| Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners | June 28, 2017 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC helping visitors plan for the total solar eclipse this August * Summer safety resources for industry partners, travelers
* Visit NC media trip leads to Asheville in the spotlight
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 Visit NC helping visitors plan for the total solar eclipse this August
The Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 is right around the corner and Visit NC has a number of initiatives underway to support and promote the spectacular event. Its new Know Before You Go: North Carolina and the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse page on VisitNC.com is the hub for "all things North Carolina Solar Eclipse." It includes safety tips, trip planning and also highlights many of the viewing parties, festivals and events happening in Western North Carolina, including many downstream links to relevant, dynamic partner content. Visit NC is also be promoting a Jebbit quiz - Are You a Total Eclipse Expert? - touting NC as one of the states in the path of totality and allowing users to enter for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view the eclipse from the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Transylvania County. Since not everyone will be able to experience the eclipse in NC, Visit NC is also taking the opportunity to promote several other "dark-sky" adventures visitors can experience in the state this summer and beyond with 10 Dark-Sky Adventures in North Carolina. To ensure Visit NC is reaching potential visitors near and far, all of these efforts are being supported with a variety of paid and organic social posts, as well as promotion within its monthly e-newsletters. |
 Visit NC provides summer safety resources for industry partners, travelers
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Visit NC media trip leads to Asheville in the spotlight
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|  | | A previous TRAC in Creedmoor | |
TRAC coming to Surry County region July 20
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. 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 North Carolina 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. |
| | | The Pine Needles course in Southern Pines |
Explore the NC Donald Ross Golf Experience
With a number of renowned Donald Ross golf courses in North Carolina, Visit NC recently put together the North Carolina Donald Ross Golf Experience on VisitNC.com that provides an overview and links to the many Donald Ross course designs available for resort guests and public play statewide. Just this month, there have been nearly 10,000 page views of the Ross Experience, and site visitors are spending an average of more than six minutes with this content. Among the articles, trip ideas and videos on VisitNC.com, the Ross Experience is complemented by the Donald Ross Golf Getaway suggested itinerary to Pinehurst and Southern Pines. The Ross Getaway trip idea is being showcased this month on contextually relevant sites via Nativo (see demo link here). Additional content will be promoted through the summer and early fall for similar Ross-centered getaways to the Mountains and on the Coast. |
| | | (l-r) Washington TDA's Lynn Wingate, Nabors and Washington/Beaufort County Chamber's Catherine Glover |
Washington becomes the latest addition to Retire NC
Visit NC's Andre Nabors presented the City of Washington with its NC Certified Retirement Community certificate last Thursday. Washington is the 17th community designated for the program. The distinction means the state has certified that Roanoke Rapids has the infrastructure and amenities sought by retirees. In addition, EDPNC/Visit North Carolina will provide promotional assistance to help encourage retirees to visit and relocate to those areas. Washington met a rigorous set of requirements, including a comprehensive community survey and an asset assessment of the community's preparedness for retiree attraction. Now that it has been named a CRC, Washington will work with Visit North Carolina to promote the community as a great relocation destination for retirees through Retire NC and consumer trade shows, such as Ideal Living Resort & Retirement Expo. Washington is the latest community to be designated into the NC Certified Retirement Community Program, joining Asheboro, Eden, Edenton, Jamestown/High Point, Laurinburg/Scotland Co., Lenoir, Lumberton, Marion, New Bern, Pittsboro, Mount Airy, Reidsville, Roanoke Rapids, Sanford/Lee County, Tarboro and Winterville.
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 Gorges State Park included in 'Where to see the solar eclipse'
The Visit NC public relations team worked with a CNN Digital Travel producer on a feature headlined "Where to see the solar eclipse," which included activities at Gorges State Park in Sapphire. In responding to the producer's request for information, the PR team provided a rundown of activities along Western North Carolina's path of totality and followed up with answers to her questions. The article notes the park's early opening (at 5 am) on Aug. 21 to see the eclipse plus Gorges' 2017 Eclipse Family Day on Aug. 20. With eclipse interest rising, Visit North Carolina has posted a "Know Before You Go" page on VisitNC.com. Destination partners are encouraged to enter details about their local eclipse festivities into the VisitNC.com database. For updates to the information on the "Know Before You Go" page, please forward details to media@VisitNC.com. |
 Karate championship expected to bring $1.5 million in visitor spending to Raleigh area
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Karate National Championships & International Cup will be held in Raleigh this week. The week-long event will be contested in 10 rings set up in the Raleigh Convention Center's exhibit hall. The AAU and Raleigh will be welcoming an estimated 1,500 athletes, 400 coaches and officials, plus approximately 3,000 spectators. The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance is projecting direct visitor spending to be nearly $1.5 million. |
 July 4th travel to set new records in 2017
According to projections from AAA, more Americans will travel for the 4th of July holiday than ever before. AAA predicts a record 44.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles away from home, a 2.9 percent increase compared to 2016. An extra-long weekend will contribute to this year's Independence Day travel surge, as the 4th of July falls on a Tuesday; AAA said the holiday weekend is defined as Friday, June 30, to Tuesday, July 4. AAA Carolinas forecasts a record-breaking 1.25 million North Carolinians will travel 50 miles or more away from home. An estimated 1.1 million North Carolinians will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to last year. An additional 94,000 North Carolinians are expected to travel by air to their destinations, a 4.6-percent increase from last year. |
 Vote for Southport for 'Best town for celebrating July Fourth'
Vote for Southport in Coastal Living's contest for "What's the Best Town for Celebrating July Fourth?" Voting in the online contest ends Thursday (tomorrow) at 11:59 pm. |
 'Why the Frying Pan Tower Is the most dangerous hotel in the world'
While the headline is misleading, CNTraveler.com featured Frying Pan Tower in its "Why the Frying Pan Tower Is the Most Dangerous Hotel in the World." The article noted about the former Coast Guard light station, now a B&B, "Whether to disconnect from the tech-dependent chaos of everyday life or to bond with friends and family out at sea, visitors from around the world have scheduled Frying Pan Tower stays since its opening five years ago... Guests can either charter a helicopter based in Southport, North Carolina, which brings them to the Tower helipad in 20 minutes, or they can hire a powerboat or bring their own boat. After a Friday evening arrival, visitors can gaze at the night sky of an incredible constellation showcase and shooting stars. Daytime activities include skeet-shooting biodegradable clays, playing corn hole or billiards, snorkeling or scuba diving the protected reef waters below, and sunbathing on the helipad. Golfers can even tee biodegradable golf balls into the ocean, to the delight of fish (the balls are made of fish food)." |
 New Bern, Pinehurst/Southern Pines among 'Best Small Towns in the South for Retirement'
SouthernLiving.com included New Bern and Pinehurst/Southern Pines in its " Best Small Towns in the South for Retirement." Of New Bern, the article noted, "This coastal Carolina charmer combines architecture and history with outdoors - from famed Tryon Palace to boating, golfing, and antiquing. Just don't ask for a Coke; Pepsi was born here. If you enjoy an active lifestyle and love a coastal environment, put New Bern on your list of towns to check out." The article said of Pinehurst/Southern Pines, "All day, any day. Almost everyone speaks Eagle-Birdie-Bogey here. The equestrian scene is just as strong." |
 Asheville Food & Wine Festival among 50 states' 'Summer Food Festivals'
For its "50 states: 50 summer food festivals," USAToday.com selected the Asheville Food & Wine Festival for North Carolina. The photo gallery noted, "In North Carolina, the Asheville Wine & Food Festival returns August 18-19 at Pack Square Park with a grand tastings, a dessert event and Asheville Cocktail Week." |
 Franklin Area C of C & VC has new location
The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center has a new location. It's moved to 98 Hyatt Road in Franklin (28734). The new space includes expanded merchandise and displays for visitors. Phone numbers and email addresses remain the same. |
| | | (photo courtesy Fountain's LinkedIn page) | |
Fountain presented MPI's RISE Award for Member of the Year
MPI-Carolinas Chapter's Ginny Fountain was presented the RISE Award for Member of the Year. The Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence Award was presented during the MPI World Education Congress last month in Las Vegas, Nev. Fountain is director of meeting planning for the NC Association of Electric Cooperatives. |
 July issue looks at 'Growing up in Carolina'
The July edition of Our State looks at "Growing up in Carolina." "City Portrait" highlights Morehead City; "Hotels & Inns" profiles The Mayton Inn in Cary; "Restaurant" features Lanes Ferry Dock & Grill in Rocky Point; "Wineries & Breweries" visits Eagle Fork Vineyards in Hayesville, and "Bakery" spotlights Sugar Island in Surf City. The July issue is on sale now
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Surveys, Industry, Marketing & Travel Trends Food leads the way as unused spaces morph into new destinations - The way Americans shop is changing, as evidenced by the closure of huge malls and big-box store shopping centers across the country, according to Skift. Casual sit-down restaurants have distanced themselves from these developments as they, too, struggle for survival. And it's definitely not about the traditional and recognizable restaurant brands; instead, food offerings become only one part of a larger concept. While these developments may be a new idea, the underlying concept is the proven formula that restaurants are often a catalyst to breathe new life into distressed or even deserted neighborhoods. Restaurants carry with them a sense of community, serving locals, employing locals, and creating a naturally happy meeting place. Now, at a time when all commerce is shifting to accommodate e-commerce and digital sales, restaurants could be first to usher in a new way of thinking about the spaces where we choose to spend our time. Hotel designers now think about 'Instagram moments' - With the rise of the use of social media by travellers, interior designers consider "Instagram moments" when working on projects, reports HotelierMiddleEast.com. Speaking at a hotel design roundtable, one hotel interior design representative said, "We look at that with every project, and try and find an area that would lend itself to public identity, so you guys end up with a signature." Another added, "This is also where you can guide the client a little bit to spend more money." New DC hotel is amplifying the local startup scene - It's not often that the diplomats and politicians coming through Washington, DC, are able to get the full Washington experience, according to DCInno.com. Sure, maybe they can experience the monuments on their way to the Hill, but it's difficult to make a trip to Compass Coffee, DC Brau and other local stops on the quick in-and-out schedule. That's where The Darcy near Logan Circle hopes to come in. "Everything is very much about being local," said a representative with The Darcy. "I wanted to make sure our hotel guests could get a touch of a local Washingtonian experience." There's the collaboration between [a local distillery that partners with the hotel for its daily cocktail hour in the lobby of the hotel, while [another local vendor] provides the syrup for many of the drinks. Each of the two have their products available in the in-room mini bars for purchase. Then, you have places like [a local] menswear shop. If a guest forgets a tie or cufflink, for instance, they can call down to the front desk receptionist to have a supply of products brought up to their room to try on and borrow for the night. If they like it, they can even buy the product directly through The Darcy. London hotel has a 'meteorologist in residence' - To absolutely guarantee its guests' plans are never ruined by dodgy weather, one London hotel has installed, in a world first, a "meteorologist in residence," reports The Daily Mail. The weather forecaster and presenter who currently appears on Sky News, has been employed by London Marriott Hotel County Hall to steer its guests around the storm clouds. She will create weather dependent itineraries, filled with hand-picked activities suited to those dry and bright mornings or wet and grey afternoons. Not only on-call 24/7 for weather advice, County Hall's meteorologist in residence will also work with the hotel's concierge team to create weather dependent itineraries - whatever the weather. |
Restoring furnishings saves money and protects the environment
Green Lodging News offers information on the positive financial and environmental impacts of refurbishing furniture. As furniture assets can be expensive to replace, hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, historic attractions and other businesses can save a significant amount of money by having their furnishings restored. On average, these businesses can save 70 - 95 percent over the cost of replacing furnishings simply by having those furnishings refinished, reupholstered and refurbished. Many businesses, particularly historic hotels and historic homes, are choosing to not only have their furniture restored, but also doors, antique woodwork and stairways. Most commercial refinishers offer non-toxic, non-flammable, odorless and environmentally safe finishes. Having furnishings restored on-site not only saves money for the business, but it protects the environment by preventing the landfill disposal of old furnishings and avoids the impacts of manufacturing and transporting new furniture. For information about furniture restoration and other environmental impacts in the tourism industry, contact NC GreenTravel Initiative Manager Tom Rhodes at (919) 707-8140. |
| | On North Carolina Weekend for the week of June 29, just for howl of it, visit the wolf-dogs at Full Moon Farm in Black Mountain. Learn about the mysterious carvings at Judaculla Rock in Cullowhee. Enjoy the great outdoors at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain. Discover the Elmwood 1820 Bed and Breakfast Inn in Washington. Step back in time and take a tour of Historic Bath. (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. | Forty-three percent of North Carolina overnight visitors in 2016 lodged in a hotel/motel, while 39 percent stayed in a private home. More than 8 percent stayed in a rental home or condo, while more than 4 percent stayed in a personal second home or condo. Three percent stayed in an RV park or campground. Approximately 2 percent of overnight visitors indicated that they stayed in a shared economy property such as an AirBnB or VRBO. For more North Carolina visitor information, visit the Visitor Profile Studies or contact Tourism Research Director Marlise Taylor at (919) 447-7748. |
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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. |
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