 October 2005
» San Diego North CVB Plans to Reintroduce San Diego North Brand to Region's Members» Sign Up to Attend Our Member Orientation Meeting - November 9, 2005 » 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 » FREE Job Banks Aim to Help Katrina Victims » Bureau Contacts Bureau Plans to Reintroduce San Diego North Brand to Region's Members  The San Diego North CVB ramps up its campaign to reinvigorate the San Diego North brand among its members, with a relaunch set for the beginning of 2006. To kick-off this effort, the Bureau plans to hold a summit, inviting members and stakeholders to attend and find ways to incorporate the brand into marketing and sales initiatives. Since the launch of the San Diego North brand in 2000, the Bureau has continued to reinforce the defining characteristics which identify the region as a premier, year-round resort destination. Spearheaded by Cami Mattson, president & CEO of the San Diego North CVB, the Bureau worked with Miriello Grafico to develop the San Diego North brand and produce guidelines, consistent messaging and position statement, "For travelers who demand an experience that is a reflection of themselves as unique, successful and discriminating - San Diego North provides the terrain, climate, lifestyle, properties and services that deliver a premium, year-round, authentic Southern California experience." As the year 2006 approaches, the Bureau aims to educate and refresh members on the benefits of leveraging the San Diego North brand within their marketing efforts. By embracing and applying these elements, members have the opportunity to unite as a consistent voice and strengthen our distinction in the marketplace. This presence serves to build brand equity and elevate the region's identity as San Diego's preferred resort region, providing members with the opportunity for their businesses to grow in demand and value. The San Diego North branding kit and styleguide, available on the Bureau's website, was created to assist members with integrating the brand's tone, manner, color, copy and typography into various marketing applications. For more information, please click here. « back to top Sign Up to Attend Our Member Orientation Meeting - November 9, 2005 The San Diego North CVB invites you to attend its Member Orientation on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. This session features Cami Mattson, president/CEO of the San Diego North CVB, and representatives from various departments of the Bureau who will provide information on membership programs and benefits designed to help promote your business. The event includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. Where: The San Diego Marriott Del Mar Address: 11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130 When: Wednesday, November 9, 2005 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To RSVP, download and complete the attached form by clicking here. For more information, please contact Debbie Mirageas, office manager, by email at:dmirageas@sandiegonorth.com; or by phone at 760-745-4741. «back to top Sales Update Sales Report : August 2005 - September 2005
 Bureau's 1st Annual E-commerce Summit a SuccessThe San Diego North CVB hosted an e-commerce summit on September 7-8. This first-time event, headed up by Michelle Carlen, sales manager for the Bureau, brought together top-producing e-commerce partners and San Diego North hotels and attractions. Discussions focused on new and existing partnerships, covering topics such as: contracting, marketing opportunities, Web site utilization, packaging, increasing room night production and more. Top e-commerce partners included: Travelocity.com, Expedia.com/Hotels.com, Orbitz.com, Quikbook.com, Travelworm.com, Tripreservations.com and Advanced Reservations Systems (ARES). Each partner met with 22 individuals representing 28 San Diego North members including both hotels and attractions. Both e-commerce partners and San Diego North members have provided valuable feedback and deemed the event a success. We look forward to the next event in 2006.  Affordable Meetings National Trade Show, Washington, DCThe Bureau participated in the Affordable Meetings National Trade Show on September 6-8 in Washington, D.C. With 92 meeting planners visiting the Bureau's booth, 12 immediate leads and over 50 future leads were generated. Representing the Bureau were director of sales, Stephanie Colby-Aburto, and national sales manager, Anna Carnot. Participating member co-op partners included the Hilton Garden Inn, Carlsbad; Holiday Inn by the Sea, Carlsbad; San Diego Hilton/Del Mar; and the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.  Incentive Travel & Meeting Expo Trade Show, Chicago, IL
The Bureau attended the Incentive Travel & Meeting Expo (ITME) Trade Show which took place on September 27-29 in Chicago. Among the estimated 10,000 delegates who attended the show, 165 planners visited the booth - a 115% increase over the previous year. The Bureau generated 12 immediate leads and 46 future business leads to be responded to within one to four months. Stephanie Colby-Aburto, director of sales for the Bureau, attended along with co-op partners from L'Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa, Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Homewood Suites Del Mar and Pala Casino Resort & Spa. 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. «back to top Marketing Update Bureau distributes Fall-themed consumer ePostcard The Bureau's marketing department distributed its second ePostcard in September, garnering a read rate of 36%. 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 ePostcard is designed as a reinforcement tool to remind subscribers of the beauty and uniqueness of the region. To view the Fall ePostcard, click here. Bureau secures O Magazine ad buy, augmenting reach to female audiences The Bureau has expanded its print and online media mix to include O, The Oprah Magazine, designed to reach its highly targeted audience of women who are predisposed to travel frequently and spend aggressively. Co-op opportunities are available for themed travel sections such as "Sensational Spring Vacations", "Together with Family and Friends" and "Splash into Summer". The first ad is scheduled for the February 2006 issue, distributing in mid-January. To view the 05-06 Travel Section Calendar and participate in future issues, click here. «back to top Put the San Diego North CVB to Work For You Public Relations Opportunities During the next two months, the public relations department will be gathering information for inclusion in the following fall and winter press releases. An eBlast will be sent with specific information on each release. If you have information that would fit one of the following themed topics, please submit your information to Hilary Townsend, public relations manager, at htownsend@sandiegonorth.com. Upcoming Press Releases- Submission Deadlines: Valentine's Day - October 28, 2005 Eco-Friendly Tourism - November 14, 2005 Holiday Tourism Outlook - December 12, 2005 O, The Oprah Magazine - Co-op Opportunities The Bureau has expanded its print and online media mix to include O, The Oprah Magazine, designed to reach its highly targeted audience of women who are predisposed to travel frequently and spend aggressively. Co-op opportunities are available for themed travel issues throughout the year. Added value benefits include a FREE sweepstakes sponsorship opportunity with exposure to 100,000 unique visitors monthly on VacationFun.com, the official travel section of O Magazine. Upcoming travel themes include: Sensational Spring Vacations - March 2006 issue Together with Family and Friends - April 2006 issue Splash into Summer - May 2006 issue To view the 05-06 Travel Section Calendar and participate in future issues, click here. Contact Stacy Kadrich, marketing manager at skadrich@sandiegonorth.com or call 760-745-4741 to find out more about the program benefits. Free listing on Wine and Food Website Members are invited to post a free listing on www.californiawineandfood.com, an online resource for both consumers and professionals in the hospitality and foodservice industries. Submissions are reviewed before being approved for inclusion within the directory. Email info@californiawineandfood.com with your web address and category preference. In return, a link exchange is requested. For more information, contact Dan Clarke, publisher of californiawineandfood.com at 916-486-WINE. 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 Winter issue of the Bureau's opt-in consumer newsletter, Getaway Highlights, due out in January. In addition, your Hot Deals listing will link from the San Diego North CVB web site, which generated traffic of 140,000 unique users last fiscal year. 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 program. Keep It North is designed to keep business within the area and among members. To participate, members simply submit a referral 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. «back to top Industry News & Member Spotlight Industry News Rancho Valencia Resort has been named "Venue of the Year" by Meeting Professionals International. Each year, the San Diego chapter of MPI holds a Leadership Installation and Awards Ceremony to recognize chapter members and suppliers who exemplify strong leadership and dedication to the chapter. LEGOLAND California has been named "Best Children's Park" by Amusement Today, a monthly trade newspaper. Selected through an international poll conducted by the newspaper, this is the second year the theme park has been awarded the prestigious Golden Ticket Award. Member Spotlight A 1 Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures plans to build Plane Crazy Studios; a new meeting and party venue and Film Museum located at the McClellan-Palomar Airport. Named after the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, the theme of the facility will be "Aviation in the Movies." 
Ten-time Grammy winner, Kenneth Edmonds, known to most of the world as "Babyface", brought his sons to LEGOLAND last month. The singer and producer has written for such vocalists as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and Eric Clapton.The Grande Colonial Hotel will restore an adjacent building to the hotel into an 8-suite hotel called The Little Hotel by the Sea. The grand re-opening is slated for spring 2006. Surf Diva will design and distribute its new collection of stationary products through an agreement with art and stationery specialists, Savoir-Faire. The new line will consist of journals, photo albums, stationery, and related paper products. «back to top Stories from the Watercooler Conundrum In The Hotel Industry: Satisfying Baby Boomers And Generation X For years, the hotel industry has struggled with satisfying the contrasting tastes of its two core business traveler constituencies, the baby boomers and generation X. The Boomers - those 78 million Americans born in the years from 1946 to 1964 - dominated in terms of spending power. But as more Gen Xers - the 58 million Americans born from 1965 to 1980 - joined the work force, the balance of power began to shift, and chains like W sprang up to cater to them. Now the Gen Xers are becoming the dominant force, says The New York Times. Bjorn Hanson, head of the hospitality practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, predicts that this year, for the first time, they will spend more per capita on business trips than baby boomers do. As a result, many hotels are doubling their efforts to bridge the generational divide, with established brands that have always styled themselves as redoubts of comfort and service adding features like express check-outs that are prized by younger guests and the upstarts fighting back with innovations of their own to reel in more old-timers. For more information on this article, click here. «back to top Welcome Aboard! We are proud to announce the following organizations which have recently joined as new members of the San Diego North CVB: Borrego Springs Resort 1112 Tilting T Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Phone: 760-767-5700/Fax: 760-767-5710/ Toll-free: 888-826-7734 www.borregospringsresort.com An oasis of luxury boasting a variety of recreational amenities. Fine dining and comfortable accommodations are ideal for quiet weekend getaways and hosting special events. Grand Del Mar Resort & Spa 5300 The Grand Del Mar Way San Diego, CA 92130 Phone: 858-350-7600 / Fax: 858-720-0025 www.thegranddelmar.com The Grand Del Mar Resort & Spa will be a stellar destination for domestic and international travelers looking for the finest in luxury. The new 260-room resort will offer luxurious accommodations including 20 suites, an 18-hole Tom Fazio Golf Course, a full-service spa and 40 ownership villas. Budget Car Rental 3125 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-542-8686 / Toll-free: 800-716-2539 www.budget.com Founded in 1958 as a car rental company for the "budget-minded" renter, Budget continues to appeal to value-minded renters by offering quality vehicles and a rewarding rental experience. Olympic Resort Hotel & Spa 6111 El Camino Real Carlsbad , CA 92011 Phone: 760-438-8330/ Fax: 760-431-0838/ Toll-free 800-605-2396 www.olympic-resort.com The Olympic Resort Hotel & Spa offers the ultimate combination of luxurious surroundings and recreational opportunities for active business and family travelers. Howard Johnson Inn 515 West Washington Avenue Escondido, CA 92025 Phone: 760-743-1443 / Fax: 760-747-6915/ Toll-free 800-1-GO-HOJO This hotel is a business that contributes to the economic well-being of the community. Howard Johnson is the ideal choice for the business traveler. We offer attractive comfortable guest rooms. «back to top Fast Facts - Travel Industry Tidbits Rising Gas Prices May Affect Future Travel Plans Fifty-three percent of active American travelers may change their plans if gas prices reach $3.50 a gallon. Among these travelers: - 26% said they would "drive a shorter distance on vacation" - An additional 26% stated they would save money on other aspects of their vacation - 15% said they would fly rather than drive - 19% said they would cancel their trip Results were taken from a survey of adult leisure travelers who plan to take a driving trip with their personal car or rental vehicle during the next six months. Travel experts Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell conducted the study. Additional information can be found by clicking here. Women Business Travelers - A Rising Force The female business traveler is becoming a valuable market segment. Take into consideration her role as the prime decision maker for planning family leisure trips, this market has double the impact, according to a panel of travel professionals who spoke at the Harvard Business School Dynamic Women in Business Conference, held on January 22, 2005. Despite their increasing numbers in the marketplace, women business travelers are still often shoehorned in to a model designed for men. Hotel rooms for business travelers offer downcast dÈcor and so-so amenities; the hotel's social area may consist of a bar that is at best uninviting or at worst vaguely creepy. Females are estimated to comprise 50% of frequent fliers, according to Travel & Leisure's Laura Begley. If a woman has a family, she may make 70% of all her family's travel decisions. Forty percent of today's business travelers are women, while just 30 years ago female executive comprised only 1 percent. For more information, click here. Main challenge for the U.S. tourism industry The U.S. vacation and leisure market has reached its highest point in 2004 with expenditures at $115 billion, according to a published report by Research and Markets. Baby boomers are recognized as the biggest target demographic, and as they age into retirement, so increases the time available for them to take longer trips. The main challenge faced by the industry is getting consumers to take trips longer than five days, as many promotions are geared toward last-minute travelers. The Internet presents the ideal opportunity for this with an increase of U.S. households connected. Continual advancements in technology will enable a greater level of ease for researching and booking travel online. Competition among online providers will keep pricing down, a plus for the budget conscious traveler. For more information, click here. «back to top FREE Job Bank Aims to Help Katrina Victims Job banks are now available as a free service to help displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina find new employment. San Diego North CVB members are encouraged utilize these services. This is one measurable and tangible way the hospitality/travel industry can make a difference. www.katrinajobs.org - The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), along with the Travel & Tourism Coalition and the Travel Business Roundtable, have partnered to offer free use of this job bank. www.sandiegoatwork.com - This job bank is available through the San Diego County Workforce Partnership. «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. |