Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners, June 2, 2021 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* Count On Me NC and Racecar Sunny part of NASCAR race weekend * Tourism Promotion Grant the foundation for Telly Award-win for Camden County TDA * The Sanderling among National Doughnut Day article featuring hotels’ homage * Visit NC PR efforts help N.C. lighthouses shine |
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Count On Me NC and Racecar Sunny part of NASCAR race weekend During the Memorial Day weekend, Visit NC participated in the Coca-Cola 600 to support theBringing Summer Back COVID-19 vaccination campaign spearheaded by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. To encourage race fans to get vaccinated, Visit NC extended its previous Count On Me NC brand partnerships with Charlotte Motor Speedway and Richard Petty Motorsports by aligning messaging with the ambassador, “Racecar Sunny.” During the course of race weekend in Concord, a prominent billboard at Turn 3 reminded 50,000 attendees and more than 4 million TV viewers, “You have a spot…Take your shot” and a PSA featuring “The King” himself aired on the Speedway’s Jumbotron. Social media support from VisitNC and all brand partner channels rounded out the effort to get friends and neighbors vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are critical for travel industry recovery – that’s why Visit NC signed on to the Bringing Summer Back vaccination initiative. It’s fun, flexible, community-centered approach aligns seamlessly with the Count On Me NC campaign to help stop the spread of COVID-19. |
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Visit NC’s Wit Tuttell was interviewed by Winston-Salem’s WXII-TV, which produced “'The more visitors we bring to the state, the more they spend': Summer travel could bring big economic boost to NC.” The story explained, “After what was a busy holiday weekend for many families across the Piedmont Triad, local advocates for recreation and tourism in the state are hopeful interest in getting out – and spending dollars – only grows. Tuttell said the state suffered a roughly $10 billion deficit in visitor spending, dropping from $29 billion to about $19 billion. "It essentially took us back a decade when it comes to visitor spending,"' he said. VisitNC launched its “Get back to a better place” initiative that is focused on promoting recreation, activities, trips and destinations within the state in hopes of encouraging visitors – both in state and out – to come to North Carolina and spend. “The idea of this campaign is getting out and seeing things and getting back to those North Carolina attractions. It’s going to put you in a better place not just physically but mentally as well,” Tuttell said. Piedmont Triad International Airport’s Kevin Baker was also interviewed for the story. Baker said the hope is that when the recreational travel drops when school returns, business travelers will make up for lost revenue. |
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The Camden County TDA was awarded a Telly Award for Online Commercials – Campaign Branding for its “Camden County Wide Open Spaces.” The campaign was initially made possible for the Camden County TDA due to receiving a Tourism Promotion Grant, which was utilized for promotional materials to engage the traveling public and boost tourism. Honoring excellence in video and television across all screens since 1979, the Telly Awards are judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies. |
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The Sanderling among National Doughnut Day article featuring hotels’ homage Forbes included The Sanderling Resort in Duck in its “Celebrate National Doughnut Day At 6 Hotels That Honor The All-Mighty Sweet Treat,” spotlighting hotels that are paying homage to the tasty treat. Visit NC’s PR team worked with the freelance writer for the online article, which also led with a photo of The Sanderling’s special themed guest room. The article noted, “No hotel has gone as far as The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina. Located on the Outer Banks and [the original] home to national doughnut chain, Duck Donuts, guests can sleep in a doughnut-themed guest room. In partnership with Duck Donuts, the special room is decked out in sweetness with doughnuts appearing on the bedding, artwork, rainbow sprinkle-themed curtains and wall decor." In addition to including doughnuts, guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at how doughnuts are made at the local Duck Donuts store. The guest room is part of the special, limited-time “Sweet Escapes” package. Forbes.com garners more than 24.3 million unique monthly visitors. |
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Several North Carolina lighthouses were included in Recreation News’ "Lighthouses Fascinate Visitors of All Ages." Visit NC’s PR worked with the writer for photography and a list of N.C. lighthouses and contact information for the piece. The article noted, in part, “Before radar and depth finders, lighthouses were used as navigational aids along shorelines of oceans, rivers, lakes, bays and harbors around the world – anywhere commercial and non-commercial boat and ship traffic moved. The Mid-Atlantic offers myriad lighthouse designs and historical sites to tour. Probably the most recognizable is Cape Hatteras (1870), the tallest U.S. brick lighthouse that just celebrated its 150th anniversary. Located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the conical-shaped black and white swirl design rises 210 feet or 257 steps for climbers who ascend to the light. The Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea is adjacent to the lighthouse. Among the other notable Outer Banks lighthouses are Currituck Beach (1875), Roanoke Marshes (1877), Bodie Island (1872), Ocracoke (1823) and Cape Lookout (1857).” Recreation News is a monthly tabloid newspaper with a circulation of 100,000. |
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Downtown Concord was used as New York City circa early 1970s this past weekend, reported WBTV in Charlotte. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is filming in the Charlotte area until late June. Based on the 1970 Judy Blume novel, the film stars Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates; it’s expected to be released in 2022. According to the N.C. Film Office, the project was approved for an N.C. Film and Entertainment grant of $7 million. Its direct in-state spend is expected to be more than $48 million. |
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Research shows travelers ready for events but more for outdoor vs. indoor events Travel sentiment regarding COVID reached record levels this week, reported Destination Analysts in its most recent survey data. Concern about personally contracting the virus dropped 10 percentage points this week and is at its lowest level of 43.3 percent. Concern about the pandemic’s impact on personal finances and the national economy also hit record lows this week. Lack of confidence in the safety of travel is now only at 16 percent of American travelers, with just a quarter of travelers who indicate they would feel guilt traveling right now. |
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While the majority of American travelers are in a readiness mindset with regards to travel in general (78 percent), somewhat fewer are ready to attend large festivals and events. Outdoor events are more attractive to travelers than indoor events (71 percent vs. 58 percent). Despite the readiness of travelers to attend events, whether indoor or outdoor, it is important for event organizers to recognize that visitors desire protocols at such events, such as attendance limits, social distancing, mask requirements and plentiful hand-sanitizing stations and enhanced cleaning. |
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While a large proportion of American travelers (45 percent) still say they will be unlikely to attend a conference or convention until the pandemic has ended, nearly half (42 percent) of American travelers also report that they would be happy if asked to attend a conference or convention later this year. |
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Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink with links to available studies. |
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N.C. has two among Dr. Beach's '2021 Top 10 Beaches'
N.C. has two beaches among the 2021 Top 10 Beaches. Determined by "Dr. Beach," a.k.a. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, the annual ranking rates beaches on criteria such as water and sand quality as well as safety and environmental management. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach was ranked #3. Of the Ocracoke selection, Dr. Beach explained, “Ocracoke, once the home of Blackbeard the pirate, is still a special place – it is my favorite getaway beach. Here you will find some of the wildest beaches in the country. Big surf dominates in late summer so families with children may want to come earlier in the year. Don’t expect to play golf or stay at the Ritz; the main pursuits are swimming and beachcombing.”
Lighthouse Beach (pictured above) in Buxton ranked #5. Of the selection, it was noted, “Lighthouse Beach is where the old spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse once stood until it was moved landward in 1999 because of beach erosion. This lifeguarded beach is the number one surfing spot on the U. S. Atlantic Coast as the large offshore sand banks, known as Diamond Shoals, cause wave refraction focusing wave energy on this beach. It is fun to stroll down to the Cape Point where a long sand spit often exists, making one feel somewhat like Moses because the waves are coming from both directions as you walk along this narrow string of sand in the ocean.” |
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TheU.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks in the Southern states and beyond that played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1950s and 1960s, shifting the course of history. The program is currently accepting applications for the consideration of additional sites for the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The deadline for applications is July 15. To learn more and to apply, click here. Each application is recommended to have a signed letter from the state tourism director; for North Carolina, that would be Wit Tuttell with Visit North Carolina. |
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USDA seeking applications for placemaking grants to spur economic growth and community development in rural America The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week it is accepting applications for eligible entities to provide planning, training and technical assistance to rural communities to foster placemaking activities. USDA is making up to $3 million in cooperative agreement grants available under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC). Eligible entities may use the funds to help rural communities create plans to enhance capacity for broadband access; preserve cultural and historic structures; and support development in transportation, housing, and recreational spaces. The technical assistance will support the development of actionable plans based on convening partners and identifying community needs that enable rural areas to build back better and stronger. The technical assistance must provide support to rural communities for up to two years. Public or private groups, organizations or institutions that demonstrate experience in providing placemaking technical assistance and administering federal grants are eligible to apply. |
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Haze Gray Vineyards featured in 'Military family starts winery and hires veterans' Haze Gray Vineyards in Dobson was featured by Fox News’ “Cavuto Live” in its "Military family starts winery and hires veterans." The coverage interviewed owners Deane and Becky Muhlenberg for their intent to hire workers that are veterans. Becky mentioned Surry Community College's Viticultural program as useful in helping connect the winery with veterans, too. As Deane served 30 years in the military, supporting veterans is important to the winery. They noted more visitors are returning to their tasting room as people are seeking to get out but most North Carolina still prefer to stay in the state. |
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Chimney Rock State Park among best state parks In its “The Best State Park in Every State,” Travel + Leisure selected Chimney Rock State Park for the North Carolina designation. Of the selection, the article explained, “Near Asheville, North Carolina, a 315-foot monolith of granite – named Chimney Rock – makes up the backbone of this state park. But while Chimney Rock may be the park's namesake, the real draw is the park's 404-foot waterfall and occasional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” |
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‘North Carolina Weekend’
For the week of June 3, "North Carolina Weekend" showcases sites in “The Foothills.” Segments feature The Reeves Theatre & Cafe in Elkin; Fading D Farm in Salisbury; Traphill; and Wilkesboro; plus Childress Vineyards in Lexington and JOLO Winery in Pilot Mountain. (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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