The Division uses the Mid-Year Marketing Update to give the travel, film, and sports industries an overview of its marketing plan including updates on media, marketing programs, cooperative marketing opportunities, research and visitnc.com.
The event included an economic outlook panel discussion moderated by Travel and Tourism Board Chair Chris Cavanaugh, a Division update and round table discussions.
During the panel discussion, John Packer, vice president of TNS Travel & Leisure Research, presented "The Whats and Whys" of current economic trends. The Division contracts with TNS's Travels America survey to track visitation.
2008 TNS Mid Year Update.pdf
Lindsay Culbreath, director of sales for Smith Travel Research, presented a "U.S. Lodging Overview". The Division contracts with Smith Travel Research to monitor lodging sector performance.
Smith Travel Research Presentation.pdf
Dr. John Connaughton, professor of economics and director of the highly regarded UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast, shared his views on the broader economic influences shaping consumer decisions and travel behavior.
UNC Charlotte NC Economic Forecast.pdf
Executive Director Lynn Minges presented a Division update, and Scott Gilmore and Jennifer Jenkins from Loeffler Ketchum Mountjoy gave highlights from the Division's marketing plan.
Mid-Year Division Update.pdf
Roundtable discussions allowed attendees to provide input for the Division’s future initiatives concerning VisitNC.com, niche marketing priorities, co-op programs, trends, sustainable tourism, Welcome Centers, the Call Center, heritage tourism and market priorities.