| Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners | July 5, 2017 |
|
| IN THIS ISSUE:
* TRAC coming to Dobson/Surry County region in two weeks * NOC's opens new aerial playground * NCDOT survey seeking top priorities for public transportation services
|
|
|  | A previous TRAC in Swan Quarter | |
TRAC coming to Dobson/Surry County region in two weeks
On July 20, tourism-related businesses in Dobson and the Surry County regional area - 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 NC's Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC) is a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses. The TRAC event will be held 10 am - 2 pm at The Barn at Heritage Farm, 152 Heritage Farm Lane in Dobson.
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 NC'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 NC and its partners.
Representatives from the EDPNC's BLNC, NC Dept. of Commerce, NC Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources and NC GreenTravel will also be 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 Andre Nabors at (919) 447-7771. |
| | | (photo courtesy NOC's website) |
NOC opens new aerial playground
Last Friday, Nantahala Outdoor Center held a grand opening for its new feature, the Treetop Adventure Nets. The new playground is for ages 2 and older. The ship-themed canopy at NOC's flagship campus near Bryson City is the first 100 percent net-based aerial playground in the United States, according to the NOC. The Treetop Adventure Nets is a fully netted enclosure, allowing participants to enjoy the course without the need for a harness. |
 Raleigh ranked #8 among 'Most Adventurous Cities in America,' 4 others on list
Raleigh was ranked #6 among Men's Health's "Most Adventurous Cities In America." Of Raleigh, the article explained, "Capital City BMX is a bicycle motocross track with multiple courses, ranging from 900 to 1,300 feet. If pedaling isn't your thing and you'd rather get around the old-fashioned way, Dead Broke Farm offers horseback riding on more than 10 miles of trails on its 110-acre farm. Or, keep your feet on the ground on the Neuse River Trail, a 27.5-mile paved pathway that winds along the scenic banks of the Neuse River. In all, Raleigh offers a system of trails that offers up more than 100 miles for running, walking and biking. The water isn't just for show, either. Head to Lake Johnson for some canoeing or paddle boarding." North Carolina had four other cities in the top 100: Charlotte (#33), Durham (#49), Greensboro (#81) and Winston-Salem (#89). |
 Art of Living Retreat Center recognized as Best Detox program
Organic Spa Magazine recognized The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone among its "2017 Top Ten Organic Spa Awards" for Best Detox program. Of Art of Living, the magazine noted, "Commit to an authentic Ayurvedic detox (panchakarma), or the signature Happiness Program, which features breathing exercises, yoga, meditation and shared wisdom, is life-changing. The recently renovated Spa offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments like shirodhara, abhyangha and marma therapy, consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and some of the best and most authentic yoga and meditation teachers anywhere. The cuisine is exclusively vegetarian, much of it from the organic garden on property." The annual list is designed to recognize 10 outstanding spas for their passionate commitment to wellness, sustainability, environmental stewardship and natural and organic living. |
 NCDOT asks residents to take transit survey regarding top priorities for public transportation services
The N.C. Dept. of Transportation is urging residents to take part in a survey to let the department know their top priorities for public transportation services in the state. The survey can be completed online. "Partnerships between the department and local governments, regional authorities and other state agencies have been the source of North Carolina's transit success," a statement from the NCDOT said. Currently under development, the Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan will build upon that work by creating the foundation for reinvigorated state and local transit partnership, the NCDOT said. It is being developed cooperatively with communities across the state, as well as transit users, providers and nonprofits. The final Public Transportation Strategic Plan is expected to be presented to the public, stakeholders and lawmakers in the spring of 2018. |
Going solar: Is it right for your business?
Solar energy is far from a new energy source but for many attractions and accommodations, it remains a mystery. While each property is different, simply contacting a commercial solar installation firm with experience in the tourism industry is a great place to start. A list of North Carolina solar equipment manufacturers and suppliers, solar energy consultants, and installers can be found on the Solar Energy Industries Association website. As with any new strategy, it is always helpful to ask other attractions and accommodations that are already using solar energy how pleased they are with the technology or how they would have done it differently. Green Lodging news has put together a list of hotels using solar energy. The State Energy Program, The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC Sustainable Energy Association, and NC GreenPowerare also available to help with answers about solar energy and if it is right for a business. For more information about renewable energy in tourism, contact NC GreenTravel Initiative Manager Tom Rhodes at (919) 707-8140. |
| | On North Carolina Weekend for the week of July 6, "Collecting Carolina" visits the National Teapot Show at Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor. Experience the NC Polynesian Festival in Jacksonville. Enjoy the great outdoors at Raven Rock State Park in Lillington. Tempt your taste buds at La Strada at Lake Lure. And go along for an unusual tour of the Asheville area with Wild Edible Foraging. (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. | Italian, German and Swiss visitors allocate a larger proportion of total spending on auto rental and gasoline/oil than other international visitors to North Carolina. Canadians spend 7 percent of their spending in-state on gasoline/oil but, as many are drive travelers, have a lower than average percentage of spending on car rentals. For more North Carolina visitor information, visit the Visitor Profile Studies or contact Tourism Research Director Marlise Taylor at (919) 447-7748. |
|
Upcoming Industry Meetings & Events
July 20 - Visit NC's TRAC, Dobson July 23-24 - AENC Annual Meeting, Winston-Salem July 27-28 - MPI-CC Meeting, Winston-Salem Aug. 21-22 - NC Restaurant & Lodging Assn. Expo, Raleigh Aug. 26-29 - US Travel Assn.'s ESTO, Minneapolis, Minn. |
|
|
|
|
