Why Do We Ignore Our Nightlife?

One of my recent rants when speaking or consulting on internet marketing for Destination Marketing Organizations is the lack of searchable information about nightlife on so many DMO websites.

Now, I understand that just because I like to go clubbing is no reason to think that every traveler does. But the latest edition of Destination Analysts’ “State of the American Traveler” Study reveals that 20% of American travelers went clubbing on a recent leisure getaway. Uh-huh. One in five of us are looking for something to do after dinner when we’re in your town.

Our websites are generally great at outlining ethnic heritage sites (which only 11% visit), spas (8%), Birding (7%) and Eco-Tourism Sites (7%). Why do we so fall down on an activity that over twice as many people love?

And, one has to wonder how much higher that 20% number would be if our websites would provide the information that our prospective visitors crave.

I'm betting a lot.

Comments

[John Groh]

maybe it's because many DMO marketing folks are not in tune with these folks. We know our museum folks, our golf course pros, the folks from the parks departments and such... but the guys and gals that run our bars and clubs and further the actual musicians that sing and play in our clubs are not coming to our meetings or interacting with us..... probably because we have not invited them, asked them, etc.

[Shelley Piraino]

We are very much in contact with our venues and entertainers and have a searchable section on our site, by month, venue or entertainer. Check it out: http://www.gulfshores.com/dining-nightlife/nightlife-entertainment/

Once we realized how much nightlife we have, we had to highlight and you can find it right on the mainpage navigation!

[Bill Geist]

John: You make a great point. And, Shelley...why am I not surprised :)

[Maura Gast]

Come on, gang - we're focused on making sure we've covered the Cultural, and the Historic, and the Eco and the Random Collection because the folks civically engaged in our communities push us on those fronts. And it's a way to show that we put the same weight and priority on those civic assets that the community at large does...

[John Groh]

so, Maura, you are saying we focus on those things to CYA?

[Maura Gast]

Of course not, John, that would be crass and so declassé. We do it to POB.