Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners - December 7, 2022
IN THIS ISSUE: * Visit NC webinar tomorrow examines
‘Portrait of the American Traveler’
* North Carolina delegation at
Travel South International Showcase
* International operators tour the state
* Visit NC PR team efforts once again lead to
NC Oyster Trail in the spotlight
Visit NC’s webinar tomorrow examines ‘Portrait of the American Traveler’ For tomorrow’s Visit NC’s monthly webinar, MMGY will join Visit NC's Research team in discussing the latest findings from MMGY's "Portrait of the American Traveler" research. “The Portrait of American Travelers” is a quarterly study on leisure travelers in which Visit NC participates. The webinar findings will focus on those American travelers who intend to take at least one overnight leisure trip during the next 24 months and are interested in visiting North Carolina. The fall wave includes information on barriers to travel, social media habits and vacation motivators. The webinar will be 10 a.m
. tomorrow (Thursday) Click here to register.
North Carolina delegation at Travel South International Showcase
Amanda Baker (lf) meeting with tour
operators
International
Visit NC's Wit Tuttell, Heidi Walters, Margo Metzger and Amanda Baker attended the 9th annual Travel South International Showcase, in Louisville, Ky. last week. Visit NC, along with partners from the Piedmont and Mountain regions, met with international tour operators and media to increase interest in international visitation to North Carolina. Partners included Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Cabarrus County CVB, Greater Raleigh CVB and Nantahala Outdoor Center. The North Carolina delegation was among 200 suppliers at this year's tradeshow, which featured more than 120 international tour operators interested in selling the southern U.S. to international visitors. These international tour operators came from 17 countries
considered to be key and emerging markets for the southern U.S. With the borders open and more international flights coming back to N.C., it’s critical to have the state in front of the trade and media for the upcoming 2023 booking season. More than 920,535 overseas visitors came to North Carolina in 2019. International visitors spend more and stay longer than domestic visitors. For more information on the Visit North Carolina's international marketing program, contact Heidi Walters at (919) 447-7762.
The fam at Grandfather Mountain
International operators tour the state
Following the Travel South International Showcase in Louisville, Ky. last week, Visit NC and partners High Country Host, Blowing Rock TDA, Boone Area VB, Wilkesboro TDA, Cabarrus County CVB and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority hosted 11 travel trade from Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, and U.K., plus a journalist from the U.K., on a familiarization tour. For most, it was their first visit to the state. They will return home and promote areas for their clients.
Visit North Carolina's international efforts are a joint collaboration with destination marketing partners across the state. As part of its international marketing, Visit NC partners with CVBs, attractions and hotels to showcase all that North Carolina has to offer international visitors. Hosting familiarization tours is a successful way that allows tour operators to experience various aspects of the state so they can better promote travel to North Carolina. To learn more about Visit NC's international marketing programs, contact
Heidi Walters at (919) 447-7762.
Visit NC PR team efforts once again lead to NC Oyster Trail in the spotlight
Efforts by Visit NC’s PR team have led to the NC Oyster Trail’s inclusion in Food & Wine’s “These Will Be the Biggest Travel Trends of 2023, According to Experts
." The PR team was contacted by the writer, who asked about 2023 travel trends with a culinary focus, so the team concentrated on trails. Visit NC’s Margo Metzger is quoted in the online article, explaining, “In North Carolina, we see a trend with destinations creating food trails, which direct travelers to authentic dining experiences that reflect local and regional flavors and culture. Recent examples include the N.C. Oyster Trail, a sustainability-focused initiative that builds on the growth in aquaculture and highlights the collaboration between innovative growers and talented chefs.” Foodandwine.com attracts more than 7.9 million unique monthly visitors.
Research shows travel demand remaining robust, despite holiday spending softening
According to recent research from Longwoods International, holiday spending expectations are softening with more than a quarter of American travelers saying they will spend less this year as compared to last year. However, travel demand remains robust with more than 90 percent of travelers with plans to travel in the next six months.
While the impact of gas prices on travel has leveled off, travelers continue to adjust their travel budgets by reducing the number of trips, taking trips closer to home and reallocating travel spend from one category to another.
Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink with links to available studies.
For the week of Dec.7, "North Carolina Weekend” repeats “Savors the Flavors,” which initially aired Nov. 3. Featured segments include The Beefmastor Inn in Wilson; Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham; Old North State Food Hall in Selma; Magnolia 23 in Asheboro; and Buxton Hall Barbecue in Asheville. (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.
Visit North Carolina is part of Economic Development Partners of North Carolina
150 Fayetteville St. Suite 1200 Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601, United States
