Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners, September 14, 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Reminder to complete Visit NC’s Partner Survey

* Visit NC’s TRAC in Ocracoke Oct. 13

* Visit NC PR pitch leads to Outer Banks,

Ocracoke in the spotlight

* North Carolina promoted at New Jersey expo

Reminder to complete Visit NC’s Partner Survey

A reminder to all tourism partners to please participate in Visit NC's 2022 Partner Survey. The deadline to submit is this Friday, Sept. 16. Thank you to those partners who have already taken the time to respond.

Visit NC values its partners' perspective regarding geographic markets, audiences, seasonality, marketing budgets and Visit NC programs of greatest value to you and your organization. Those insights will be incorporated into Visit NC's planning for the coming fiscal year and beyond.

The survey is for organizational leaders, plus the heads of marketing, PR/Communications and Research/Data Intelligence.

From the submitted responses, one N.C. travel industry partner will be selected randomly to receive a $3,000 VisitNC.com marketing credit, redeemable through June 30, 2023, for use by their organization. That individual will also receive a $100 Amazon gift card for themselves.

Click here to complete the survey if you haven’t already done so.

Visit NC’s TRAC in Ocracoke Oct. 13

On Oct. 13, tourism-related businesses in Hyde County – and surrounding counties – will have an opportunity to meet with Visit North Carolina staff to learn about the organization’s research, marketing, public relations, international tourism, sports, RetireNC and Outdoor NC programs, and other services. Visit North Carolina's Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC) will be held 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Berkley Manor at 58 Water Plant Rd. in Ocracoke.

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. There is no charge to attend, no reservation is required, and there is no formatted presentation. This is a come-when-you-can/stay-as-long-as-you-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.

Representatives from the EDPNC's Business Services, N.C. Welcome Centers/Visitor Services, N.C. State Parks, and Agritourism are generally 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 Visit NC's André Nabors at (919) 447-7771.

Visit NC PR pitch leads to Outer Banks, Ocracoke in the spotlight

The Outer Banks and Ocracoke are featured in the roundup on TheEveryMom.com “10 Amazing Destinations for Multigenerational Family Travel.” The article noted, in part, “Think boat trips with biologists searching for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, cruises through saltwater estuaries, long days playing in the ocean, and off-road tours through the Wild Horse Conservation Easement.” It also highlighted the Sanderling Resort for its amenities, which include both family-friendly and adults-only pools, as well as the Ocracoke Lighthouse and the island’s Banker Ponies. The Everymom attracts more than 538,000 unique monthly visitors.

North Carolina promoted at New Jersey expo

Visit NC's André Nabors, along with partners from Johnston County and Winterville, promoted North Carolina as a retirement destination at the Ideal-Living Resort & Retirement Expo in Whippany, N.J. this past weekend. The Expo drew more than 600 potential retirees from the region who were interested in exploring opportunities and conversing with exhibitors from across the Southeast. Attendees talked with experts from towns and community developers to gain insights and get answers to help plan, design and enjoy their retirement. North Carolina has consistently been one of the most requested states by the attendees.

Visit North Carolina attended the Expo to continue its efforts to promote the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program, which consists of Carteret County, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Jamestown/High Point, Johnston County, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Lumberton, Marion, Mount Airy, New Bern, Reidsville, Roanoke Rapids, Salisbury, Tarboro, Washington, and Winterville. For more information about the Certified Retirement Community Program or Visit North Carolina's marketing initiatives for retirement relocation, contactAndre Nabors at (919) 447-7771.

Fall, holiday updates requested for VisitNC.com database

It's never too early to get Halloween and Fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas events on VisitNC.com. Partners are asked to check the Event listings on VisitNC.com to make sure certain events are included. If not, please discuss with the appropriate tourism contact, who's responsible for each county/town's listings on VisitNC. The website is a key tool for potential visitors to plan their travel so having this information is helpful to those looking for travel inspiration. Events on VisitNC.com should realistically expect 25 percent of their attendees to travel at least 50 miles just to attend that specific event.

‘The Peripheral’ debuts first look, Prime Video release date

Prime Video has released the first look for its series “The Peripheral.” Part of the production filmed in western North Carolina, with Marshall being heavily used. The project is expected to have a direct in-state spend of $24 million. It was approved for a N.C. Film and Entertainment Grant. “The Peripheral” debuts on Prime Video Oct 21. View the trailerhere.

North Wilkesboro Speedway to host NASCAR's 2023 All-Star race

NASCAR is returning to one of its original venues that it left more than a quarter-century ago: North Wilkesboro Speedway, which hosted more than 90 Cup races before it closed in 1996. Gov. Roy Cooper and N.C. native Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the stock car body and the track's owner last Thursday to announce that the track willhost the NASCAR Cup Series 2023 All-Star Race during NASCAR's 75th anniversary season.

Former drivers like Earnhardt Jr., local boosters, and state officials wouldn't give up on the venue, which has a direct connection to NASCAR's birth. A recent effort to renovate the speedway took off, buoyed by $18 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds earmarked by the N.C. state legislature last year for infrastructure improvements. The legislature has agreed in principle to provide another $4 million next year for additional improvements to host the race next May 21 and for future events during the next several years.

STS recognizes N.C. partners

Southeast Tourism Society recognized several N.C. partners during its Connections conference last week in Concord. 

During the Shining Example Awards Ceremony, Currituck County Department of T&T was recognized with a Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Simply Corolla, NC – Find Yourself Here” campaign (budget of more than $500,000).

Shining Example Partnership Award for cooperative tourism work went to the African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina created by Camden County TDA, Chowan County TDA, Currituck County Department of T & T, Outer Banks VB, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank TDA, and Perquimans County TDA. STS noted, “More than 30 visitor-ready sites were identified, leading to the development of a self-guided, digital heritage trail that includes interpretive signs and monuments, parks, waterways, and museums with the mission to inspire exploration and appreciation for the African American experience in this region.”

Marketing College graduates from North Carolina were Cleveland County Tourism's Emily Epley, Visit Hickory Metro's Sarah Jones, Young Strategies' Madelyn Matlock, Visit Currituck's Alex Perry and Onslow County Tourism's Marisa Reeder.

Grandfather Mountain’s Prevost honored with Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Harris Prevost with Grandfather Mountain was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during an event in Linville on Monday. This recognition is given to persons who have made significant contributions to the State of North Carolina and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Prevost is a former vice president of Grandfather Mountain, where he continues to serve after 50 years. He’s been a voice and leader for the state’s treasured landmarks and tourism industry, receiving the esteemed Winners Circle Award from Visit North Carolina for his contributions to tourism in 2018. Prevost has had a long career of working tirelessly for the benefit of the tourism and sports industries in North Carolina. He has also shaped the lives of countless individuals through his teaching and involvement in nonprofit organizations. Prevost has also been a strong voice for the benefits that the film industry brings to North Carolina. From working with the director of “Forrest Gump” to hosting dozens of car commercials and other film projects on Grandfather Mountain, he knows the value of the industry in terms of jobs, recognition and the financial support it can bring to an area.

N.C. sites, cities suggested among ‘The Great American Road Trip’

Passport magazine included several N.C. sites and cities in its “The Great American Road Trip.” Explaining why road tripping is an iconic American pastime, the article highlighted East Coast road trips. Several N.C.-based hotels and attractions were suggested as stops along three road trips: Richmond to Charlotte, Charlotte to Atlanta and Atlanta to Williamsburg. Passport Magazine is intended for LGBTQ readers who travel to international and domestic destinations. It has a monthly print circulation of 164,000 readers.

‘North Carolina Weekend’

For the week of Sept. 15, "North Carolina Weekend” features “Adrenaline Rush,” which initially aired July 14. Featured segments include Triangle Skydiving Center in Louisburg; TreeRunner Adventure Park in Raleigh; ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure in Fayetteville; Old Fort Ride House in Old Fort; and the Kuralt Nature Trail, basing the segment in Mackay Island. (Check local listings for schedule; 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. 

Upcoming industry meetings & events

Sept. 15 - NCAF&E Fall Seminar, High Point

Sept. 21-22 – Blue Ridge Parkway Assn. Fall Meeting, Bristol, Tenn.

Oct. 1-8 – Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride

Oct. 13 – Visit NC monthly webinar: Assets for Tourism-related Businesses

Oct. 13 – Visit NC TRAC, Ocracoke

Oct. 17-19 – N.C. Recreation & Parks Assn. Conference, Greenville

Oct. 24-27 – TEAMS Conference, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Nov. 7-9 - World Travel Market, London

Nov. 8 – Visit NC monthly webinar

Nov. 13-16 - NTA Travel Exchange, Reno, Nev.

Nov. 17 – Visit NC TRAC, Old Fort

Nov. 27-30 - Travel SouthInternational Showcase, Louisville, Ky.