Insights

  • The Power of Visitors to Small Towns

    The Power of Visitors to Small Towns

    David says… Most travel and tourism professionals have a pretty solid grasp of the economic impact of travel and tourism. But average residents, local officials and surprisingly many individuals employed in hospitality-related positions often have no idea how much of an economic and quality-of-life contributor overnight visitors are to their community.

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  • Why Now Is the Time to Refresh Your Photography

    Why Now Is the Time to Refresh Your Photography

    Camille says… Some photos we just recently found appropriate and exciting feel out of touch today. Times have obviously changed, and many of the images used previously to promote places will need to as well. As many DMOs work to replace some beloved content with “new normal” messaging, we've provided some guidance to help you curate photos that speak to the concerns of travelers today. Read time: 4 minutes

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  • Key Elements of a Destination in 2021, Part 5: Amenities

    Key Elements of a Destination in 2021, Part 5: Amenities

    Stamp says… In the final installment of this five-part series, we take a look at the role amenities play in shaping the visitor experience and how your DMO can leverage them to encourage return visits and positive word of mouth. Read time: six minutes 

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  • Key Elements of a Destination in 2021, Part 4: Activities

    Key Elements of a Destination in 2021, Part 4: Activities

    Stamp says… As your DMO assesses what activities it has to offer its visitors, strategize within the framework of what visitors can expect to experience—not just what they can do—while visiting your city. Read time: 6 minutes

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  • Key Elements of a Destination in 2021, Part 2: Accommodations

    Key Elements of a Destination in 2021, Part 2: Accommodations

    Stamp says… In the second installment of this series, we take a look at the role accommodations play in managing visitor expectations and contributing to the local economy of a destination Read time: three minutes

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  • Leverage Road Trips to Help Rebuild

    Leverage Road Trips to Help Rebuild

    David says… There is so much of our country that remains undiscovered among our fellow Americans that there is literally a world of opportunities within driving distance of most US travelers. And as many of us look to continue observing social distancing precautions as we travel, the resurgence of great American road trips has the potential to be a promising option for travelers and destinations alike. Read time: five minutes

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  • Moving Your Brand Forward—What Comes Next?

    Moving Your Brand Forward—What Comes Next?

    Leigh says… Shed light on how brands can drive situation-sensitive yet purpose-led growth in this unprecedented time. Guidelines from the American Advertising Federation’s webinar: "Weathering the Storm: Brand Management in the COVID-19 Era". Read time: four minutes

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  • The Case for DMOs Getting 100% of Lodging Tax Revenue

    The Case for DMOs Getting 100% of Lodging Tax Revenue

    David says… As DMOs look to stabilize their budgets in these trying times, now may be the best opportunity that has ever existed to strategically advocate for a higher percentage of this revenue. Read time: under 3 minutes

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  • Ideas for Supporting Your Community

    Ideas for Supporting Your Community

    David says… The travel and tourism community has been upended by booking and event cancellations, trip postponements, and the temporary closings of many local businesses as we grapple with how best to slow the spread of COVID-19. But even in this uncertain climate, Destination Management Organizations play an important role in supporting local stakeholders. Read time: four minutes 

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  • Free Facebook Places Website Integration Tool

    Free Facebook Places Website Integration Tool

    David says… During a recent conversation with Franci Edgerly about ideas that could help the travel and tourism industry in these unprecedented times, we hatched an idea to offer free licenses to ITI’s Facebook Places website integration tool. Read time: four mintues

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