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This one was a hoot.
Last month, Michael Novakovich (Visit Tri-Cities) joined me on the DMOU podcast microphone to share how outlandish video (by DMO standards) has become such a positive tool for destination brand awareness...and organizational brand awareness. But, the real fun starts when we start riffing in the Bonus Round.
We dropped the latest episode last night. Check it out.
In our work with Destination Marketing Organizations across the nation since that first glimmer of comeback hope over a year ago, there has been one word on virtually everybody's lips: Workforce.
Or, more accurately, the severe, debilitating lack of it. And, a hundred different ways we've pondered how to emerge on the other side full-staffed. But, the problem is so monumental and pervasive...where to start?
Alabama announced a bold plan last week at their annual Conference on Tourism: $1 million to prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals. The program will allow students to train online through the State's 24-campus two-year college system, making the program accessible to virtually all citizens 16 and older, according to State Tourism Director Lee Sentell.
Bravo 'Bama. Looking forward to your lead!
The latest wave of COVID research from Longwoods International dropped this morning, appearing to show that Americans are fairly confident that the plague will diminish in the next six months, as almost 9 in 10 have plans to travel by July.
But...just not now. Roughly a third of Americans last week said they are postponing travel as a result of the surge in cases. 58% are changing plans. And, while anecdotal, it certainly bears caution...even among the vaccinated. Terri and I might have known two or three people that came down with COVID each month of the first 20 or so. Since the first of this month, that number has ballooned to over 20 friends, acquaintances and clients, likely due to holiday get togethers.
Here's hoping the top line number isn't just wishful thinking talking. And, if you must, travel and gather safely, y'all.
Often, destinations engage spokesmodels that may have a fan base, but their resonance with the destination is tenuous (Arnold for Madrid, Richard Gere for Indonesia and, most recently, Rebel Wilson for Fiji).
Then there are the ones that do make sense (Paul Hogan for Australia and Josh Duhamel for North Dakota).
But, with all due respect to Croc and Josh, this week's announcement of Sammy Hagar as the Tourism Ambassador for Los Cabos is simply brilliant (though, what took y'all so long?).
Sammy opened the now iconic Cabo Wabo Cantina in the Spring of 2000 and that investment absolutely transformed a community that didn't have paved roads 22 years ago. He built several multi-million dollar tasting businesses there and he plays his club several times a year, driving an insane influx of visitors hoping to catch his impromptu appearances.
Dude put Cabo on the map. Truth.
On this Music Friday, Cabo's new spokesman shows his bonafides from the club he's owned since the turn of the century. It's Mas Tequilla, babies!
It's why DMOs hire us to "secret shop" their destinations. When you live in a place, you often become numb to its warts.
Our friend Brett Stawar (Port Aransas Tourism) recently went home for the holidays. He took a route into the destination that he typically didn't when he once headed the DMO there. And what to his wondering eyes appeared...but a serious fail in an embracing welcome to the destination (click image to enlarge).
It's the little things that we can catch that locals take for granted. Call us.
Day 4...how you doin'?
Recent research commissioned by West Virginia Tourism indicates that roughly half of New Year's Resolutions fail. But, there is much more behind that figure than meets the idea.
We had the chance to talk with West Virginia's Chelsea Ruby just before the holidays and she shared some amazing insights on the latest DMOU podcast. Join us.
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