» San Diego North
CVB Annual Meeting - March 16, 2006
» Bureau Lays Out
Plan for New Web Site Concept
» Sales
Update
» Marketing
Update
» Put the San
Diego North CVB to Work for You
» Industry News
& Member Spotlight
» Stories from the
Watercooler
» Welcome
Aboard!
» Fast Facts -
Travel Industry Tidbits
» Bureau
Contacts
San Diego North CVB Annual Meeting - March
16, 2006
The San Diego North CVB Annual Meeting is
scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2006. The meeting will highlight the
Bureau's year-end review and forecast trends for 2006.
This year's
featured speaker is Michael Tchong, a noted trend analyst who helps
businesses uncover hidden market opportunities in emerging trends. Due to
the success with last year's guest presenter, travel expert Peter
A. Yesawich, this popular and insightful segment returns to the meeting's
program for a second consecutive year.
The 2006 Annual Meeting
will be held from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, 15575
Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014. For additional information and to
RSVP, please email Debbie Mirageas, office manager at dmirageas@sandiegonorth.com,
or call 760-745-4741.
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Bureau Lays Out Plan for New Web Site
Concept
The SD North CVB is in the planning stages of a
new concept for its Web site, designed to create a more "experiential"
visit for users. The site's new features are intended to engage users with
"exclusive tips" on treasured obscurities within the San Diego North
region, typically known only to locals. Expected to launch in the next six
months, the new design will help to enhance users' online experience and
allow them to plan a more unique and memorable stay when they arrive in
San Diego North.
"In order to gain trust and customer loyalty, we
want to give our visitors the inside scoop on San Diego North versus a
stagnant menu of options," says Cami Mattson, president and CEO of the
Bureau. "This will ease the planning process, ignite interest, and stand
out among competing destination Web sites. It will also encourage repeat
travel as the information will be dynamic, unique and geared to personal
interest."
Given its remarkable growth and recent performance, the
Bureau's Web site has been an essential tool for trip planners. Unique
visitors are up 55% through January for this fiscal year over the same
period last year. In 2005, over 175,000 unique users visited the site, an
increase of 38% from 2004.
Bureau members will have the
opportunity to elevate their presence on the revamped site by offering
inside tips for their particular properties, or share a personal favorite,
such as scenic spot, bike trail, hiking path, or any other tips. An eBlast
will be sent to members within the next few months, requesting submissions
to help build this content.
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Sales Update
Sales Report : December 05 - January 06
Tentatives
|
Definites
|
Leads: 65
Room
Nights: 16,936
|
Bookings: 18
Room
Nights: 13,526
|
Bureau Participates in CalSAE Seasonal
Spectacular
The Bureau, along with 12
co-op partners, attended the California Society of Association Executives
(CalSAE) trade show on December 7, 2005 in Sacramento, CA. The show
concluded with 127 planners visiting the Bureau's booth, resulting in nine
RFP's and 39 leads for the co-op team. Stephanie Colby-Aburto, the
Bureau's director of sales, attended the show with co-op partners from the
Homewood Suites San Diego/Del Mar, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach,
Warner Springs Ranch, Holiday Inn Carlsbad by the Sea, La Casa Del Zorro,
Pala Casino Resort & Spa, L'Auberge Del Mar, Hilton San Diego/Del Mar,
Harrah's Rincon Casino, Morgan Run Resort & Club, and Grand Pacific
Palisades.
Bureau Attends Tour Operator Summit in Los
Angeles
The Bureau's sales manager,
Michelle Carlen, met with 15 tour operators and generated five leads at
the North American Journeys 2006 Tour Operator Summit in Los Angeles on
January 23 and 24. The summit is a marketplace and conference which brings
together west coast tour operators and west coast destinations to
cultivate and renew existing relationships.
Sales Team Conducts
Sales Calls in December and January
The
sales team conducted sales calls throughout San Diego, Los Angeles and Las
Vegas in December and January. So far, sales calls within this period have
resulted in four RFP's and three tentative bookings. Over 65 sales calls
were made during these two months.
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Marketing Update
The 2006
Visitors Guide Makes Early Arrival Last
December
The San Diego North 2006
Travel Planning and Conference Guide was distributed in mid-December
and is now available. "The travel planner is the Bureau's primary
marketing tool," says Barbara Bovee, director of marketing and operations
for the Bureau. "It is essential that we produce a top quality piece that
offers comprehensive visitor information."
According to the
Bureau's most recent inquiry conversion survey, the guide influenced over
74% of the people to come to San Diego North and 85% of those who visited
brought the visitors guide with them. The Bureau published over 40,000
visitor guides to be distributed to meeting planners, travel planners and
agents, visitor inquiries and the media.
As a service to members,
the Bureau can also mail guides to your booked groups prior to their
arrival in the area. This service allows your groups to get acquainted
with the region before their visit. To arrange a pre-mailing of the 2006
Visitors Guide for your group, email Stacy Kadrich, marketing manager at
skadrich@sandiegonorth.com.
Consumer eNewsletter Holds Strong During Shoulder
Season
The most recent issue of the
Bureau's consumer eNewsletter, Getaway Highlights, was
distributed in mid-January and has so far received a 31.7% read rate and
13.6% click rate among its readers. Getaway Highlights is
distributed strictly to opt-in subscribers on a quarterly basis. It
features updates on area events, the latest specials for accommodations
and attraction tickets, as well as links to the San Diego North Web site
and ARES online booking engine. To view a copy of the latest issue, click
here.
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Put the San Diego North CVB to Work For
You
Public Relations
Opportunities
During the next month, the
public relations department will be gathering information for inclusion in
the following spring press release. If you have information that would fit
this topic, please submit your information to Hilary Townsend, public
relations manager, at htownsend@sandiegonorth.com.
Upcoming
Press Releases - "San Diego North - The Inside Scoop"
Submission
deadline: February 24, 2006
This press release will
be themed to give an "insider's perspective" on the San Diego North
region. Designed to give the first time or returning traveler unique
reasons to visit the destination, we are looking for ideas that are
unique, off the beaten track, and not normally found in guide books that
the Bureau can recommend to experience while visiting San Diego
North.
Free Listing Opportunity - New Online Video Search
Directory
A new online video database
service is available to help promote your property. Videonary is a company
which has developed an online video directory for area businesses in
various categories, from hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife.
The directory integrates edited video footage which users can access and
search to view listings and watch a short video clip, versus a static
image or plain text.
Videonary is offering its services to merchants
at no charge, and includes film crew, editing and sound. For more
information about this opportunity, please contact Monica Marques at
Videonary by calling 619-243-2448, x340, or email monica@videonary.com, or visit http://www.videonary.com/
Consumer
eNewsletter - Promotion Opportunities for ARES Members
Members who are contracted through ARES
will receive extended exposure to their Hot Deals listing on the ARES Web
site through a link in the next issue of the Bureau's opt-in consumer
newsletter, Getaway Highlights, due out in April. In addition,
your Hot Deals listing will link from the San Diego North CVB Web site,
which generated traffic of over 175,000 unique users in 2005. Post your
Hot Deals on ARES now and take advantage of additional exposure by
contacting your ARES representative directly. For information on ARES
services click here,
or call 1-800-828-0868.
The 05-06 Co-op Trade Show Opportunities
Are Still Available
Co-op trade shows with
the SD North CVB are a great opportunity for you to create additional
exposure for your business in a cost-effective, productive, and highly
visible manner! For more information, contact Jennifer Reginelli, sales
coordinator, or any member of the San Diego North CVB sales team at
760-603-1690, or email sales@sandiegonorth.com.
The
trade show profiles are available by clicking
here.
For
a listing of the 05-06 co-op trade shows and sign up form, click
here.
Keep It North and Reap the
Benefits
The Bureau offers assistance to
area hotels and its displaced groups by providing alternative
accommodations/meetings space through the Keep It North referral program.
Keep It North is designed to keep business within the area and among
members. To participate, members simply submit a referral to the sales
team and also become eligible for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas,
Utah, Phoenix, Cabo San Lucas or other rewards. For information about the
program and to download submission forms, click
here.
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Industry News & Member
Spotlight
Industry
News
The City of Oceanside has approved
plans from Fairfield Resorts, Inc. to build Fairfield Oceanside at the
Pier -- a two-tower, 168-unit resort on Pacific Street at the head of the
pier in downtown Oceanside. Designed to feature a public promenade and
plaza with retail shops, a restaurant, and outdoor café, the project is
slated for completion in the spring of 2008.
The San Diego County Fair brought
home top honors in multiple award categories at the Western Fairs
Association (WFA) 83rd Annual Convention and Trade show. Among the
numerous awards was the prestigious and highly coveted 2005 Merrill Award
in Recognition of Superior Achievement. Named after the founder of WFA,
Louis B. Merrill, the award is the top honor for fair programs that
demonstrate outstanding vision and leadership. The Del Mar
Fairgrounds was recognized for its "Recycling and Resource
Conservation Programs".
Expedia has
listed Biplane Rides and Top Dog Air Combat, two popular flights from
A1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures, in their
international list of Top 10 Daredevil Adventures.
Member
Spotlight
Emmy-award winning actor James Gandolfini took
his six-year-old son, Michael, to LEGOLAND California in
December. The 44-year-old actor, best known for his role as Tony Soprano
in the hit TV show "The Sopranos", squealed in delight as he and Michael
rode "The Dragon" and "Technic Test Track" rollercoasters.
A new Courtyard by Marriott San
Diego/Rancho Bernardo will open in early March. Featuring 210
rooms, the four-story hotel offers 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
At a recent press conference,
LEGOLAND California announced plans for the biggest
expansion in the Park's seven-year history with the summer debut of Pirate
Shores, an exciting new area including all-new water attractions designed
around the ever-popular pirate theme.
SeaWorld San Diego has extended its military tribute program to more than
900,000 members of the U.S. and coalition armed forces and their families
through 2006. Titled "Here's to the Heroes", the program is designed to
acknowledge the service of military men and women and the sacrifices made
by their families.
Public Relations
Opportunities
During the next month, the
public relations department will be gathering information for inclusion in
the following spring press release. If you have information that would fit
this topic, please submit your information to Hilary Townsend, public
relations manager, at htownsend@sandiegonorth.com.
Upcoming
Press Releases - "San Diego North - The Inside Scoop"
Submission
deadline: February 24, 2006
This press release will
be themed to give an "insider's perspective" on the San Diego North
region. Designed to give the first time or returning traveler unique
reasons to visit the destination, we are looking for ideas that are
unique, off the beaten track, and not normally found in guide books that
the Bureau can recommend to experience while visiting San Diego
North.
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Stories from the
Watercooler
Americans are the World's Biggest
Spenders
Americans are the biggest
spenders on the planet. Collectively, U.S. consumers spend more each week
than the annual gross domestic product of Finland. At that pace of
spending, the average American household's economic outlays for all goods
and services reached a rather grand $1,500 a week in 2005, according to
the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Marketers may not want to admit it, but the fact is they desperately need
consumers willing to spend every dime they make and then some on items
such as 50,000 SUVs and million dollar vacation homes. If Americans ever
started saving money like those prudent Japanese consumers, countless
industries besides our own would be on the ropes. Read more of this
article at AdAge.com by clicking
on this link.
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Welcome
Aboard!
We are proud to announce the
following organizations which have recently joined as a new member of the
San Diego North CVB:
Hard Rock Café, La Jolla
909 Prospect,
Suite 100
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858-456-7625/Fax: 858-551-0614
http://www.hardrock.com/
The Hard Rock Cafe La Jolla is what Southern California is all about: sea,
sun, sand and self-discovery. Whether you're doing smart, scientific stuff
at the nearby Scripps Institute of Oceanography, or taking in the
aerobatics at the Miramar Naval Air Top Gun program, the Hard Rock is your
#1 destination for relaxation, kicking back, and feeling like a rock star
on vacation.
Skinsational Skin and Body Spa
300 Carlsbad
Village Dr. #124
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: 760-434-8118/Fax:
760-434-1597
http://www.skinsationalspa.com/
Skinsational Day Spa Offers: massages - full body, reflexology, warm
stone, sensational body treatments; facials - aromatherapy, glycolic and
fruit enzyme, microdermabrasion, compu-lift; spa manicures, pedicures and
much more.
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California
Road
Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: 951-694-8855/Fax:
951-694-8883/Toll-free: 877-314-WINE
http://www.pontewinery.com/
Ponte Family Estate is one of the most appealing wineries in the Temecula
Valley Wine Country. The winery includes a large tasting room, the
Smokehouse Restaurant, gift marketplace and special event facilities.
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Fast Facts - Travel Industry
Tidbits
San Diego Hotels Rooms Rates
Rise
Hotels in San Diego posted the
highest increase in average daily room rates in the state, based on
the 2005 numbers reported by the LA office of Ernst and Young LP.
- The accounting firm ranked San Diego as the
"overall top hotel market in the state" based on hotel revenues from room
occupancy, according to the San Diego Business Journal.
- San Diego County experienced an 8% increase
in average daily room rates for the first half of 2005 compared to the
same time last year.
- The County's
performance outpaces the statewide increase of 5.2% and the national
increase of 4%.
Consumer Survey Reveals Email Marketing
Shortfalls
According to a survey of more
than 2,500 on a Harris Interactive panel, many consumers are not receiving
information they request by email.
-
Although 77% of consumers report wanting email information from
marketers, only 8% actually receive it.
- When asked what type of messages work best for permission emails, 66%
said purchase, shipping and transaction confirmation.
For more on this
survey, click
here.
Women Desire Vacations With Emotional
Rewards
A new survey conducted by Roper
Public Affairs for Meredith Corporation finds that women respondents
value vacations that include the emotional rewards of relaxation from the
daily routine, re-connection with family and friends, and the opportunity
to re-invent and re-ignite their personal passions.
- Among women with families, 96% of
respondents state that vacations that "create memories" are a key
component in where they choose to spend their leisure
time.
- One in three females has taken a
multigenerational trip and one in six has taken a wedding vow renewal or
anniversary trip.
For more information on this article, click
here.
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Bureau Contacts
Cami Mattson, president and
CEO
Barbara Bovee,
director of marketing and operations
Stephanie Colby-Aburto,
director of sales
Debbie
Mirageas, office manager
Hilary Townsend, public
relations manager
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