Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

America's Top Cities

The latest edition of America's Top Cities is out today and DMOU had the opportunity to talk with Resonance's Chris Fair on how the rankings are determined and why they matter. It's no surprise that big cities dominate the top 50 because they have more assets than smaller cities. But, there are some surprising cities in the bottom 50 that point the way to how DMOs can elevate community brand and magnetism to increase awareness and interest. Chris breaks it all down in this exclusive interview on how the rankings have evolved post-COVID. Cool stuff.

Can We Do Better?

A destination that has gone through its fair share of political turmoil just announced they are rebranding their DMO to include the county's name (rarely a good idea, as most consumers don't know county names). 

But hey, good for them. They're moving on...but, they're not.

Inspired by the article, I went to the DMO's website...and it's still showing the old brand (wouldn't you wait on the announcement of a new brand until the new look was up?). And, I'm confronted with this as the banner image (click above left to enlarge)?

I'm sorry. The county's median age is 36...and you're leading with a bunch of old farts drinking beer with some Zs? And, they're all white?

Oh yeah...and the DMO abandoned their old URL when they should have used it as a redirect so they don't lose their existing customer base?

Sigh...

The Definition of "All In"

Ocean City unleashed its new brand last week. And, when it comes to "all in," one can't do better than Ocean City CVB Director Tom Perlozzo, who launched the brand dressed in a suit covered in the new logo.

OC's longtime Mayor Rick Meehan was also on hand...and we smile every time we see him, because it brings back memories of the only tourism ad by a politician that ever worked.

Don’t be a Tourist – be an Explorist

For all the good (and evil) Artificial Intelligence can unleash...sometimes you just gotta laugh.

Like this video from Visit Denmark, written by ChatGPT and utilizing classic paintings and statues that talk.

10,000 views in two weeks. Not bad for asking a computer to have a little fun.

New on DMOU: Rachel Brown

A Destination Marketing consultant recently opined that diving into Sustainability and Stewardship carries with it some danger...and we don't disagree. But Visit Durango's Rachel Brown counters with all the reasons her DMO believes they must engage. She discusses how they've adapted the Care for Colorado program on a local level and shifted their budget to Destination Management. Plus a Bonus Round question that features her staff's Team Building initiative. Very cool stuff.

New on DMOU

Next up on the DMOU podcast series is BVK's Victoria Simmons. The agency, probably best known in Tourism circles for their highly successful "That's WY" campaign for Wyoming, released its 2023 Trend Report over the holidays...and we sit down with Victoria to get a more nuanced view into to the findings.

That and over 100 interviews with some of the brightest minds in destination marketing await you in the DMOU vault. And...be sure to subscribe to be alerted each time a new episode drops.

Kia for the Win

Every year, some company manages to hit every button with a holiday season television ad that inspires. Kia's "Kia Season of Giving Back" is quite possibly one of the most evocative holiday auto commercials in the history of television.

In a world of insipid ads featuring cars with oversized bows...Kia simply sticks it.

And, is now on my consideration list for my next ride.

Just like that.

Unforgettable Forgottonia

The State of Illinois is a hot mess...why else would a majority of the residents of almost a quarter of its counties vote to initiate succession proceedings? And many of those votes were overwhelmingly supportive of the concept. People in Southeastern Illinois are pissed that they are so often overlooked in a State that concentrates the majority of its support in its urban cores, especially Chicago. They even have a name for their region: Forgottonia.

The movement isn't likely to succeed...but you gotta love what the Macomb Area CVB has done to capitalize on the movement, claiming their county as the hub of Unforgettable Forgottonia. And part of that is exclusive merchandise highlighting their iconic first Asian restaurant, the water tower and a T-shirt commemorating the three night run of a Marx Brothers movie at Macomb's Lamoine Theatre.

Not for everyone? Maybe...but I think an increasing number of us would love to escape to Forgottonia for a weekend.

Well played...

Brilliant

I've never quite understood how Martha and Snoop connected and continue to play off each other. But this POP display by BIC (click image to enlarge) is epic.

Image Credit: @WeedPorns

DEI is also Visual

As we noted yesterday, addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is so much bigger than ethnicity and gender. It also can extend to how Destination Leaders address ensuring that visitors with sight challenges are able to enjoy the experiences we offer. 

Travel Yukon has partnered with EnChroma to deploy special glasses designed to help the color-blind among us to see the Northern Lights in all their radiant glory. As the news release from EnChroma notes: "Ten tourism operators in Yukon, and the Yukon Visitors Information Centre, will loan EnChroma glasses to color blind visitors. This partnership will enhance accessibility and inclusion, help attract more tourists and make the visits of those who are color blind more colorful and memorable."

Wanna experience what one man saw? Click Here.

And, for the millions around the globe with colorblindness, this is so very cool.