Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners, December 15, 2021 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* 2022 N.C. Travel Guide now available in print, online * Canada’s ‘Morning Show’ highlights N.C., Raleigh, Outer Banks, Brevard |
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2022 N.C. Travel Guide now available in print, online The Official 2022 North Carolina Travel Guide is now available. The publication maps a journey to favorite places, unexpected pleasures and vast opportunities to create lasting memories from first-time experiences. With its appealing mix of destination highlights, historical intrigue and savory stops, the new guide is meant to inspire discovery in mountains retreats, alluring towns, spirited cities and coastal havens. “The best journeys begin with planning and exploring the possibilities,” said Visit NC’s Wit Tuttell. “The new Travel Guide delivers ideas that make the most of moments on the road as well as the rewards of being in choice destinations. We’re excited by the countless ways to forge ‘firsts that last’ with a guide that embraces all 100 counties, which are home hidden gems as well as greatest hits.” To frame the spectrum of travel options, the guide features a different cover for each of the state’s three major regions. For the mountains, a photo of Oxbow River Snorkeling in Lake Toxaway captures a unique view of the French Broad River. Leah & Louise, a celebrated restaurant in Charlotte, draws focus to the culinary appeal found in Piedmont cities. The coastal cover depicts the pleasures of a family getaway at Villa Capriani in North Topsail Beach. Building on the Outdoor NC initiative to promote sustainable enjoyment of natural spaces, the guide highlights such wonders of the wild as migrating sea turtles and tundra swans; steers travelers to several state parks; and points the way to places for paddling and fishing. Special callouts throughout the guide invoke the seven Outdoor NC principles adapted from those of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, an initiative partner. The Official 2020 North Carolina Travel Guide is free. The print edition is available at the state’s nine Welcome Centers or by calling (800) 847-4862 (800-VISIT NC). Readers can also link to VisitNC.com/travel-guides to request a copy, access the digital edition or download a PDF version. Bulk orders of the Travel Guide are available by emailing your request and physical delivery information to Visitor Services Program Manager Wally Wazan at the Call Center. The Travel Guide is available at no cost for distribution by visitor centers, attractions, accommodations and other tourism-related businesses. |
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Canada’s ‘Morning Show’ highlights N.C., Raleigh, Outer Banks, Brevard Visit NC and Corus Tempo Media partnered on a sponsored campaign for “The Morning Show,” a Canadian television show airing nationally on Global and reaching 1.3 million viewers each week. The 5-minute segments featured Wit Tuttell, Visit North Carolina/Raleigh (Dec. 6), Aaron Tuell, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (Dec. 8) and Dee Dee Perkins, DD Bullwinkels/Explore Brevard (Dec. 10). In addition to the broadcast component, the campaign included abranded articleon the best of North Carolina with an interview with Tuttell for GlobalNews.ca, which sees 18 million unique visitors monthly. With the recent opening of the U.S./Canada border, the campaign was targeted toward Canadians who are seeking travel ideas and inspiration. Watch “The Morning Show”Raleigh, Outer Banks, Brevardsegments. |
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Research shows Omicron variant impacting on travel interests, plans Though three-quarters of American travelers report being ready to travel, this is down from 82 percent from mid-October, according to the most recent data from Destination Analysts. More than half of travelers note that the Omicron variant makes them less interested in travel right now, and excitement levels for leisure travel in the next 12 months have declined four percentage points in the last two weeks. |
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While feelings of normalcy have grown, travelers still place heavy importance on the continuation of COVID-19 safety protocols. Nearly three-fourths of travelers say it is either important or very important. |
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Despite increasing concerns about the safety of travel, Americans still plan to travel during the Christmas holiday. About 30 percent plan to travel as compared to 17 percent in 2020. With this travel though, nearly 70 percent of American travelers say they will be more careful during their upcoming trips. |
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Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink with links to available studies. |
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Business North Carolina’s Travel & Tourism roundtable in December issue In its December issue, Business North Carolina magazine offered “Travel and tourism, back to work and play," a roundtable discussion focusing on Travel & Tourism. The magazine brought together six experts and executives to discuss the industry’s recovery since the pandemic’s height, the changes it has to make, the challenges it faces and where it’s headed. The tourism panel was comprised of Visit NC's Wit Tuttell, Pinehurst Resort's Lindsay Cauthen, Visit Winston-Salem's Rich Geiger, Explore Asheville's Vic Isley, Beaufort Hotel's Bucky Oliver, and Visit Greenville's Andrew Schmidt. |
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Holiday travel returning nearly to 2019’s pre-pandemic levels AAA reports more than 109 million people – an almost 34 percent increase from 2020 – will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road, board airplanes or take other transportation out of town between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. That dramatic bounce-back – 27.7 million more people traveling – will bring this year’s numbers to 92 percent of 2019 levels. Road trips remain the top mode of travel during the holidays, with more than 100 million planning to head to their destinations in cars despite gas costing $1.25 per gallon more than a year ago. |
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Cycle NC selects Marshall for 2022 CNC Mountain Ride Cycle NC has selected Marshall as the host for its 2022 Mountain Ride, Aug. 5-7. The 8th annual cycling festival will feature a variety of route options each day that focuses on showcasing the beautiful landscapes that western North Carolina has to offer. The Mountain Ride generally attracts more than 300 participants from more than 20 states. Visit North Carolina is a founding sponsor of Cycle NC's Mountain Ride each August and the Coastal Ride in the spring, and one of the founding sponsors of the Mountains to Coast ride in the fall. |
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‘North Carolina Weekend’ For the week of Dec. 16, "North Carolina Weekend" features segments on Southern Supreme Fruitcake & More in Bear Creek; Toasty Kettlyst Beer Company in Gibsonville; Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse in King; Surry County wineries; and Mike’s Farm in Beulaville. (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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