SEC. FAIN ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AWARD FOR WINE-TOURISM PROMOTION
Travel Industry Association Honors N.C. Tourism Office with 2007 Excellence Award
RALEIGH –Commerce Secretary Jim Fain announced today that the Department’s Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development received the Travel Industry Association’s 2007 excellence award for promotion of wine tourism in the North Carolina. The division was awarded the 2007 Mercury Award for Niche Advertising during a recent Travel Industry Association education conference.
“The wine and grape industry has become an important part of our state’s economy, contributing $813 million annually and attracting more than 800,000 visitors,” Fain said. “Vineyards also help preserve family farms and contribute to our state’s natural scenic beauty. I am very proud of the exceptional work of division Director Lynn Minges and Wine & Grape Council Director Margo Knight Metzger in leading our promotion of this important and growing industry.”
North Carolina is home to more than 65 wineries in 37 counties. Since 2000, the number of wineries in the state has tripled and grape acreage has more than doubled. The state ranks 10th in the nation for both grape and wine production.
The Travel Industry Association award recognizes North Carolina’s successful marketing to a specific travel category. North Carolina’s effort to promote wine tourism included developing press materials, organizing media visits and offering wine tastings to members of the national food and travel press. The media relations efforts resulted in coverage in national publications, including USA TODAY and The New York Times as well as a segment on “ABC World News Tonight.” The state also was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article on emerging wine destinations.
According to an industry study, North Carolina now ranks behind only California and New York as a destination for wine-related travel. For more information about the wine industry in North Carolina call 1-800-VISIT NC (800-847-4862) or visit these web sites:
-30-