is accessible for everyone."
August issue highlights performing arts, state toast
For its August edition, Our State magazine spotlights the state’s performing arts, along with a photo essay to the state toast. “Quirky Detour” visits Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana in Murfreesboro; “Restaurants” highlights Happy Place Barn and Grill in Glenville; and “Festival” celebrates Lincolnton Pirate Day. The August issue is available now.
For the week of Aug. 1, "North Carolina Weekend” offers “Mountain Splendor,” which originally aired May 2. Featured segments include Old Orchard Creek Farm in Lansing; Iron Key Brewing Co. in Columbus; Merrill Mischief and Little Guatemala, both in Morganton; and Pisgah Fish Camp in Pisgah Forest. (Check local listings, as 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.
Visit North Carolina is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
150 Fayetteville St., Ste 1200, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601, United States
