Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners
May 20, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC 'Road to Recovery' webinar
* Research shows Americans are looking at health, safety precautions implemented when planning travel
* 'Scream' relaunch to film in Wilmington this fall
Visit NC 'Road to Recovery' webinar

"The Road to Recovery" was the topic of a webinar held earlier today (Wednesday), presented by Visit NC. Marlise Taylor reviewed the latest research regarding traveler sentiment, both in the South and nationally. For instance, more than 40 percent of Southern travelers indicated their next road trip would be August-September; any road trip would likely be less than 500 miles from home. In addition, tourism offices ranked second, behind friends/relatives, as who travelers trusted for travel information. U.S. travelers are mentally prepared to travel but most haven't booked anything yet. North Carolina was in the top five states U.S. travelers said they were likely to visit.
 
Wit Tuttell provided an overview of Count On Me NC, emphasizing two important aspects: pledges for guests and businesses, and training businesses can do. The program isn't limited to restaurants and all tourism-related businesses are encouraged to participate to show potential visitors they're making an effort to provide a safe environment for everyone.
 
Tuttell also offered how Visit NC is tailoring its marketing now, noting that travelers are now less interested in novel experiences but wanting "tried and true." In-state marketing is going to be a large component of Visit NC's focus, which also includes many co-op marketing programs for partners.

Allison Schult gave an update on Cook It Forward NC, the new campaign that successfully launched last week. Created in collaboration with NCRLA, the campaign encourages North Carolina's most acclaimed chefs to start a chain reaction of goodwill by shining the light on the state's diverse culinary offerings, while rallying support for restaurant workers impacted by COVID-19. A Q&A wrapped up the webinar.

Recordings of past webinars - NC Tourism Amid COVID-19, Crisis Research and Communications for Tourism During COVID-19, 2020-2021 Visit NC Co-op Program Presentation, Shifts in Social Media Strategies, NC Tourism Legislative Update and Research Insights into the American Traveler, NC Lodging Industry and The Art of Making Things Happen: Collaborate. Communicate. Cooperate- are available here. Today's webinar will also be posted there shortly.

Visit NC will host the next webinar on Wednesday, June 3, at 10 a.m. The topic and registration information will be posted as available on Partners.VisitNC - COVID-19 and VisitNC365.com.
Research shows Americans are looking at implemented health, safety precautions when planning travel

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (86 percent) say Congressional actions to ensure that employees are able to go into work confident that proper health precautions are being implemented is an important reform in order to reopen safely. Also, 81 percent say the significant investment is needed in workforce training programs to aid dislocated workers. This research comes from the recent Harris Poll.
 
American travelers also express concerns about safety measures when travel begins again. According to Destination Analysts recent weekly data, three quarters of travelers will research how destinations and their businesses are managing the situation before leaving on their trips. They will also be prepared themselves, ready to carry with them needed sanitation supplies.

 
As well, Longwoods International reported this week that American travelers are heavily relying on official advice when making travel plans.

Visit NC will be providing frequent research updates through Newslink each week with links to available studies.
'Scream' relaunch to film in Wilmington this fall

The relaunch of the legendary horror movie franchise "Scream" has found a home in Wilmington, reports the Wilmington Star-News. The fifth "Scream" film will shoot in Wilmington this fall once COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, according to a release from Spyglass Media Group, which is producing the film. "Scream" marks yet another major horror franchise going into business with the Wilmington-region film industry. Last fall, "Halloween Kills," the latest in the Michael Myers films starring Jamie Lee Curtis, filmed in Wilmington; it's slated for an October release.
PGA Championship will return to Charlotte in 2025

Charlotte has landed the second golf major in the city's history, as the PGA of America announced last Thursday that Quail Hollow Club will host the 2025 PGA Championship. Charlotte hosted the same tournament on the same course in 2017. The 2025 PGA Championship will be one of the largest sporting events that Charlotte has ever hosted. It is expected to draw close to a quarter-million fans over a week of tournament play and practice rounds, and those fans will inject millions into the local economy. When Quall Hollow hosted the week-long event in 2017, it was forecasted to have an estimated economic impact of up to $100 million in the Charlotte region, according to the CRVA.
Biltmore gardens among new 'American Gardens' stamps

Biltmore Estate's Walled Garden is included among the ten "American Gardens" stamps released last week by the U.S. Postal Service. The sheet of 20 Forever stamps showcase the natural beauty of American gardens, featuring 10 gardens open to the public, ranging from botanical to country estate to municipal gardens.
For the week of May 21 on "North Carolina Weekend," the program repeats the episode that originally aired March 26. Features include Surry County's Sestercentennial; The Hackney in Washington; Linville Falls Winery in Linville Falls; and Bryson City. (Check local listings; segments are subject to change.) "North Carolina Weekend" is underwritten by Visit North Carolina. In addition, UNC-TV has recent editions of "North Carolina Weekend" available online.
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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