 June 2005
» Cami's 20 Year Anniversary» Sales Update » Marketing Update » Put the San Diego North CVB to work for you » Industry News & Member Spotlight » Stories from the Watercooler » Staff Update - Welcome Hilary Townsend and Jennifer Reginelli » Welcome Aboard! » Fast Facts » Bureau Contacts Cami Mattson Celebrates 20 Years with San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau  Cami Mattson, president and CEO of the San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau, reflects on 20 years of accomplishments and dedication on her anniversary with the Bureau on May 6. Mattson began in the Marketing Department of the Bureau in 1985, then known as the Escondido Convention & Visitors Bureau. She took over as Executive Director in 1989, just as the Escondido City Council decided to phase out funding. The Bureau grew from a modest Escondido CVB to a regional organization through Mattson's leadership, as she grew funding through nine public funding sources: Escondido, the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, San Marcos, Vista, Encinitas, Poway, Oceanside and Solana Beach. Additional funding was established as she developed a membership program while driving fundraisers and marketing efforts. Mattson created a group sales department in 1996 and secured $540,000 in funding by the following year, the largest in the Bureau's history. By 2000, Mattson created a branding campaign for the organization, renaming it the San Diego North CVB to create a stronger visual image of the region. Today, the San Diego North CVB is a $1.1 million organization and maintains a membership of 230 organizations. As Mattson celebrates 20 years with the San Diego North CVB, we salute her commitment to creating the thriving organization that it is today. « back to top Sales Update Sales Report : April 2005 - May 2005
San Diego North CVB Sales Team Hosts 2005 Spring Educational (FAM) Tour The San Diego North CVB 2005 Spring Educational Tour immersed meeting planners in four days of golf, spa treatments, luxury accommodations and dining in order to learn about offerings of our region. The tour, which took place from May 12 to May 14, 2005, has generated two leads to date. Participating planners included individuals from The California Moving and Storage Association, and Loma Linda University's School of Medicine. Click here to view the itinerary. For more information on how to participate in future tours, please contact the sales department at sales@sandiegonorth.com. Affordable Meetings West Trade Show Roughly 1,200 meeting planners from 22 states and Canada were in attendance at the Affordable Meetings West Trade Show which took place on April 6 & 7, 2005 in Chicago, Ill. Over 120 planners stopped by the two booths staffed by Stephanie Colby-Aburto, director of sales for the San Diego North CVB, and co-op partners from L'Auberge Del Mar, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe and Hilton Del Mar. The show generated seven immediate leads and 38 future leads for the San Diego North region. San Diego North CVB Takes Manhattan at POW WOW 
The Big Apple was the setting for this year's POW WOW event, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on May 3-7, 2005. Over 5,500 attendees from 70+ countries, including international buyers, domestic buyers and international journalists, turned out for one of the largest and most successful POW WOW shows in recent years.
Michelle Carlen and Stephanie Colby-Aburto, sales manager and director of sales for the San Diego North CVB, respectively, met with over 30 travel buyers and five members of the press to discuss partnerships and contracts with San Diego North hospitality members.
« back to top Marketing Update Spring Mixer on Cinco de Mayo, Rancho Bernardo Inn  The San Diego North CVB held its Spring Mixer at the Rancho Bernardo Inn on May 5, 2005, giving way to Cinco de Mayo festivities. The attendance reached 100, with the presence of key public officials, including representatives from the cities of Poway, Escondido, Oceanside, San Diego, as well as from the County of San Diego and the State of California. Twenty-two member organizations promoted their product, service, and/or property throughout the event by setting up table-top exhibits, available for free with paid registration. Many thanks to the Rancho Bernardo Inn and our door prize sponsors for contributing to the success of this event. New SD North Webpage is Live on SignOnSanDiego.com San Diego North CVB has developed a special San Diego North Guide webpage on SignOnSanDiego.com. This resource is designed for both local and out-of-area visitors, featuring listings for hotels, restaurants, shopping locations and events, plus much more. Now through June 22, 2005, SD North CVB members can receive a special free listing. Listings after that date are available for a nominal fee. SignOnSanDiego.com receives over 2.5 million users a month, so the anticipated traffic to this page is great. The Guide is accessible via a SD North link, located in the Guides box on the SignOnSanDiego.com homepage. Click here to view the page live. For more details on advertising opportunities, click here and/or contact Chris Caudle at 619-787-4059 or via email at: Chris.Caudle@SignOnSanDiego.com. Get Ready for the 2006 Travel Planning & Conference Guide Recently, the Bureau mailed membership invoices for your Fiscal Year 2005-2006 membership investment. To insure your free listing in the 2006 Travel Planning and Conference Guide, please make sure your accounting department has processed your annual membership investment. Update your FREE member listing - By now you should have received a copy of your editorial listings from the 2005 Guide. If you have not already done so, please make sure to note any changes to your information and return it to the Bureau as soon as possible. Please note: you need to sign and send back the listing even if there are no changes needed. Take advantage of advertising for the 2006 Guide now - Advertisements for the 2006 Guide are sold by San Diego Magazine, which publishes the guide for the Bureau. Representatives from San Diego Magazine will contact you separately to renew your advertisement for the 2006 Guide. The San Diego North Travel Planning and Conference Guide is the primary marketing tool of the San Diego North CVB. It is distributed to meeting planners, travel planners, travel agents, the press, and leisure inquiries. Over 40,000 guides were published for 2005 distribution. 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 guide with them. If you have any questions about your membership investment or your free listing in the 2006 Guide, please contact Stacy Kadrich at skadrich@sandiegonorth.com or 760-745-4741. For information about advertising space in the 2006 Guide, contact Kevin Kearns at San Diego Magazine by calling 619-744-0510, or by email: kkearns@sandiegomag.com. Spring Issue of Consumer Newsletter Generates 35% Read Rate The second issue of Getaway Highlights received a 35% read rate among total subscribers, an increase of 5% over the debut issue in January. Getaway Highlights is the Bureau's consumer newsletter, 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 website and ARES booking engine. To view a copy of the issue, click here. For more information on how to participate, email Stacy Kadrich, marketing coordinator, at skadrich@sandiegonorth.com. Bureau Adds Consumer ePostcard to Suite of Online Marketing Tools The Bureau's marketing department launched an ePostcard in May, which received an astonishing read rate of 38%. The ePostcard provides the Bureau an additional means to keep connected with its opt-in newsletter subscribers. With stunning, large photography of popular attractions and sweeping landscapes within the San Diego North region, the ePostcards is designed as a reinforcement tool to remind subscribers of the beauty and uniqueness of the region. The main premise behind the ePostcard is to deliver a message that allows consumers to appreciate its content with no pressure to act immediately or to buy. "Consumers are constantly barraged with emails telling them to "Click here now!" or "Book now and save!" says Barbara Bovee, director of marketing for the San Diego North CVB. "We designed these ePostcards with a friendly, personalized tone, and our subscribers seem to be responding well to this approach." To view the ePostcard, click here. «back to top Put the San Diego North CVB to Work For You 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 website through a link in the Summer issue of the Bureau's opt-in consumer newsletter, Getaway Highlights, due out in July. In addition, your Hot Deals listing will link from the San Diego North CVB web site, which generates traffic of 126,000 unique users annually. Post your Hot Deals on ARES now and take advantage of additional exposure by contacting your ARES representative directly. For information on ARES services, call 1-800-719-1211. Include Your Brochure in Mailings of the Bureau's Travel Planning & Conference Guide The Bureau's direct mail program is a money saving benefit, allowing members to include brochures or promotional flyers in mailings of the San Diego North Travel Planning and Conference Guide. Your information will be mailed to visitor, relocation and travel agent inquiries. Inserted in the inside-front cover of the guide, your promotional information is sure to be seen by readers. The cost to participate is $150 per month. The Bureau averages 2,400 pieces per month, translating to approximately .06 per piece - significantly less than individual postage. For information on how to participate, please Stacy Kadrich, marketing coordinator, at skadrich@sandiegonorth.com or call 760-745-4741. Promote Your Products and Special Offers for FREE at www.offerwizard.com The California Travel and Tourism Commission provides a fully interactive, itinerary-based planning tool that highlights special travel values and incentives through a free online "Offer Wizard." These listings are highlighted on www.bestofcaliforniatv.com and www.visitcalifornia.com. To participate in this free program, go to www.offerwizard.com and click on "Business Registration." Once the general information is approved, California companies are eligible to submit product offers and discounts. For details, contact Susan Wilcox at the CTTC by phone: 916-319-5412 or by email: swilcox@cttc1.com. «back to top Industry News & Member Spotlight INDUSTRY NEWS Chef Carl Schroeder of Arterra at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, was the recipient of the "Chef of the Year" award by the California Travel Industry Association. Craig Reber, general manager of the Radisson Hotel La Jolla, was recently named Manager of the Year for all Radisson hotels nationwide. The La Jolla property was the only Radisson hotel to receive the 100% guest satisfaction award for all Radisson hotels nationwide. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT San Diego's first Homewood Suites by Hilton opened in Del Mar last month. Featuring 120 suites, the hotel is located at Vista Sorrento Parkway and Ocean Bluff Drive. A second hotel, an 80-unit Hilton Garden Inn, is slated to break ground late summer. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Aviara has been awarded the 2005 Four-Star Spa Award from the Mobil Travel Guide. The hotel is one of only 47 hotel and resort spa properties in the United States and Canada to receive this prestigious award. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has been named one of the "World's Hottest New Hotels" by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine for 2005-2006. This new hotel, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, is one of only three properties in California and among a dozen in the United States to make the coveted list. 
Cruisin' Grand Doubles its Size and Extends Route to loop around Grand Avenue and Second Avenue. The popular Friday night cruise route features more than 400 American-made hotrods, custom, vintage, and classic cars and trucks.LEGOLAND California recently launched its newest attraction, Knights' Tournament. Park guests become knights-in-training as they cross a medieval moat and select the intensity of their ride experience aboard one of six passenger-carrying robotic arms. Plans to build The Grand Del Mar Golf Club and Resort were recently announced. The new 5-star resort will surround the golf course at 5300 Del Mar National Way off of the 56 East and Carmel Country Road. The Lavender Fields has produced a new line of men's skin care products, just in time for Father's Day. They have created the Shaving Soap CrËme, which offers a soft and gentle "face massage" before shaving. Also added are an alcohol-free Aftershave Soother and Aftershave Splash. All products include The Lavender Fields' estate distilled and bottled lavender essential oil, which provides antiseptic, healing and aromatherapy qualities. «back to top Stories from the Watercooler Discount Theatre Ticket Outlet, ArtsTix, Coming to San Diego North Region Residents and visitors to the San Diego North region will soon have the opportunity to purchase discounted theatre tickets without the extensive commute to downtown San Diego. ArtsTix has partnered with the San Diego North CVB, allowing the Bureau to become the exclusive ticket outlet in the San Diego North region. Beginning in July, the Bureau's Visitor Center in Escondido will sell discounted tickets, available for pick up at will-call, to same-day and future arts performances throughout San Diego County. ArtsTix is a part of the San Diego Performing Arts League, a non-profit umbrella organization that promotes and advances all of the arts in San Diego County. It is the only discount ticket organization that gives 100% of its proceeds back to the arts. «back to top Staff Update - Welcome Hilary Townsend and Jennifer Reginelli The Bureau is pleased to welcome Hilary Townsend, public relations manager, and Jennifer Reginelli, sales coordinator, to the San Diego North CVB team. Both individuals are excited about their new opportunity with San Diego North CVB team.  Townsend recently joined the Bureau in May as the public relations manager. She brings the combined experience of a seasoned public relations consultant and freelance writer to the marketing team.  Reginelli, who also joined in May, brings a diverse background to her new position as sales coordinator. Most recently, Reginelli has acquired hospitality experience working at San Luis Rey Downs Golf Resort and gained knowledge about the San Diego North region. Previously, she worked in the areas of technology, management, and finance. Reginelli looks forward to growing her sales experience and developing successful business relationships. The Bureau is delighted to have such talented, dynamic and enthusiastic individuals added to our team. Welcome aboard, Hilary and Jennifer! «back to top Welcome Aboard! We are proud to announce the following organization which has recently joined as a new member of the San Diego North CVB: Belly Up 143 South Cedros Solana Beach, CA 92075 Phone: 858-481-8140/Fax: 858-481-7149 www.bellyup.com The legendary Belly Up has been voted, "San Diego's Best Live Music Venue" and heralded as one of the hottest clubs on the West Coast by Rolling Stone Magazine. Wild Note CafÈ 143 South Cedros Solana Beach, CA 92075 Phone: 858-720-9000/Fax: 858-481-7149 www.wildnote.com Adjoining the legendary Belly up - one of the finest music venues in the world - the Wild Note CafÈ stands on its own for hot food and cool atmosphere. Comfort Inn, Cardiff By The Sea 1661 Villa Cardiff Drive Cardiff, CA 92007 Phone: 760-944-0427 / Toll Free: 800-322-9993 Fax: 760-944-7708 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/cardiff Half mile away from beautiful Cardiff Beach, minutes away from Del Mar and LEGOLAND. European-style decor with complimentary hot breakfast. La Quinta Inn - Oceanside 937 North Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 Phone: 760-450-0730/Toll Free: 800-750-3267 Fax: 760-450-0626 www.laquintaoceanside.com New upscale La Quinta with extra features such as pillow-top mattress, free high-speed Internet, complimentary continental breakfast. Microwave, refrigerator, hair dryer available in all rooms. Leucadia Beach Inn 1322 North Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 Phone: 760-943-7461/Toll Free: 800-706-7461 Fax: 760-633-3696 www.leucadiabeachmotel.com All rooms have tiled floors. Many rooms also include mini-kitchenettes (microwave, cook top, refrigerators and full size sink). Most rooms also have air conditioning. San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum 910 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-544-9600 / Fax: 619-544-9188 www.midway.org Naval aviation museum, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), limited wheelchair access. Surfboard House Vacation Rental 1802 S. Pacific Street Oceanside, CA 92054 Phone: 760-433-6200 www.surfboardhouse.com Three-bedroom vacation rental house on the ocean, managed by owner. Located in Oceanside/Carlsbad. Beautiful furnishings/many extras. Available year-round. «back to top Fast Facts - 2005 Statewide and Regional Tourism Facts and Figures California Tourism recently released the 2005 edition of California Fast Facts 2005. Included in their findings are the following statewide and regional trends and statistics: Statewide Spending -Total direct travel spending in California was $82 billion in 2004, a 7.4% increase over the previous year. This was the second straight year of positive growth and the greatest increase since 2000. -Dining, shopping and entertainment are the most popular expenditure-based activities among California travelers. Sightseeing, followed by visiting theme and amusement parks, and beach and waterfront activities are the most popular recreational pursuits. -Major factors influencing travel in 2004 and expected to carry over into 2005 include: -Gains in leisure travel generated through improved consumer confidence about job stability and personal finances -Continued low inflation, high productivity and expanded service by low-fare carriers boosting domestic travel to the highest level in several years with especially strong gains for business travel -Traveling public adjusting to new rules, restrictions and realities of the Post-911 era -California's average statewide hotel occupancy of 66.5% exceeded the national average of 61.3% and was 4.4% over the previous year. The state's lodging inventory increased from 5,324 to 5,420 properties, and by about 5,700 rooms. San Diego Tourism Averages -The average annual volume of person trips to San Diego from 2001-2003 was 37.15 million. Seventy-three percent of this comprised leisure travel, with 27% comprising business travel. -The average expenditures per person per day of visitors to San Diego County in 2003 was $96 (excluding transportation). Business travelers averaged higher at $116.30, while leisure California resident travelers averaged $92.60. -The average occupancy rate for San Diego in 2004 was 70.9%, a 1.9% increase from 2003. The average room rate in 2004 was $114.17, a 2.3% increase from the previous year. «back to top 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 «back to top If you feel you've received this message in error, or if you no longer wish to receive news and special offers please Click Here to be removed from this list. |