Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Lunch is Not Enough

Had a great conversation the other day with Adam Stoker on his Destination Marketing Podcast in which we went deep into the malaise we both are sensing in some of the Destination Marketing and Leadership Boards with which we work. While there are a number of reasons behind this de-evolution, I've always maintained that what we do has gotten so sophisticated (and the expectations of DMOs so expansive) that virtually no one knows what we do.

For DMO Board members, that's unacceptable. And, on Adam's Podcast, I threw down the gauntlet and said the primary reason that today's Boards aren't as effective as they were a decade ago is due to lousy orientation programs. We can't expect our Boards to understand that their job is not to help design the marketing plan if they don't understand what we do. And an "orientation" conversation over lunch just doesn't cut it.

Thanks Adam...for the opportunity to get that off my chest. And, to announce that registration for the 3rd Annual Board Leadership for Destinations Symposium is now open. Hope to see some of you in Orlando!

It Was 60 Years Ago Today

On this day in 1964, the Beatles played two shows at Detroit's Olympia Stadium, just about midway through their Summer Tour of America. Most of the dates on this tour were in northern cities...but their one foray into the south was to be 5 days later in Jacksonville FL. Word had gotten back to the band that seating at the Gator Bowl might be segregated...and, on this day, they issued a release stating that if there was any evidence of segregated seating when they arrived, they wouldn't go on stage. The show went on. The power of the burgeoning cultural revolution...and a sold out stadium at $6.50 a pop.

On this Music Friday, we share rare footage of the Beatles in concert in the Motor City. It's rough and far from complete...but it is a capsule in time.

60 years ago tonight.

Next Up on DMOU > TourismIQ

On the newest edition of DMOU, we check in with Adam Stoker, author of Touchpoints and progenitor of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network to get under the hood of a new free online town square for Destination Leaders. It’s called TourismIQ…and Adam walks us through its genesis, its current build out and what users can expect in the near future. Join Us.

Simply Brilliant

Here in Wisconsin, today marks the first day back to school. The end of summer. The end of fun.

But, not so at the nearby Lone Girl Brewing Company.

This morning, parents are invited to drop their kids off at school and head to Lone Girl for "Bevs and Breakfast" from 7:30 to 10:30 am.

On their website: "Who said Back to School was just for the kids?  Leave the ABCs to them and join us for some ADULTing at our Back to School Party! 

Drop off the little scholars and swing by for a brew-tiful morning. We’ve got the three Rs covered: Relax, Recharge, and Refreshment! Plus, grab a light breakfast and raise a toast to freedom!

 

See you at the brewery – where class is always in session."

 

If we didn't have a full morning of client calls, we'd be there even though we no longer have kids in school...just to see the joy on those parent faces.

 

So smart.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has enthralled audiences for over 60 years.

50 years ago, his maturation from child star to musical genius was pretty much complete. 1973's Innervisions was a tour de force and 1974's Fulfillingness' First Finale would cement his stature as one of the pre-eminent voices in American culture.

On this Music Friday, we go with two of my favorites from FFF...."You Haven't Done Nothing" and "Boogie on Reggae Woman."

Now let's get this holiday weekend started

How You Like Me Now

Thanks in part to a horrible piece of legislation that ultimately puts the distribution of local room tax revenues into the hands of Wisconsin mayors, a number of small communities are electing to pull out of regional destination marketing organizations. Many of them say they are being overshadowed by the magnet city in their region… but there's a reason for that. Typically the largest city has the most assets, better transportation infrastructure and larger name recognition. Suburbs and rural communities that are in orbit around the largest city benefit from that halo. Every Single Day.

And, the magnet city benefits from the surrounding communities. Every Single Day.

But of course, small town ego won't allow for rationality.

Over the past few months, the city of Weston has been threatening to pull out of their contract with the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB. They said they didn’t believe they were getting enough ROI and could probably do a better job on their own with their $108,000 investment (snort). But, about a week ago, they decided to extend their contract one more year.

Could it have anything to do with the fact that the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB just landed the 2026 and 2029 World Horseshoe Pitching Championships? The ones that will be held in Weston?

Yeah, how you like me now?

Chaka Khan

Can it really be 50 years since that first Rufus album hit the stores and the charts? A song written by Stevie Wonder for this fledgling R&B band out of the Southside of Chicago, the Grammy Award winning "Tell Me Something Good" was Top 5 in America...out of nowhere.

On this Music Friday we share one of the first televised versions of the song (on the Midnight Special in July 1974)...and recently to kick off an NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

And, then...there's this jam with Prince one night in London on "Sweet Thing."

Simply Sensational. Simply Timeless.

Next on DMOU: Wisconsin's Anne Sayers

As we celebrate out 150th episode of the DMOU Podcast, we hang with Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers and talk about how the Badger State captured the culinary world’s attention with the most recent season of Top Chef. Anne explains how Wisconsin Tourism made it happen through amazing collaborations and shares how they are extending the reach of the series (and major events like the Republican National Convention and next year’s NFL Draft) far beyond the events themselves. Plus, a Bonus Round question that involves Muppets. Join us.

Really?

There are some cities that simply don't have a clue. Uvalde TX seems to be one of the latest.

In 2022, the City was dragging its feet on renewing its contract with its Destination Marketing Organization. The writing was on the wall. There were forces in City Hall that wanted to contract with the Chamber. And, they did.

Now, not quite a year into the new agreement, a member of City Council wants to end the contract with the Chamber because they are, in his view, not spending enough on advertising. Except the contract approved by Council a year ago stipulates how much money is to be spent on advertising...and it looks like this: $5,550 to print media advertisements; $15,996 to online ads, including social media and possible influencer collaborations; $1,750 to public relations, $500 to attract bird watchers and about $1,100 to attract hunters. 

$25,000. 

Annual room taxes collections (which in Texas must go to tourism promotion and development) have been coming in at roughly $750,000 a year...and you're allocating $25,000 for advertising? In a town that seriously needs a brand make-over?

$25,000? 

Hey, I don't live there. But if I was on City Council, I'd put all $750,000 on red and add another $250,000 from the general fund to create a $1 million a year fund to attempt to make Uvalde attractive to visitors, future residents and investors. 

Because, right now...you aren't looking so great.

But, that's just me.

And what do I know?

Image: One of the murals commemorating those lost in the Uvalde School Shooting.

SO Cool. SO Deserved.

Those in the Destination Marketing and Leadership space know Jack Berry. For 30 years, he led Richmond Region Tourism...and made it his mission to double down on regionalism and collaboration. Dude deserves to be in Destinations International Hall of Fame...but he has always been so quietly unassuming in his approach to destination leadership that I fear he could be forgotten (that won't happen as long as I take breath).

He stepped away earlier this year...and last week was honored for the legacy of his work by Henrico County, which named a street after him.

Jack Berry Way. As in the Jack Berry way.

Honestly...how many DMO pros have had a street named after them? I have several fingers left on my one hand.

Congratulations, my friend. And thanks for your thought leadership over the decades.

Now, go have another kind of fun in retirement (and, you can finally lose the tie, Jack).

Greg Kihn

It's a name most don't remember...but you know the hits. A darling of MTV (when they actually played music videos) Greg Kihn was the force behind hits like "The Breakup Song" "Testify" and "Love and Rock n Roll."

We lost this amazing voice this week...and I'll share some Greg moments I'll never forget.

In my 20s, one of my softball teams typically hung with a girls softball team after our games at an area tavern. One of the girls had a crush on a guy and shared with me that she had just given him a mix tape of songs that she thought might encourage him to make a move. I asked what song she led with and she said, "I Love You Desperately." I said that I didn't know that song and she replied, "yes you do, silly. It's all over the radio." And I realized she misunderstood Greg's lyric, "Our Love's in Jeopardy," When I told her, she was mortified. 

Years later, Greg was on the back nine of his career in music and was playing a small club on the near Westside of Madison. I got there early to get a good seat and went to grab a drink at the bar. Next to me was a guy in a leather jacket working a beer. Of course, it was Greg...and I was blessed to have a great conversation with one of the most engaging guys I've ever met.

And finally, it's beyond the music. Greg was a gifted storyteller and was the author of several books. My favorite (and a recommendation) is "Big Rock Beat." Best moment in the book was when the protagonist is confronted with an archangel who says something along the lines of, "what I love about you humans is you are trying so hard to get to heaven to avoid burning in hell. You don't realize that this is hell."

Greg...you have been a big part of the soundtrack of so many lives (even those that misunderstood your lyrics). Thank you.

And, sleep sweet prince.

Here's one last video that always makes me smile."Reunited."

Welcome to Chicago

The eyes of the nation will be on Chicago next week as it hosts the Democratic National Convention; a convention just as historic as the one the Windy City hosted in 1968.

In a sensational piece in the Chicago Sun-Times today, Neil Steinberg asks the question: how will the City of Big Shoulders be viewed at the end of next week? Some believe it will be an opportunity for Chicago to shrug off all the shade being thrown its way for being a dangerous place. Others believe it to be a lose-lose proposition because people who are predisposed to believe Chicago is dangerous won't care if it looks spectacular...they'll hold on to those beliefs.

My favorite quote in the piece, though, comes from political publicist Thom Serafin, who says people in Chicago tend to look at the cost but not the benefit of big events.

“Like NASCAR,” he said. “The revenue numbers did not substantiate all the effort. The profit is in people watching all over the world. Watching that skyline, thinking, ‘I’m going to go there next year. I want to be there. It’s a beautiful city. The setting is so beautiful.’”

And, that is why we host big events. Detroit absolutely changed its narrative it with the NFL Draft.

Here's hoping Chicago can do the same next week.

Might it Be You?

This past week, several hospitality corporations caused market volatility by suggesting that consumers are pulling back from 2023 spending levels with their brands. Conveniently missing from their comments was that, just maybe, their offerings no longer hold the same appeal as they once did; that consumers are just as interested in traveling...just not to these particular products.

Take AirBnb's claim that market demand for travel is softening. Then why aren't branded hotels sounding the same alarm? Could it be that the STR platforms have allowed marginal players into their mix, causing those of us that initially loved the experience to think twice, three times before booking because we've been burned by experiences that were not even close to what was promised? Our last three rentals have encouraged us to go back to branded and boutique hotels...and I'm sure we're not the only ones. So...it's not the consumer. It's a decline in product quality.

Or Disney's excuse for their Theme Parks posting flat numbers YTD. You can say it's consumers pulling back, but (as reported in the WSJ) a longtime regular customer opines, "Disney has gotten ridiculously expensive. And I ate much better in Italy for much cheaper."

Consumer demand will naturally flatten somewhat after the post-COVID fueled spike and with the American presidential election weeks away. But, let's not send the economy into a dizzy by broad-based claims that it's the consumer...when it might be the quality and price of the product.

Just sayin...

 

 

Aerosmith

Sad news this past week that Steven Tyler's vocal chord rehab was unsuccessful...and he'll be unable to complete the farewell tour with Aerosmith. While certainly unfortunate for all that wanted to see the Bad Boys from Boston one more time, can you believe that this didn't happen sooner? One listen to the intro scream of "Walk on Water" and you have to marvel that his vocal chords lasted as long as they did.

Aerosmith was born from the Blues (Train Kept a Rollin'), veered into mainstream (Don't Want to Miss a Thing) and always flirted with country (Crazy). 

And, of course, the video that changed everything: "Walk This Way."

On this Music Friday, we are heartened that while their touring days are over, there are rumors that a new studio album may still be in the offing.

Glad I saw them in concert in their prime.

Here's Steven's solo (country) track: "Love is Your Name."

New on DMOU: New York State's STR Legislation

When it comes to Short Term Rentals, trying to put the genie back into the bottle has proven elusive for most governments. Initially defended as a property rights play, elected leaders are now grappling with its unintended impact on affordable housing. On this edition of DMOU, we welcome 1000 Island International Tourism Council CEO Corey Fram with a fascinating story of how, after several twists and turns, the New York State Legislature actually passed a bill this session that brings STRs outside of New York City into the Tourism and Community Development eco-system. And, it all came down to framing the issue as not a Tourism or Fairness issue…but as one that cities, towns and villages actually cared about. Plus a Bonus Round question that has me remembering the best moments of “Slap Shot.” Join us.

Stepping Across the Line

As we touched on yesterday, residents of destinations around the globe are beginning to push back against the mass tourism they believe is negatively impacting their Quality of Life. And I get it. I've been a destination marketer for decades...and, for the first time, found myself face to face with the ugly side of mass tourism last summer as I watched 7 cruise ships jockey for position along the Alaska Coast.

Of course, when I asked our driver why the City didn't cap the number of boats each day, she looked at me like I was crazy. "Why would we do that," she asked. Of course, I was talking to a person whose livelihood depends on more and more boats...and not a resident.

But, the anger is real...and it got very real last week.

We're becoming used to seeing graffiti and banners expressing frustration with tourists. "Your Paradise, Our Hell," "Tourists Go Home" and "Tourism = Terrorism."

But, this was a first..."Kill a Tourist" on a wall in Majorca.

OK...this is over the line. Because some nut job will think this is the will of the people. Just like a lot of nut jobs thought occupying the Capitol was a good idea.

This level of rhetoric needs to stop. Good people are addressing the issue...maybe not as fast as you want. But they are.

Just Stop.

Image Credit: The Daily Mail

Not Quite the Intended Result

As cities across Europe push back against mass tourism, some have instituted fees on non-residents with the stated intention of dissuading tourists from visiting. My friend (and past guest on DMOU) George Tzougros from the Wisconsin Arts Board (celebrating their 50th) shared a recent analysis of some of those fees and taxes with me over the weekend...and, they're not working.

Well, at least not in slowing down the number of visitors clogging their streets and attractions. According to National Geographic, the taxes (most under $10 a day) are having no discernible impact on visitation (ya think?).

What they are doing is raking in a ton of cash, ostensibly for resident quality of life mitigation.

One can only hope that's where the money goes.

Managing Expectations

I know that atmospheric conditions can change on a dime...but so should the National Weather Service. The other night, I checked the forecast for the next day, which breathlessly predicted "Abundant Sunshine." I planned my day accordingly. 

It was cloudy much of the morning, breaking through to hazy sun through the afternoon. 

There's a rule in customer service that one should aspire to under promise and over deliver. I'm not a meteorologist...but, I'd suggest sticking with "mostly" or "partly" sunny. I certainly appreciated the use of bigger words like "abundant." But, if you can't guarantee it?

Just saying...

Dave Loggins

I've always associated "Come Monday" and "Please Come to Boston" as two peas in a pod. But, until I went searching, I didn't realize that was probably because Dave Loggins' song bumped Jimmy Bufett's song out of the Top Spot on the charts in the summer of '74. So the two songs were like one long song for that summer of my life.

We lost Jimmy last summer. We lost Dave last month.

On this Music Friday, we look back on both artists with two of their biggest hits.

Jimmy's "Come Monday"...and Dave's "Please Come to Boston."

Like I said...it's one long song of longing.

Politics

Not that those politicians that seek to limit choice, equity and recognition of history give a shit...but new research from Longwoods International indicates that just over a quarter of Americans make their travel decisions based, at least in part, on the political reputation of a destination. Thus, politics puts a quarter of the inbound visitor revenue required to power an economy at risk.

In a world where most voters are most concerned with the economy and their ability to survive, it is indeed fascinating that so many politicians are more interested in playing party philosophy than what voters actually want. And yet, people still vote for them.

If the electorate voted their true interests, none of these clowns would remain in office. But, they are smug in their realization that we don't vote our true interests. We vote with our tribe. And we are typically worse off for it.