Yesterday Caroline and I had the opportunity to go on a field trip to the New Orleans Convention Center and Visitors Bureau! We ventured uptown to attend an exclusive “Tourism University” seminar. There we discussed summer travel trends, American Automobile Association (AAA) members and their impact on New Orleans tourism. We even got a sneak peek of the cover for the next “Southern Traveler” magazine. I’d spill all the juicy information regarding New Orleans and its awards in the next publication, but I think I’ll just have to let the suspense build. Besides, July is right around the corner.
The guest speakers were Don Redman, Public Affairs Specialist and Associate Editor of the “Southern Traveler,” and Jon Carlew, Marketing and Research Manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California. They shared some fun facts including that ¼ of all travelers to New Orleans are AAA members and that despite the everlasting recession there was a 12% to 13% increase nationally in Memorial Day travel from last year.
It was interesting to see the effects one demographic can have on an industry and how important it is to target such demographics while planning a promotional campaign.
It was also refreshing to witness the camaraderie and networking that interlocks the New Orleans area hotels, restaurants and entertainment industries. Almost all of the attendees of the seminar knew each other and expressed how they actively help one another by promoting the others’ companies and planning group business trips. While I’m sure some of these businesses are competitors, they come together for the greater good of this city, and I find that extremely inspiring.
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