| Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners | November 9, 2016 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE:
* Visit NC 365 room block now available * N.C. film tourism promoted in London, Gardner plaque unveiled
* Visit NC at International Travel & Tourism Show
* Visit NC social media promotes 'Beauty here' TV spots
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Visit NC 365 room block now available
The Visit NC 365 Conference room block is available at the Hilton Greenville. The conference rate is $139 + tax for a king or two queens room. Book your reservation online here or call the hotel at (252) 355-5000 and specify the Visit NC 365 conference for the "Visit NC 365" rate. At the conference, network with more than 500 attendees, catch up on the latest trends from industry experts, and sign-up for Visit North Carolina's 2017-'18 cooperative marketing opportunities. The 2017 Visit NC 365 conference details are still in the works, but in the meantime get discounted conference registration now until Jan. 1 at the "early bird rate" of $475/person. Want to get your product and information in front of more than 500 tourism professionals? For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dana Grimstead at (919) 447-7761. |
 | | | The plaque unveiling for the crowd |
N.C. film tourism promoted in London, Gardner plaque unveiled
N.C. Film Office Director Guy Gaster and Director of Partner & Industry Relations Heidi Walters were recently in London promoting film tourism to the North Carolina in conjunction with a blue plaque unveiling at the London home of N.C. native and actress Ava Gardner. The London Blue Plaques, run by the English Heritage, is thought to be one of the oldest programs of its kind in the world and currently has more than 900 plaques displayed across the London metro area on buildings, both humble and grand, that honor the notable men and women who have lived or worked in them. The Ava Gardner blue plaque is displayed outside of the actress's London apartment at Ennismore Gardens in the Knightsbridge area of the city, where she lived the last 20 years of her life. In attendance at the ceremony were representatives of the Ava Gardner Museum, located in Smithfield, and members of the Gardner family, as well as close friends of the actress. |
| | | Gaster (lf) with Broadbent during NC film projects discussion
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In addition to attending the blue plaque ceremony, the Visit NC and Film NC team also hosted U.K. travel writers and tour operators for a special event the night before the plaque unveiling, where they pitched North Carolina and its accessibility to locations that have been used in productions that have filmed in the state. While discussing different itineraries and locations across the state, the event also included an interview with Graham Broadbent, a U.K. producer who was in North Carolina earlier this year working on the production Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. During the interview, Broadbent talked about the experience had by the cast and crew while in Western North Carolina and highlighted some of the activities they did outside of filming which included hiking, biking and whitewater rafting as well as how welcoming the people of Sylva and Asheville were throughout the production. The event also included a screening of the N.C.-filmed feature The Choice. In addition to the Ava Gardner Blue Plaque unveiling, the film tourism mission also coincided with the Visit NC's efforts at the World Travel Market. |
Visit NC advisory: N.C. Forest Service & NCDOT offer information for wildfires in Western NC
While most of North Carolina is open and accessible to visitors, some areas in the western part of the state are experiencing road closures and evacuations as a result of wildfires. VisitNC has a travel advisory to visitors traveling to the western part of North Carolina. In addition to suggesting they contact their lodging provider to ensure it is open and getting to its location is possible, the advisory includes additional resources for up-to-the-minute information such as the N.C. Forest Service's Twitter account and N.C. Dept. of Transportation's Western Mountains Twitter account. Updated traffic information is available via NCDOT's Traveler Information Management System (TIMS), by calling 511 or by contacting the VisitNC Call Center at (800) 847-4862.
Because of increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits for the following counties in Western North Carolina: Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey. This even includes a ban on campfires at 14 western N.C. state parks. The burning ban is in effect until further notice.
Download the ReadyNC app, available for iPhone and Android, to stay informed with real time information on local weather, road conditions, power outages, open shelters, evacuations and evacuation routes. The app also provides information on hurricane preparedness, how to create an emergency plan and kit and contacts for assistance during any weather-related conditions. |
| | Freed-Burns | |
Visit NC at International Travel & Tourism Show in Montreal
Visit North Carolina's Canadian representative Stephanie Freed-Burns participated in the International Travel & Tourism Show in Montreal, Oct. 20-22. The show began with a VIP luncheon for Trade and Media (hosted by the U.S Commercial Service) followed by a three-day consumer event. As the largest show of its kind in North America, this was an amazing opportunity to showcase North Carolina's tourism offerings and meet thousands of targeted visitors eagerly anticipating their next trip. With a dedicated booth in the U.S. pavilion, a trivia quiz to engage guests, exciting prizes (barbecue sauce courtesy of Ford's Gourmet Foods) and more than 36 000 attendees, the event was a resounding success. For more information on Visit NC's international marketing programs, contact Heidi Walters at (919) 447-7762. |
 Visit NC social media promotes 'Beauty here' TV spots
As part of the media plan to amplify the new Beauty Here TV spots, the Visit NC social team promoted six ads during the past month across Facebook and Twitter to drive awareness and extend the reach of the campaign. Utilizing native video within social ads allowed Visit NC to maximize engagement and views in-platform, while also hosting the videos on YouTube. Through a combined multi-platform approach, the ads drove nearly 254,000 views among target out-of-state and in-state markets. |
 TIEC to host 2018 World Equestrian Games
The 2018 FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) World Equestrian Games will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, Sept. 10-23. The games are being called a transformational 14-day event, which the center, citing an FEI study done in France, predicts will generate more than $400 million for the local economy, attract more than 500,000 people from 72 countries and require the use of more than 60,000 hotel rooms. The event is scheduled to be held in September of 2018. Mark Bellissimo, with Tryon Equestrian Partners, said TIEC will host several test events in 2017 in order to prepare for the 2018 games, and he expects to build more than 1,000 hotel rooms on the Tryon Resort property before 2018. |
 Asheville among '10 best active girlfriend getaways'
For its "No Spas Here: 10 Best Active Girlfriend Getaways," US News & World Report included Asheville in its Travel online article. Of Asheville, the article said, "Kick off your girls' getaway in Asheville with a self-guided tour of the Biltmore Estate. From here, head to the on-property Outdoor Adventure Center at Antler Hill Village for biking, horseback riding and more. There's even a Land Rover Experience Driving School to enjoy off-roading. Take a scenic hike along the Appalachian Trail, then relax with a stroll through the art galleries in the River Arts District. If you're a rovering foodie, try an Eating Asheville walking food tour to sample some of the best restaurants in town. Stay the weekend at the Omni Grove Park Inn, which boasts views of the Blue Ridge Mountains." |
 VandeVisser named executive director for Burlington/Alamance County CVB
Grace VandeVisser has been named executive director for the Burlington/Alamance County CVB. She may be reached at (336) 570-1444 or via mailto:grace@visitalamance.com. |
 Elizabeth City Area CVB moves to new offices
The Elizabeth City Area CVB has moved to its new offices in the Museum of the Albemarle. Their new address is 501 S. Water St., Elizabeth City, N.C., 27909. The phone numbers and emails remain unchanged. |
Surveys, Industry, Marketing & Travel Trends
Hoteliers reap rewards of offering unique F&B classes - Inviting guests behind the scenes [for food & beverage classes] can foster loyalty, sources said, reports HotelNewsNow. "There are some people who don't like to travel to the same hotel twice. They feel, 'been there, done that,'" said the director of e-commerce and marketing communications at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Fla. "But here, people like the idea of coming back because they can have a new experience every time." Beyond the usual resort amenities, those experiences include classes that are less about learning than making lasting impressions. "It's about creating experiences, creating relationships; that's what we strive for," "For the staff, it's building a loyal fan base. We've got generations of people who have come to the hotel, and still we have people who are experiencing it for the first time." Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, Calif., offers guest such programs including a pizza class that is popular with all ages, as well as a mixology class that is strictly for adults. Both tie in back-of-house experiences, which are essential, said the general manager of the restaurant 1500 Ocean and wine director of the Hotel Del Coronado. "When guests can have real time with the people behind the scenes, making their food or drinks, it allows them to really have a very unique experience - and one probably regarded as very exclusive, that not everyone can partake in all the time."
More hotels are offering free Wi-Fi, parking and a hot breakfast - Hotels are plying guests with more freebies, including wireless Internet, parking and a hot breakfast, reports The Los Angeles Times. But some extras that have long been a staple of the hotel industry are disappearing, including swimming pools, minibars and room service.Among the findings of an online survey of more than 8,000 U.S. hotels, 98 percent of the hotels said they offer in-room Wi-Fi and only 9 percent of the hotels charge for the service. Luxury and upper-scale hotels are most likely to charge for Wi-Fi while mid-scale and economy hotels are least likely to charge a wireless fee, according to the survey, commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. The number of rooms with high-definition or flat-screen television has increased from 84 percent in 2014 to 88 percent this year; the rate of hotels that offer a free hot breakfast rose from 45 percent to 58 percent in the same period; the number of hotels with all non-smoking rooms jumped from 62 percent to 85 percent in the same two-year period; the number of hotels that offer free guest parking climbed from 72 percent to 85 percent this year.
Internet access is key to capturing the business traveler - Internet access is paramount for business travelers, reports Hotel Business. It's akin to electricity: You can't run a business without it. Period. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released a hotel technology study of 831 North America-based business travelers' most commonly used technologies in hotels across the U.S. and Canada. The findings showed the most relied-upon or requested amenities for road warriors were a strong and reliable connection to WiFi; useful features on mobile apps; as well as nonstandard technology such as USB outlets, streaming services and in-room chargers.
Agritourism bridges gap for Mechanicsburg farm - Currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, Paulus Farm Market, in Mechanicsburg, Pa., has evolved from a simple farm stand into a veritable amusement park of agriculture, reports The Sentinel. While the stand offers practically every type of produce, preserve, meat, and baked good, the surrounding 60-acre property is filled with educational displays and family entertainment. On the other hand, the farm market is also an oasis from the volatility of agriculture. Farm profits fluctuate with commodity markets, nearly all of which - from lean hogs to barrels of oil - have taken a roller coaster ride since 2009. But autumn is Paulus' core season, regardless of the wider economy. Further, fall is tourist season. Paulus does about three school group tours per day, plus manages the open areas where the public can pay $5 to explore the grounds and pet the animals. Around the nation, the popularity of local food and farm-to-table initiatives isn't just a feel-good. It's also a very real business advantage for farmers who are unclear how big their paychecks are going to be each week. Selling locally insulates [a farm business] from price fluctuations, and agritourism provides a cash boost to get them through winter. |
Gradual sustainable changes can make a big difference
Everyone knows small changes can make a big difference, and this is especially true for sustainability. It is understandable that small, local restaurants may not have the money to purchase all new energy efficient appliances, but there are still incremental steps that can be taken day-to-day that can make a big impact in the long-run. Buying local for even a portion of food products can save in shipping costs and fuel consumption plus it supports the local economy. Ensure seafood is purchased from sustainable fishing practices. Install water purifiers rather than serving bottled water. Replace Styrofoam with recycled paper take-out containers. Shut down registers and computers at night to conserve electricity. Replace seals on fridge doors and walk-ins as needed to reduce energy costs. Grow your own herbs in the windowsills or on the roof. When bar/kitchen mats become worn, replace them with products made from post-consumer recycled fiber. Recycle old fryer oil by donating it to biofuel companies. If there exists adequate space, create a compost bin. Use textured, dark-colored napkins to avoid washing with harsh chemicals such as bleach and starch. Purchase recycled napkins, unbleached toilet tissue, etc., which may be cost-prohibitive for a small or new business, but if several business join together to purchase in bulk it could significantly reduce the price. Lastly, don't forget to get the staff and management involved with small rewards for meeting cost-savings goals. If feasible, take the crew on a field trip to a local farmer so they can gain a greater appreciation for where the meat and produce come from. Tout sustainability practices to customers by listing the local farmers purchased from and putting sustainability practices on the menu or near light switches and faucets. This could encourage customers to turn the lights off or only use the napkins they need. By implementing these small changes gradually, you will certainly see savings in no time. For further information about NC GreenTravel Initiative, contact Tom Rhodes at (919) 707-8140. |
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| | On North Carolina Weekend for the week of Nov. 10, enjoy the great outdoors at New River State Park in Laurel Springs. Experience another culture during the American Indian Heritage Celebration at NC Museum of History in Raleigh. See the old become new again at Big Oak Restoration in Mebane. Imagine another time at Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site in Mount Gilead. And discover the Serafina Experience in Asheville. (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. | In 2015, the average household trip expenditure for overnight visitors was $628. Resident overnight visitors spent an average of $404 and out-of-state overnight visitors spent an average of $772. For more North Carolina regional visitor profile 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
Dec. 1 - Carolina Thread Trail Forum, Mooresville Dec. 13 - NC Sports Assn. Meeting, Wilson Dec. 13 - NC Travel & Tourism Board Meeting, TBD Jan. 11-12 - Blue Ridge Parkway Assn. Winter Meeting, Meadows of Dan, Va. Jan. 19-29 - Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah |
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