Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC Partners - January 18, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE: * Visit NC Tourism Conference Xpress Keynote speaker to discuss owned media strategies
* Visit NC PR pitches pay off with placements for Cataloochee Ranch, Outer Banks, Asheville
* North Carolina promoted at New Jersey expo
Visit NC Tourism Conference keynote speaker to discuss owned media strategies
Marketing has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, rendering traditional paid media strategies less and less effective. In today's landscape, it's all about building influence over an audience or community. Adam Stoker is the CEO/president of tourism marketing agency Relic, host of the Destination Marketing Podcast
and author. In his Xpress Keynote presentation, “Building Your Audience Through Owned Media,” Stoker aims to be a guiding light for destination organizations, unveiling the power of leveraging owned media to cultivate engaged audiences that evolve into thriving, active communities. This essential shift in strategy not only guarantees a sustainable utilization of marketing resources but also equips destinations to keep pace with the remarkably successful tactics employed by organizations beyond the tourism sector. Stoker's talk will help you discover how to revitalize your marketing approach, foster community engagement, and ensure your destination stands out in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.
Registration is openfor the Visit NC Tourism Conference, at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, March 17-19. The annual conference brings together tourism industry leaders for educational sessions and insightful programming. It provides opportunities to catch up on the latest trends and issues facing the travel industry and gain insights from industry experts.
Hotel room blocks were secured at three properties connected to/adjacent from the convention center. While the Hilton is sold out, hotel rooms remain available at the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn. Click here for hotel block information.
Visit NC PR pitches pay off with placements for Cataloochee Ranch, Outer Banks, Asheville
Thanks to responsive pitching from Visit NC’s PR team, Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley was featured in the New York Post’s “From Florida to Washington, brand new hotels across the nation to check out in 2024.” The coverage highlighted the return of the storied property and its redesigned spaces. NYPost.com has a reach of more than 54 million unique monthly visits.
From the opposite side of the state, Stacker.com included the Outer Banks in its “8 of the best US destinations for a multigenerational vacation.” The post cited birdwatching, lighthouse viewing and the Wright Brothers National Memorial among the draws. In addition to 366,077 unique monthly visits to Stacker.com, the Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune and other outlets also published the roundup.
Asheville made Travel Noire’s “Best Babymoon Destinations for a Peaceful and Accommodating Trip.” The coverage focused on scenic beauty, downtown and the Biltmore estate with lodging recommendations for the Inn on Biltmore Estate and the Princess Anne Hotel. Travel Noire reaches 339,687 unique monthly visits.
North Carolina promoted at New Jersey expo
Visit NC's André Nabors, along with partners from Edenton and New Bern, promoted North Carolina as a retirement destination at the Ideal-Living Resort & Retirement Expo in Parsippany, N.J. this past weekend. The Expo drew more than 800 potential retirees from the region who were interested in exploring opportunities and conversing with exhibitors from across the Southeast. Attendees talked with experts from towns and community developers to gain insights and get answers to help plan, design and enjoy their retirement. North Carolina has consistently been one of the most requested states by the attendees. Visit North Carolina attended the Expo to continue its efforts to promote the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program, which consists of Carteret County, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Jamestown/High Point, Johnston County, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Lumberton, Marion, Mount Airy, New Bern, Reidsville, Roanoke Rapids, Salisbury, Tarboro, Vance County, Washington, and Winterville. For more information about the Certified Retirement Community Program or Visit North Carolina's marketing initiatives for retirement relocation, contact Andre Nabors at (919) 447-7771.
Vote for N.C. sites among ‘Best of museums’
North Carolina has two sites that are nominated among different categories as part of USA Today’s 10Best’s “Best of museums.” Daily online voting is open until noon on Feb. 12.
Asheville in the spotlight, including restauranteur and his Wooden Nickel program
“CBS Mornings” on Monday spotlighted Asheville with a visit by correspondent David Begnaud for its new, unnamed series. The segment has Begnaud doing an impromptu visit to a town with the task of finding a compelling story within 48 hours. After visiting a few sites in Asheville, including Biltmore, Begnaud found Steven Goff, owner of the Tastee Diner. In addition to learning Goff’s backstory, his Wooden Nickel program was also featured, which helps provide a meal to those in need. View the segment here.
For the week of Jan. 18, "North Carolina Weekend” repeats the episode “Spirited Destinations,” that originally aired Oct. 19. Featured segments include Olde Raleigh Distillery in Zebulon; Biltmore Winery in Asheville; ZincHouse Winery & Brewery in Durham; Point Lookout Vineyards in Hendersonville; Casita Brewing Company in Wilson; and The RailYard in Elkin. (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 the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
150 Fayetteville St., Ste 1200, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601, United States
