From virtual FAMs to meditation sessions to discussing the hard stuff, how destinations are staying positive and connecting with visitors during a pandemic.
Positive Yet Realistic Video Messages
Some destinations have been able to strike a near-perfect tone. “Our city in the desert is known for rising. Our language is sunshine, our spirit is resilience and reinvention is our way of life,” the Visit Phoenix narrator states. “We want you to know that our attractions, our sunsets and our hiking trails; our community, our hospitality partners and our team of experts will all be here—ready, for you.” The video closes with the hashtag #TogetherWeRise. Visit Rwanda and Visit Las Vegas also had strong video messages.
A Focus on Wellness
The DuPage (Ill.) CVB has partnered with the Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center to offer a free, six-part virtual meditation series—“DuMore Meditating: Meditation for Healthy Living”—that begins on May 8. An experienced facilitator will guide participants through reducing stress, using gratitude, making meditation a priority and more.
A Thorough Plan for Recovery
The Hong Kong Tourism Board hosted a web conference to provide the latest updates on tourism development and introduce its three-phase plan to reinvigorate tourism: Resilience (preparing a recovery plan), Recovery (encouraging locals to rediscover different neighborhoods and community cultures, launching tactical promotions with the trade in selected markets) and Relaunch (mega events and the launch of a new tourism brand campaign).
Celebratory Food and Drinks
VisitDallas, the “Official Home of the Frozen Margarita,” offered “America’s Official Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour” on May 5. Dallas chefs Dean Fearing and Julian Rodarte hosted, welcoming local restaurant friends and celebrating Cinco de Mayo with recipes, entertaining ideas, live music performances and more.
An experienced facilitator will guide participants through reducing stress, using gratitude, making meditation a priority and more.
The Virtual FAM
“Home with the FAM - An RACVB Virtual FAM Tour” showcased some of the cultural and venue options around Rockford, Ill., hosted by the Rockford Area CVB and partner venues. Representatives broadcasted from various locations around the city, including a live feed from inside the BMO Harris Bank Center that offered the same type of tour one would encounter during an in-person site visit. Added incentives to join the hour-long broadcast: three drawings for $50 restaurant gift cards and a rebate based on actualized room nights for any attendee who contracted with one of Rockford’s participating venues within four weeks.
Robust Webinar Discussion
Destination Colorado played host to a webinar called “Aha Moments During the COVID Crisis and a Look to the Future.” A veteran meeting planner and destination leaders from across the state discussed a variety of pertinent issues they’re facing. The webinar was nearly entirely focused on issues, not on directly promoting the state, and featured valuable insights touching on shifting roles, creative/appropriate marketing, safety regulations and much more.
Fun and Games
Discover Puerto Rico has launched digital puzzles so that “future travelers can discover Puerto Rico’s landmarks and must-visit locales, one jigsaw piece at a time.”
Coronavirus Resources: FREE Education from the MPI Academy
Virtual Tours
The Atlanta CVB has 360ATL, which offers meeting planners a birds-eye view of Atlanta’s walkable convention and entertainment district, revealing the convention center’s location in relation to Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Cuddly Animals
Tourism & Events Queensland, Australia, is promoting the livestreams available through the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, including daily feeding time (10 p.m.-12 a.m. EST).
Podcasts
Travel Costa Mesa (Calif.) was featured on a podcast discussing the city’s history, annual events and what a visitor can look forward to in the future when traveling to the city.
