Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC Partners - June 6, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE: * Media tour yields Pinehurst coverage on the eve of the U.S. Open
* U.S. Travel brings Travel Works Roadshow to Charlotte
* Esports Summits come to Raleigh
* Visit NC’s June webinar next week showcases Outdoor NC, Trail Town Stewardship Program
Media tour yields Pinehurst coverage on the eve of the U.S. Open
Garden & Gun has posted a pair of articles resulting from an April media tour organized by the Visit NC PR team. “What’s New – and What’s Never Changing – at Pinehurst” tapped into the history of the resort from its founding in 1895 by James Walker Tufts to the recent opening of Golf House Pinehurst as a second headquarters for the U.S. Golf Association. The article took in Donald Ross’s celebrated No. 2 course, the newly added No. 10 course from Tom Doak and other Pinehurst experiences. The same writer also posted “
Larry Goins, the Friendliest Face of Pinehurst," a profile of the longtime bag drop greeter, who has done the honors for Fuzzy Zoeller, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and scores of other greats. The coverage comes in advance of the U.S. Open, which takes place June 10-16 on Pinehurst No. 2. The Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen Area CVB was a partner for the media tour. Garden & Gun attracts 445,662 unique monthly visitors.
Elsewhere, reactive pitching from the PR team led to these placements:
–TravelNoire.com: The Outer Banks was one of “10 Places In The USA To Visit In June,” noted for its pristine beaches, rich history and coastal charm. The publication attracts 347,019 unique monthly visitors.
– TravelPulse.com: “Every State's Best June Events in 2024” highlighted the Carolina Beach Music Festival, the High Country Jazz Festival in Boone, the Blueberry Festival in Burgaw and the Rogallo Kite Festival in Nags Head. Travel Pulse reaches 274,060 unique monthly visitors.
U.S. Travel brings Travel Works Roadshow to Charlotte
Last week, the U.S. Travel Association brought its Travel Works Roadshow
to Charlotte to put a spotlight on the value the travel industry has to the Queen City and the state at large. Visit NC's Scott Peacock spoke at the event alongside the U.S. Senator Ted Budd, Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Danté Anderson, U.S. Travel's Geoff Freeman and Tori Barnes, CRVA's Steve Bagwell and Gina Sheridan, and other notable representatives. Peacock delivered a "State of the Industry" and discussed the importance of the Charlotte region in the broader statewide tourism landscape.
(photo courtesy Jared
Wickerham)
Two Esports Summits come to Raleigh
Last week, Visit NC’s Amanda Baker attended the Esports Travel Summit in Raleigh. The Esports Travel Summit is one of the largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers and the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. Baker took appointments during the marketplace with event producers; in one session, “Destination/Supplier Track: Esports as Economic Development,” she discussed sharing the ins and outs behind North Carolina being the first state to offer incentives for esports events held in the state.
Following that summit was the inaugural NC Esports Summit, also in Raleigh. There, destination organizations, parks and recreation groups, venues and educational institutions from across the state gathered to learn from industry experts and institutional leaders and to discover how to navigate the esports ecosystem in their community. Visit NC’s Amanda Baker spoke about “Supporting NC Esports with Purpose”; she was also on a panel that explored the impact of the state’s Esports Incentive Grant program.
For more information about North Carolina’s Esports Industry Grant, visit SportsNC.com.
Visit NC’s June webinar next week showcases Outdoor NC, Trail Town Stewardship Program
For its June webinar next week, Visit NC's Partner & Industry Relations team will share information on the latest advancements with Outdoor NC and the launch of the Trail Town Stewardship Program and Guide. In the inaugural year, 15 partners were enrolled in the Trail Town program. The webinar will provide a recap of the program's progress, delve into program outcomes, and outline the upcoming release of the trail guide and enrollment details for the next cohort of Trail Towns. The Great Trail State Coalition will also join the webinar and provide an update on what's next for trails around the state. The webinar will be next Thursday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Click here to register.
Visit NC’s Tuttell discusses tourism on ‘Carolina Business Review’
Visit NC’s Wit Tuttell and Discover South Carolina’s Duane Parrish are on the most recent episode of “Carolina Business Review.” Per the programming information, “A recent poll found more than 40% of people plan to spend less money on travel this year. After record years for tourism revenues, what can we expect in this year's tourist season? What are the challenges going to be?” Tuttell and Parrish joined moderator Chris Williams to discuss trends and issues. (Check local listings; when available, the episode will be online here.)
Catawba Falls Trail reopens at Old Fort
After two years of eagerly awaited renovations, the Catawba Falls Trail in Old Fort reopened its gates to the public on May 31. The ribbon cutting was attended by community members and dignitaries. Deputy Under Secretary Meryl Harrell of the USDA delivered the keynote address, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made the trail's revitalization possible. Joining her were representatives from the US Forest Service, McDowell County officials, NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson, Visit NC’s Heidi Walters, and representatives from the offices of US Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, as well as NC Senator Chuck Edwards. The renovations included new boardwalks and the installation of 580 steps leading up to the Upper Catawba Falls. These improvements create a safer experience for the more
than 10,000 visitors that make this waterfall one of North Carolina’s most visited annually.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum opens in Charlotte
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum opened this past Saturday in Charlotte. The former Carolinas Aviation Museum reopened with a new name, a new location and a renewed commitment to be more than just a place that puts an emphasis on the Tar Heel state’s status as “First in Flight,” said the museum's Stephen Saucier, reports Business NC. The museum – which takes its new name after now-retired pilot Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, known for the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” landing – hopes it can spark an interest in young minds about a career in aviation. A total of 45 aircraft will be on display at the 105,000-square-foot multi-building campus. Some aircraft will be displayed outside, others in buildings and a replica hangar.
Vote for NC sites going to the dogs among ‘Best pet-friendly destinations’
North Carolina has several sites among the nominations for 10Best's Readers' Choice Awards categories for “Best pet-friendly destinations.” Online voting by readers is now open via USAToday.com; click on the hyperlink to vote. Voting ends at noon onJune 24.
Travel + Leisure put the Flat Iron in the spotlight with “An Iconic Asheville Building Is Now a Beautiful Boutique Hotel – and We Got a First Look
.” The article explained, in part, “The Flatiron Building in downtown Asheville has lived many lives before transforming into an Art Deco-inspired boutique hotel” in May. “The adaptive reuse architecture celebrates the glory of the Art Deco period with modern amenities and incorporates homages to Asheville’s artistic legacy. The Rooftop Bar offers a panoramic view of a bustling downtown against the backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. The rooms feature original doors, transom windows, and classic prewar bathrooms with grand marble vanities.The Red Ribbon Society speakeasy pays homage to the Prohibition-era watering holes while offering a dynamic cocktail program built around ferments, carbonations, and foraged ingredients.”
Charlotte among '10 Affordable Places to Travel in the U.S.'
Condé Nast Traveler included Charlotte among its “10 Affordable Places to Travel in the U.S.” The article noted, in part, "From the incredible food to the family-friendly activities, there's plenty to do in Charlotte for travelers of all interests. Whether you're simply looking to enjoy the warm weather and eat all the Southern food your stomach can handle, or hoping to visit museums and the Botanical Gardens, you won't spend a single minute bored in this city."
Wrightsville Beach among '6 Beaches for Budding Swimmers, Surfers and Castle Builders'
Wrightsville Beach was among The New York Times’ “6 Beaches for Budding Swimmers, Surfers and Castle Builders.” Noted “For would-be surfers,” the article explained, in part, “Wrightsville Beach is considered by many surf historians to be the home of East Coast surfing and one of the first places outside Polynesia and the Pacific Rim for the sport to catch on. It also has some of the best beginner’s breaks in the United States, said [Surf with Sean’s] Sean Griffin, a surfing instructor and the father of a 5-year-old, who started riding the local break when he was 8. He points out that Wrightsville is the only surfing beach in the state that has clear, blue water. Being able to see one’s hands and feet and the sandy bottom ‘makes anyone feel more comfortable in the ocean,’ he said.”
Three NC accommodations highlighted among ‘Best in Black Travel 2024’
In “A Hidden Gem of History,” the article said, in part, “If North Carolina is on your upcoming travel itinerary and you’re craving some cultural immersion, consider spending a night or two at the Historic Magnolia House… Stepping through its doors is akin to going back in time, to an era when Black journeyers faced segregation at every turn. But the property also tells a story of warmth, hospitality and the -triumph of the human spirit.”
“Travel Well” featured sites with a “deeper purpose” for travel. Skyterra Wellness Retreat in Pisgah Forest was suggested to “Level up your fitness.” As “a resort that’s all about fitness and wholeness... [t]here is also a focus on mental health, as guests learn ways to cope with stress and pour into themselves.”
For "The Black-Owned Business Of Travel," Essence suggested checking into a bed & breakfast, such as the Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast in Durham. "The rooms were designed with relaxation in mind, free from televisions and distractions... And it doesn’t get much better than welcoming travelers into your home with fresh-baked desserts like carrot cake and pies."
Asheville, Foundry Hotel included in themed round-ups
For its "Summer Travel Themes for Groups and Solo Travelers," Forbes selected Asheville for "Artistic Travel." The article noted, in part, "For an off-the-beaten-path summer vacation, journey to the charming mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, a haven for artists and foodies. With a thriving downtown that boasts a collection of art galleries, local boutiques, regular live music festivals and more than 60 breweries, Asheville offers a cultural experience that is sure to please the art lover."
The Foundry Hotel in Asheville was among Forbes' "11 Hotels with Unforgettable Nighttime Activities Around the World." Of the inclusion, the article explained, in part, "In partnership with Asheville Wellness Tours, guests at The Foundry Hotel can explore the magic of the night in the Blue Ridge Mountains through a unique menu of experiences including Blue Ghost Firefly Forest Bathing."
Surveys, Industry, Marketing & Travel Trends
How Microsoft is Deploying OpenAI’s Tech in Travel – Microsoft has invested billions of dollars into OpenAI, making it part owner and giving it early access to the generative AI technology, reports Skift in its “How Microsoft is Deploying OpenAI’s Tech in Travel
." That tech, which powers ChatGPT, has been the basis for Microsoft AI initiatives with travel companies like Amadeus. Marriott Bonvoy earlier this year released an AI tool meant to help users search for vacation rentals under the Homes & Villas brand. It was crafted using Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI service. A banner at the top of the brand’s homepage invites the user to try a search with the new AI tool. It enables searches for properties based on general prompts in everyday language, such as: “I want to go on a nature getaway with family-friendly activities in Joshua Tree.” Microsoft's Satya Nadella showed during a conference last week how a company could deploy a virtual agent, using GPT-4o, that customers can interact with via voice and video. In
the example: A customer tells the virtual agent about an upcoming trip and holds up his sandal. The agent recognizes it, says a studier boot would be better for a hiking trip in cold weather, and then suggests an alternative option to be added to the shopping cart.
The world’s coolest hotels want to tell you a story – The latest design-driven hotels aim to immerse guests in a story or social movement, or transport them to another time, reports The Washington Post in its “The world’s coolest hotels want to tell you a story
." A new niche of high-end hotels makes a big promise. Unlike your run-of-the-mill boutique hotel, these properties aren’t only about cool decor and on-site bars and restaurants. Through grander concepts and designs, they claim to immerse guests in a story or social movement, or even transport them to another time period. The creators of such concepts frequently describe them as weaving a “story” or “narrative.” So, we’ll call them narrative hotels. They are built to stand out in an era in which corporate chains masquerade as boutiques and design trends are dictated by social media algorithms. A few fast-growing hospitality groups have even made the narrative concept key to their plans for global expansion.
Why restaurants are so loud, and what science says we can do about it – Noise was the most cited complaint in Zagat’s last Dining Trends Survey in 2018, and it continues to dominate the conversation in online restaurant reviews, reports The Washington Post in its “Why restaurants are so loud, and what science says we can do about it
." The Post's food critic Tom Sietsema says behind tipping, a quiet restaurant is the most requested piece of advice in his weekly live chat sessions... Experts are advocating for standards that would not only alleviate customer complaints, but also protect the health of patrons and staff members. And with the number of people dining out slightly declining after a pandemic rebound, restaurateurs should have more motivation to try new technologies and materials to suppress noise and lure more diners to their tables. Acoustic consultants, who work with restaurateurs and architects to optimize sound for venues, estimate sound treatment is about 2 to 3 percent of a new venue’s total building costs... But each consultant said this upfront cost often saves money; otherwise,
complaints roll in and business must be halted to tear apart and rebuild structures to install better acoustic materials.
New AI-Powered Trip Planner from IHG to Offer Personalized Travel Recommendations – In its “New AI-Powered Trip Planner from InterContinental Hotels Group to Offer Personalized Travel Recommendations
," HotelTechnologyNews reports InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Google Cloud are extending a partnership aimed at enhancing customer experiences within the IHG One Rewards mobile app. Leveraging Google Cloud’s technologies, IHG reportedly plans to introduce an AI-powered travel planning feature that will enable guests to plan their vacations directly through the app. This feature is part of a suite of new offerings set to launch in the latter half of this year, aimed at creating a more dynamic digital guest experience.
For the week of June 6, "North Carolina Weekend” offers “Summer’s Coming.” Featured segments include An Appalachian Summer Festival on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone; the NC Zoo in Asheboro turns 50 this year, plus a Baboon Experience at the Zoo; the Carolina Canoe Club paddles down the Mayo River at Mayo River State Park in Mayodan; and Springmaid Mountain Retreat in Spruce Pine. (Check local listings, as 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
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