As part of our service to you we love sending you updates, as soon as possible, that contain important information about the travel industry. At the end of last week it was announced that the Travel Promotion Act was even closer to becoming law. The introduction of this law would mean that a promotional program would be developed for the first time ever and would market the U.S to visitors. In return this program would increase visitor spending and create many new jobs.
Getting the Point Across
Important announcement from Roger Dow, President & CEO, U.S. Travel Council:
Dear Travel Colleague:
I am pleased to inform you that the Travel Promotion Act moved ever closer to becoming law today when the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan, common sense legislation by a vote of 358-66. The Senate passed identical legislation earlier in September by a vote of 79-19, but procedural dynamics require an additional Senate vote anticipated in the coming weeks. (Because the legislation creates "revenue" for the federal government, the Constitution requires that the bill originate in the House - hence the need for the Senate to pass the House version of the bill.)
The Travel Promotion Act will for the first time ever create a U.S. promotion and communications program to send a more welcoming message to international travelers. Estimates by Oxford Economics suggest a well-executed travel promotion program could result in up to $4 billion in additional travel spending and 1.6 million new visitors.
Special thanks go to Representatives Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), who ensured House passage of the legislation for the second time in as many sessions of Congress. Our industry will be well-served to express its gratitude to our champions through localized media outreach, events and other means. We will provide you with recommendations and a resource toolkit immediately upon final passage of the Travel Promotion Act.
Make a Point of It
The countdown has now started and production is well under way for the 2010 Utah Vacation, Lodging & Adventure Guide. With only four weeks to go until the photo listings deadline and five weeks for the advertising deadline it is important that you call or email us to secure your space in the upcoming edition.
Whether you are a small or large, organization or business, we have a marketing solution to fit your budget. Make a point of showcasing what you have to offer the 20 million plus travelers that visit Utah every year.
Pointing You in the Right Direction
It is common knowledge that the country is on its way out of the worst recession in years. Cuts have been made in marketing budgets, some more drastic than others. When budgets are restricted we must look to new solutions and work together. This is when local competitors are really our best allies.
The visitor is attracted to your area because of the scenery, history and the adventures that await them, not the hotel or the restaurant. Joining forces and marketing budgets may not always get you “bodies in beds” or “table covers” but it will ensure that your area is highlighted and the visitor knows about you and will come. When you are out of sight you are completely out of mind, then if no one comes to the area you will definitely have empty beds and empty tables.
We have found that when businesses and communities join forces it is a great service for the visitor. Here are a few suggestions:
Join together and pool your resources to market your business and area. Many Convention & Visitor Bureaus and Travel Regions throughout Utah help to sponsor full-page co ops in the Utah Vacation, Lodging & Adventure Guide. This sponsorship allows local travel and tourism-related businesses to market themselves in a full-page advertisement that highlights the area for a greatly reduced cost. Participants in 2009 included Bear Lake, Davis County, Ogden, Park City, St George, Moab, Cedar City and Zion Canyon.
It is important that the information that is held in publications and websites about your business is correct. The Utah Vacation, Lodging & Adventure Guide contains, for free, the name, address and telephone number of every lodging property, campground, RV park, golf course and outfitter in Utah. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information in the guide is correct. To update your information please call (801) 392 7778 or email hello@2thepoint.com.
Make sure that there is a link to your business on your allies’ websites. If you are a lodging property make sure you have links to the local restaurants and attractions and vice versa. This makes finding things easier for the visitor and can in turn increase business in your area. For instance, a traveler planning to stay a night in your hotel did not know of any nearby restaurants so they ate in the town before yours. If you had restaurant links on your website they may have had dinner in your town, browsed some local stores, perhaps made some purchases, but overall spent more time and money in your area.
Ensure that your website has up-to-date photography of the area and become experts on the surrounding attractions. There is nothing worse than a visitor asking for information and you, or your staff, don’t know the answers. Not every town has a visitor center so it is your responsibility to educate yourself on your area.
Supply restaurant menus and attraction brochures in your sleeping rooms and reception areas so guests have resources on hand. The Utah Vacation, Lodging & Adventure Guide is provided free of charge and is available to every lodging property, attraction and restaurant in Utah to display and give to their customers. We are currently working on the 2010 edition of the guide and if you feel that there is any information about your area that you would like included please contact us.
There are many options out there and there is no better time to grab hold of these and promote your business and your area. Call (801) 392 7778 or email us at hello@2thepoint.com for free advice.
Pin Point Us
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