| Weekly e-newsletter for VisitNC partners | October 3, 2018 |
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| IN THIS ISSUE: * Hurricane Florence recovery support * Visit NC offers excursions during Cycle NC Mountains to Coast ride
* Visit NC Blackbeard media tour results in Forbes article * Visit NC leading Orlando receptive sales mission
* MYMU rescheduled dates for Plymouth, Jacksonville and Chapel Hill * TRAC next week in Sanford/Lee County region |
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Hurricane Florence recovery support Participation in the below programs is limited to core tourism partner (any tourism-related business that has a listing which has been vetted and uploaded to the VisitNC.com database by the designated local DMO) businesses, visitor attractions and lodging that were closed five business days or more and are located in the following counties: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne, and Wilson. Available Programs: All programs are subject to availability and will be fulfilled as quickly as Visit NC has capacity to do so. Travel Deals - Eligible partners have the ability to utilize two (2) complimentary Travel Deals on VisitNC.com through the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year (ends June 30, 2019). Travel Deals allow partners the opportunity to promote special North Carolina travel offers and packages to interested visitors on VisitNC.com. Travel Deals are featured on a dedicated page on VisitNC.com and within relevant content throughout the site. Travel Deals run on the site for 60 days and are highlighted in a monthly eBlast that is distributed to approximately 40,000 opt-in subscribers. This is a $250 value per Travel Deal. Featured Events - Eligible partners have the ability to utilize two (2) complimentary Featured Events on VisitNC.com through the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year (ends June 30, 2019). Featured Event listings offer partners the opportunity to promote their upcoming events and festivals in prominent positions on VisitNC.com. Featured Events run on the site for 30 days and are highlighted in a bi-weekly eBlast that drops to approximately 40,000 opt-in subscribers. This is a $150 value per Featured Event. Video Listings - Eligible partners have the ability to receive one (1) complimentary Video Listing on VisitNC.com through the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year (ends June 30, 2019). Video Listings allow partners to upload up to four videos to their standard listing on VisitNC.com for one year. This is a $300 value. Brochure Listings - Eligible partners have the ability to receive one (1) complimentary Brochure Listing on VisitNC.com through the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year (ends June 30, 2019). Brochure Listings allow partners to upload up to four brochures to their standard listing on VisitNC.com for one year. The brochures will also live on the main Brochures page of the website. This is a $300 value. Social Media Posts - Available through the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year (ends June 30, 2019), eligible partners have the ability to submit social media content and imagery for consideration to be posted on Visit NC's social media channels (subject to space and existing content schedules). Any submitted imagery must be social quality and at least 1,000 pixels on the shortest side. If you have any questions or would like to take advantage of these programs, please contact Brooks Luquire or Michelle Murdoch with LGA at (704) 552-6565. |
 | | | The excursion group at Emerald Village got a welcome introduction before taking a tour |
Visit NC offers excursions as Cycle NC Mountains to Coast ride rolls through the state Cycle NC's 20th Annual Mountains to Coast Ride rolled through North Carolina last week. For the third year, Visit NC offered Cycle NC/Visit NC Excursions. These daily excursions gave participants and those traveling with them the opportunity to take a break from the ride and experience North Carolina. Participants varied from cyclists wanting a day off to rest their legs or simply explore different areas of the state, to friends/family of the cyclists who weren't riding but were traveling with the group. A dedicated motorcoach departed from the overnight host city in the morning and stopped at a few attractions and a destination for lunch each day before arriving at the next overnight host city in the late afternoon. Participants paid a fee to help offset costs to the attractions that hosted them. Participants also had the opportunity to shop and learn more about the state for future visits. This was an opportunity to spread the economic impact of the Cycle NC ride to many more communities on or near the route of the ride. Starting in Black Mountain, this year's ride has overnight stays for Morganton, Mooresville, Archdale, Southern Pines, Dunn and Elizabethtown, and finishes in Oak Island. During the trip, the route passes through many other towns and communities along the way, with rest stops at Old Fort, Marion, Nebo, Glen Alpine, Hickory, Newton, Catawba, Troutman, Salisbury, Spencer, Lexington, Thomasville, Asheboro, Seagrove, Robbins, Carthage, Cameron, Sanford, Bunnlevel, Lillington, Dunn, Roseboro, Elizabethtown, Council, Bolton, Ash, and Supply. Visit North Carolina is a founding sponsor of Cycle North Carolina's Mountains to Coast, Coastal (in spring) and Mountain (summer) rides. Cycle North Carolina offers one of the largest cross-state bicycle tours in the United States. The rides are designed to promote North Carolina's scenic beauty while providing substantial economic impact to small towns across the state. |
Visit NC results in 'Black Beard's ghost haunts North Carolina's remote Outer Banks'
As this year marks the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard's death, Visit NC's PR team led a media tour last April to spotlight towns and attractions with ties to the infamous pirate. As a contributor to Forbes, writer Gretchen Kelly, who attended the tour, has offered "Black Beard's Ghost Haunts North Carolina's Remote Outer Banks." The article "starts" in Beaufort, noting the NC Maritime Museum; moves on to Ocracoke Island, including a mention of the Blackbeard Festival later this month. Bath is thought to be the last place the pirate lived but it's also noted as the inspiration for writer Edna Ferber's Show Boat. |
| | | (l-r) Wilmington's Joel Smith, Walters, Outer Banks' Lorrie Love, tour operator ATI's Juliana Bezerra, CRVA's Chacara Harvin and Explore Asheville's Dianna Pierce
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Visit NC leading Orlando receptive sales mission This week, Visit NC's Heidi Walters led a delegation of CVB partners to Orlando to meet with receptive tour operators responsible for North Carolina lodging product. Walters and the team from Explore Asheville, Visit Charlotte, Outer Banks VB and Wilmington and Beaches CVB showcased new hotel and attractions statewide. These receptive operators are critical to the booking patterns of international visitors for states such as North Carolina. This is the first time Visit North Carolina has conducted this mission. To find out more about Visit NC's international marketing program, contact Heidi Walters at (919) 447-7762. |
| | | MYMU in Kannapolis |
Registration open for rescheduled MYMUs in Plymouth, Jacksonville and Chapel Hill
Registration is open for the rescheduled Mid-Year Marketing Updates. The Visit NC team is visiting Plymouth on Oct. 16, Jacksonville on Oct. 17 and Chapel Hill on Oct. 22; time and location details are indicated on the registration form. Registration is open to all tourism-related businesses who are interested in attending either session. Please re-register for the MYMU, even if you had registered for an originally scheduled session. nbsp; The Mid-Year Marketing Updates are a return to the original format in which Visit NC will show attendees its current marketing programs and co-op initiatives as well as present programmatic updates from marketing, film and partner & industry relations. Visit NC also seeks to gain insight from members of the N.C. tourism industry to help fuel its strategic planning. In addition, Visit NC is interested in hearing from tourism businesses and DMOs about their initiatives, concerns and upcoming large events. The eastern meetings will also focus on efforts to promote the area in the aftermath of Florence. |
| | | A previous TRAC in Dunn | |
TRAC coming to Sanford/Lee County region next week Next week on Thursday, Oct. 11, tourism-related businesses in Sanford and Lee County - plus 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 North Carolina's Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC) is a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses. TRAC will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, located at 1801 Nash St. in Sanford. There is no charge to attend, no reservation is required, and there is no PowerPoint presentation. 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 North Carolina'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, N.C. Welcome Centers/Visitor Services, N.C. State Parks, Agritourism, and NC GreenTravel are often 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 André Nabors at (919) 447-7771. |
EDPNC's Knight keynote at Outdoor Economy Conference The EDPNC's David Knight is the afternoon keynote speaker during the Outdoor Economy Conference, this Friday in Cullowhee. Knight is the business development manager for the Outdoor Recreation Industry on behalf of the EDPNC. He will discuss the state of the outdoor recreation industry in N.C., where the state is heading with the industry, and the future of the outdoor rec economy. In addition, he'll discuss ways the outdoor recreation industry can work with the EDPNC to better the industry in the state, concluding with a Q&A. |
Charlotte awarded, dates set for 2020 RNC The 2020 Republican National Convention will be in Charlotte Aug. 24-27, officials announced Monday. "This gets to be an opportunity to brag," Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. "There will be a lot more folks here with cameras, and to write stories, and we hope it will bring in many of the corporations that participate in that process as well." Supporters believe the 2020 RNC will give the city a week in the national spotlight, like the 2012 DNC that nominated former President Barack Obama for his second term. The event drew thousands of politicians and national media members to Charlotte. That gathering generated nearly $164 million in estimated economic impact, including about $91 million in direct spending by visitors and others at the conference, according to a study commissioned afterward. |
N.C. Folk Festival brings more than 150,000 to Greensboro In its inaugural year, the N.C. Folk Festival brought about 150,000 people to downtown Greensboro, festival organizers have announced. The festival, a free outdoor celebration of cultural roots and heritage held Sept. 7-9, came about after Greensboro hosted the National Folk Festival from 2015 to 2017. When the national festival rotated away from Greensboro after its three-year run, local organizers decided to continue the tradition by starting the N.C. Folk Festival. |
CLT getting flights from Traverse City, Santo Domingo American Airlines announced on Tuesday (yesterday) two new flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Beginning June 8, It will add a Saturday year-round flight between CLT and Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. AA will introduce a seasonal flight from CLT to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Mich. That route is also set to begin June 8 and will end in September. |
Cary's La Farm included in 'In the American South, an heirloom baking boom is underway' The Saveur article "In the American South, an heirloom baking boom is underway" noted, "The artisanal bread movement is transforming in the hands of Southern bakers: European techniques are meeting uniquely Southern ingredients, from old varieties of rye, rice, and corn, to more modern varieties of wheat being grown and harvested locally. Southern bakers are creating something new that is intimately tied to the region's terroir." In addition to several mills and also bakeries whose products can be found at farmers markets, La Farm Bakery in Cary is spotlighted, with Master Baker Lionel Vatinet noting it's "incorporating local (usually heirloom) grains more and more." |
October brings 'The Mountain Issue' The October issue of Our State magazine brings the "Mountain Issue," spotlighting several sites and activities to "find your mountain magic." "Downtown" visits Mount Airy; "Restaurant" features The Country Squire in Kenansville; and "Farm Tour" highlights the Galloway Farm in Hallsboro. The October issue is available now. |
Food trucks: The green, moving destination It is difficult to go to any event or brewery without seeing the ubiquitous, roving destination: food trucks. Although it's not known how many of them operate in North Carolina, there appears to be plenty of them. Serving a variety of cuisines from all over the world, - such as Greek gyros, Mexican street food, Carolina barbecue and the great all-American favorites, hotdogs and hamburgers - food trucks provide a fun, quick and convenient dining experience. Don't Waste Durham has created the Certified Sustainable Food Truck program to recognize and promote food trucks that commit to low-waste, sustainable practices. The list of sustainable food trucks is growing in the Durham area. Now food trucks across the state can become recognized sustainable food trucks by applying online with the NC GreenTravel Initiative at no cost. To find out more about sustainable food trucks and free recognition by the NC GreenTravel Initiative, contact program manager Tom Rhodes at (919) 707-8140. |
| | For the week of Oct. 4 on North Carolina Weekend as the program launches its 16th season, explore the town of Lansing. Take in the "North Carolina Roots of Artist Ernie Barnes" exhibit at N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Discover the lure of Thomasville for rail fans. And the "House Special" samples the fare at Mike's Farm in Beulaville. (Check local listings; segments are subject to change.) North Carolina Weekend is underwritten by Visit North Carolina. In addition, UNC-TV has made recent editions of North Carolina Weekend available online. | In 2017, nearly 81 percent of daytrippers visited North Carolina for leisure purposes, which included visiting friends and relatives, outdoor recreation and entertainment/sightseeing. The proportion of daytrippers who visited for general business, convention, seminar or other group meeting increased from nearly 10 percent in 2016 to nearly 13 percent in 2017. For more North Carolina visitor information, visit the Visitor Profile Studies, or contact Visit NC's Marlise Taylor at (919) 447-7748. |
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Upcoming Industry Meetings & Events
Oct. 11 - Visit NC's TRAC, Sanford Oct. 16 & 17 - Visit NC's Mid-Year Marketing Updates - Plymouth (16), Jacksonville (17) Oct. 18 - NC Coast Host Quarterly Meeting, Currituck Oct. 18-19 - AENC Fall Conference, Durham Oct. 22 - Visit NC's Mid-Year Marketing Update, Chapel Hill Oct. 29-30 - NC TIA Leadership Conference, Winston-Salem Nov. 6 - Visit NC Travel & Tourism Board Meeting, TBD Nov. 8-9 - MPI-CC Meeting, Spartanburg, S.C. |
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