| Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners | January 31, 2018 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC 365 fast approaching
* New York travel show sees strong interest in NC; spots still available to partner with Visit NC at shows in Columbus, Boston * Three Billboards trip itinerary by Visit NC gets international attention
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Visit NC 365 fast approaching Visit NC 365 Conference is quickly approaching; this year it's March 4-6 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. Register online with a rate of $499 through Feb. 14 to avoid late registration charges. This year's schedule is packed with exciting speakers. "Artist for the People" Phil Hansen kick-offs the conference Monday morning. Following the annual Winners Circle Luncheon, Tom Owen presents "The Voice of the Visitor," followed by valuable break-out sessions. On Tuesday morning, Rohit Bhargava offers a compelling presentation focused on inspiring more innovation. Bhargava's keynote precedes the Visit NC Update. Now is a great time to register for the Visit NC 365 conference, March 4-6 at the Benton Convention Center. There's no better opportunity to network with more than 500 of the state's tourism industry leaders and gain insights into North Carolina's growing travel industry. For the Marriott Winston-Salem, book online or call them directly at (336) 725-3500; mention the Visit NC 365 Conference group block for the group rate of $159/night + tax. For the Embassy Suites Winston-Salem, book online or call them directly at (336)-724-2300; mention the Visit NC 365 Conference group block for the group rate of $169/night + tax. Tell Visit NC you've registered by tagging #VisitNC365 and @NCarolinaTourism. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information on the conference, contact Dana Grimstead at (919) 447-7761. |
New York travel show sees strong interest in N.C; spots still available to partner with Visit NC at shows in Columbus, Boston This past weekend, Visit NC attended The New York TimesTravel Show in New York, partnering with Outer Banks VB, Greenville-Pitt County CVB, Reidsville/Rockingham County, New Bern CVC, Smithfield/Johnston County and Crystal Coast Lady Cruises. The booth saw a solid amount of traffic throughout the consumer travel show, which saw an attendance of nearly 30,000 consumers, travel agents, bloggers and travel writers.
Consumer travel shows offer additional opportunities for Visit NC and interested partners to promote travel to North Carolina to potential visitors who are actively looking for travel suggestions and information. Partners interested in participating in future shows with Visit NC should contact Andre Nabors at (919) 447-7771. |
 Three Billboards trip itinerary by Visit NC gets international attention
Visit NC's trip itinerary for locations in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was highlighted by The Guardian, a U.K.-based online publication. The story was the result of the Visit NC PR team's efforts working with the publication, which included connecting NC Film Office Director Guy Gaster with the writer for an interview. The Guardian has more than over 8.2 million monthly visitors to its website. The article was also picked up by the Irish Times. "North Carolina town used in Three Billboards film launches location itinerary" noted "The state tourist board has put together an online trip planner to guide the inquisitive around key shooting (and throwing, fighting and burning) locations.... Sylva's attractions and those of the neighbouring towns of Dillsboro, Maggie Valley and Black Mountain (the latter's North Fork Left Fork road was the site of the now-gone billboards) effectively act as a gateway to some of the state's real blockbuster attractions." |
 Walters discusses Visit NC at Showfest
Visit NC's Director of Partner & Industry Relations Heidi Walters was a breakout speaker at the N.C. Assn. of Festival & Events' ShowFest 2018 in Charlotte last Sunday. Walters presented various ways attendees can work with Visit NC to create awareness and interest in their events, in addition to marketing considerations.. |
| | | A previous TRAC in Dunn |
TRAC coming to Roxboro/Person County region Feb. 22
On Feb. 22, tourism-related businesses in the Person County region - including the surrounding counties - will have an opportunity to work with Visit North Carolina staff to learn about its research, development and marketing services, and discuss best practices in reaching travelers, the media and increasing tourism visitation and spending. Visit North Carolina's Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC), a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses, will be held 10 am - 2 pm at the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex at 213 N. Main St. in Roxboro. The session is being held in partnership with the Person County TDA. There is no charge to attend, no reservation is required, and there are no PowerPoint presentations. This is a come-when-you-can/stay-as-long-as-you'd-like event opportunity for all tourism-related businesses to meet one-on-one with program managers to discuss better ways to promote their property or event. TRAC brings Visit North Carolina's program managers to local communities to discuss the nuts and bolts of working with the organization. This invaluable program is designed to help tourism-related businesses engage more fully with programs offered by Visit North Carolina and its partners.
Representatives from the EDPNC's BLNC, N.C. Welcome Centers/Visitor Services, N.C. State Parks, Agritourism, and NC GreenTravel are often on hand to discuss services they can provide businesses, including strategic planning, assisting with identifying funding sources and serving as liaisons with other local, state and federal agencies. For additional information on this session or to learn more about scheduling a TRAC visit to your community, contact André Nabors at (919) 447-7771. |
 AVL bests passenger record in 2017, up 50 percent in past five years
The Asheville Regional Airport said Tuesday (yesterday) it saw the most annual passengers in its history in 2017 with 956,634 passengers. It is the fourth consecutive year the airport has broken its record for passenger utilization, up more than 15 percent from 2016 totals and 50 percent higher than in 2012. The airport attributes the record to expanded services offered by airlines servicing it, most notably by United Airlines, which recorded an 87 percent increase in seats on the market there compared to 2016. |
 Canyon Kitchen among 'Most romantic restaurants'
For its "Most Romantic Restaurant in Every State," Food & Wine selected Canyon Kitchen in Cashiers as its North Carolina selection. Of Canyon Kitchen, the article explained, "Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains-and framed by verdant forests and meadows encircled by thousand-foot cliffs-is Canyon Kitchen. Take in the views, with a cocktail in hand, on the restaurant's front porch before your meal, or step into the backyard-a manicured garden-for a nightcap under the starry night sky." |
 Blackbeard's death among 'Ten major anniversaries worth traveling for this year'
Smithsonian magazine included the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard's death in its online article "Ten major anniversaries worth traveling for this year." With a brief history, Smithsonian.com noted, "2018 marks the 300th anniversary of this storied encounter; North Carolina is without a doubt the place to be for pirate enthusiasts this year. Stroll the wild, undeveloped beaches of Ocracoke Island's Cape Hatteras National Seashore, break a sweat in the Blackbeard Half Marathon on April 29, or join Blackbeard's Pirate Jamboree in late October, which promises a "historically accurate pirate encampment" and a reenactment of Blackbeard's final battle. Artifacts from Blackbeard's sunken flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, will also be touring museums and other public North Carolina venues across the entirety of 2018, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort will be offering young kids a thematic pirate adventure all their own." In addition, 2018 marks the its 50th anniversary of the creation of the National Trails System, which includes the Appalachian Trail. |
 'Made in North Carolina: Flavors only found in Raleigh'
USA Today's Travel - Food and Wine section offered "Made in North Carolina: Flavors only found in Raleigh." The article explained, "At restaurants like Brewery Bhavana, employees feel like family, and it's evident the minute you walk into the stunning space that feels more like a movie set than a brewery. Employees chat while carefully curating a stunning bouquet or peruse a beautifully bound book with a customer. It's unlike anywhere else in America. [AC Restaurants owner and chef Ashley] Christensen says that's what makes Raleigh, N.C.'s eateries different from all the other thoughtful chef-driven restaurants opening across the country - the growth of the restaurant community is happening with a collective conscience.... The word community is used a lot when talking about Raleigh, N.C.'s food and drink scene. From cocktail bars to coffee shops to breweries, there's a huge sense of people coming together in the city to make business successful." The online article also provided a 51-picture photo gallery. |
 February offers the 'Aviation Issue'
The February issue of Our State magazine is the "Aviation Issue," with a photo essay spotlighting small airfields, aviation museums and notable fare, plus several aviation-in-N.C.-related articles. "Restaurant" features The Brass Lantern in Dunn and "Farm Tour" visits Rising Meadow Farm in Liberty. The February issue is available now. |
How to create a recycling program
The easiest way to start a sustainability program at a hotel, restaurant, attraction, or other tourism-oriented business, is to begin with recycling. There are a few guidelines to follow when designing a program. Begin by selecting a person to become the recycling coordinator; that person will help design the program and see that it runs smoothly. Next, decide which materials you want to collect and determine if it is best to source-separate materials or commingle the. Your waste service provider may be able to provide recycling services. Otherwise, you can also select from a variety of recycling companies in the N.C. Recycling Markets Directory. Purchase recycling bins and clearly mark them, or better yet, repurpose trash cans to become recycling collection containers. Pair those recycling bins with waste receptacles to help prevent contamination. Once established, the business should monitor the success and share with its employees. If a business would like to begin a recycling program,contact NC GreenTravel Initiative manager Tom Rhodes at (919) 707-8140. |
| | For the week of Feb. 1 on North Carolina Weekend,check out the 11th Annual Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley in Cashiers. Get your toes a-tappin' at the Muddy Creek Café and Music Hall in Winston-Salem. Explore art and afternoon tea at the Umstead Hotel in Cary. Discover the historic Turnage Theater in Washington. And the "House Special" samples the fare at the Blowing Rock Ale House in Blowing Rock. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) North Carolina Weekend is underwritten by Visit North Carolina. In addition, UNC-TV has made recent editions of North Carolina Weekendavailable online. | Ninety-three percent of all domestic visitors (91 percent of overnight visitors), came to the Mountain Region for pleasure purposes, while nearly six percent of all visitors (6 percent of overnight visitors) came to conduct business (includes meeting/convention). For more North Carolina visitor information, visit Visitor Profile Studies or contact Marlise Taylor at (919) 447-7748. |
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Upcoming Industry Meetings & Events
Feb. 5 - NCRLA Annual Meeting, Raleigh Feb 7 - NC Travel & Tourism Board Meeting, Cary Feb 21, 22 - HSMAI-NC "Building the Sales Pipeline," Charlotte (21), Durham (22) Feb. 22 - Visit NC's TRAC, Roxboro March 6 - NC Sports Association Quarterly Meeting, Winston-Salem March 15-16 - MPI-CC Meeting, Raleigh |
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