 April 2007
» Bureau Recognizes Travel Industry Growth at 2007 Annual Meeting » Upcoming Spring Mixer » Sales Update » Marketing Update » PR Update » Industry News & Member Spotlight » Put the San Diego North CVB to Work for You » Welcome Aboard! » Fast Facts - Travel Industry Tidbits » Bureau Contacts Bureau Recognizes Travel Industry Growth at 2007 Annual Meeting "Capture the Momentum…But Keep It Real" was the message conveyed at the San Diego North CVB's 2007 Annual Meeting, March 29, at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar. Following a sumptuous breakfast, City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders welcomed the 250 guests in attendance. Remarks by various supporters of the Bureau included those from County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price; City of San Diego 5th District Councilmember Brian Maienschein and Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler. Year-in-Review Summarizing the Bureau's sales & marketing activities for 2006, Janet Beronio, general manager of Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort, reported that the Bureau generated a record $32 million in total leisure visitor spending in 2006. Through a comprehensive marketing effort, independent leisure inquiries were up 23% to over 240,000 and Web site unique users were up 26% to nearly 220,000. The sales team generated 32,700 definite room nights, which generated more than $11.9 million in total visitor spending, a 24% increase over 2005. For a complete 2006 annual report, click here. Market Research Simplexity and mancations were two new trends shared by Bob Rauch, general manager/partner of the Homewood Suites San Diego/Del Mar. Simplexity describes the consumer passion for technology as a way to simplify and organize one's life. Examples include the addition of kiosks in hotel lobbies to print boarding passes and full-service restaurants that offer self-service ordering and payment terminals for customers to use. Mancations, also referred to as buddy trips and guys getaways, are gaining in popularity. A recent study found that 34 percent of males had taken at least one trip with guy friends in the past year. Click here for a copy of the full presentation. Tourism Economics Cami Mattson, president & CEO of the San Diego North CVB, presented tourism economics. San Diego North generated $1.6 billion in total visitor spending in 2006, up 8% from the previous year. According to Mattson, one challenge facing the industry is understanding and managing consumer generated media, such as blogs and social networks. Seventy-one percent of consumers are influenced far more by consumer generated content than traditional media. This impact is magnified by their viral effect, as 68% of consumers influence friends and family after their purchase. Click here for a copy of the full presentation. Awards Presentations 
The Bureau recognized members and partners who went beyond all expectations to contribute to the success of the San Diego North region. Congratulations to our three recipients.The Above and Beyond Award - The Meeting Manager & La Costa Resort & Spa Local Hero Award - National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter Brian Baker, Guest Speaker 
Brian Baker, vice president of consumer relationship marketing for Jackson Enterprises, shared ways to develop customer relationships using the advances of cutting-edge technology. In addition to a fascinating look at how technology has developed through the years, he presented 5 "momentums" or new technologies in use today, as well as ways to keep them real.His 5 "momentums" included: email, social networking, Really Simple Syndication (RSS), podcasting and search engine optimization/search engine advertising. Click here for a copy of the full presentation. Overall, the annual meeting experienced a great success with a record number in attendance. A generous thanks goes out to all our meeting sponsors and attendees for supporting this event!
«back to top Upcoming Spring Mixer 
Save the Date: Thursday May 10, 2007Don't miss the exciting Spring Mixer planned by the San Diego North CVB and the Brigantine Del Mar. Enjoy a refreshing drink and world-famous fish taco from the Brigantine's new garden patio overlooking the Del Mar Racetrack. Where: Brigantine Del Mar Address: 3263 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar When: Thursday, May 10, 2007 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members; public officials complimentary To RSVP and/or sign up for a complimentary tabletop display or door prize sponsorship, download and complete the attached form by clicking here. For map and driving directions, click here. For more information, please email Debbie Mirageas at: dmirageas@sandiegonorth.com; or call 760-745-4741. «back to top Sales Update Sales Report : February 2007-March 2007
Bureau Participates in Destination Showcase 
Anna Wachtel, national sales manager for the Bureau, attended the Destination Showcase Trade Show on March 1 in Washington D.C. The Bureau along with co-op partners The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Rancho Bernardo Inn generated 14 leads for the region. Over 1,200 meeting planners were in attendance and traffic for the show was strong.
The 06-07 Co-op Trade Show Opportunities Are Now 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 Donna Alfsen, 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 06-07 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 their 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. «back to top Marketing Update 
Give Us Your "Insider Tip" on San Diego NorthThe Bureau has successfully rolled out their new "Insider Tip" feature in the 2007 Visitors Guide and their web site. The tips are intended to engage readers with "exclusive tips" on treasured obscurities within the San Diego North region, typically known only to locals. The tips create a more experiential visit for users and allow them to plan a more unique and memorable stay in San Diego North. We need your help! We continue to gather and rotate tips on our web site and will add all new tips to our 2008 Visitors Guide. This is an opportunity to elevate your exposure on the Bureau's web site and upcoming guide by offering your insider tips to exploring the San Diego North region. You can also submit your personal favorite places and things to do in the region. - What is the "best kept secret" about your property? Any little known facts or trivia? - What is the best way to experience the San Diego North area? Favorite scenic spot to view a sunset, bike trail, hiking path, etc.? - What is your #1 "must-see" or "must-do" thing in San Diego North? To see the tips currently in rotation on our web site, click here, To submit your tips, please email Krista Wampler, marketing coordinator. «back to top PR Update PR Highlights 
 Travel & Leisure Golf (circulation: 303,310) - a one page story highlighting the region's diverse golf, accommodations, and dining options appeared in the March/April 2007 issue. San Diego Magazine (circulation: 45,374) - a ten page story covering the fashion, lifestyles, politics and economics of San Diego North appeared in the March 2007 issue. PR Opportunities The Public Relations Department is currently gathering information for inclusion in upcoming media pitches. If you have a story idea that you would like us to consider, please contact htownsend@sandiegonorth.com , or call 760-745-4741. We will be targeting both short and long lead media with specific information on upcoming exhibits, renovation/expansions, restaurants, attractions, events, and themed San Diego North story ideas. Public Relations Tip: Add htownsend@sandiegonorth.com to your distribution list on all newsworthy topics to ensure the Bureau has the most up to date information to optimize media exposure opportunities. Media Opportunity: The San Jose Mercury News is looking for San Diego hotel packages. If you have a special rate or tie-in with an upcoming event or attraction, please forward information to travel@mercurynews.com. «back to top Industry News & Member Spotlight Industry News The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad was recognized as the 2006 Hotel of the Year. The hotel ranked above more than 300 Hilton Garden Inn hotels in several categories including overall service, loyalty and brand standards compliance. For the fifth year in a row, The Lodge at Torrey Pines has been honored with the 2007 AAA Five Diamond Award; considered one of the travel industry's most prestigious awards. 
The Radisson Hotel La Jolla has changed its name to the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel. Having recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel offers 252 renovated guest rooms with 9,000 square feet of newly designed meeting and banquet space.Chef Gavin Kaysen of El Bizcocho Restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn has been named one of Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs for 2007. Kaysen is the first chef from a San Diego restaurant to be named a Best New Chef. At 27, Kaysen is among the youngest to ever be awarded the honor. Member Spotlight 
The San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park recently unveiled "Journey Into Africa." Replacing the Wgasa Bush Line, the 2.5 mile meandering adventure aboard an open-air tour vehicle brings visitors closer to the animals. The African Express tour is one component of the park's new Journey Into Africa experience which will connect African wildlife to visitors with more up-close encounters, keeper talks, and two new shows. 
In May, SeaWorld will debut "Shamu Rocks" a new nighttime show featuring a musical journey through natural settings around the world as seen through the eyes of the world's most famous killer whale. Daytime visitors will continue to enjoy "Believe", SeaWorld's most ambitious killer whale show ever.
Splash Landing, a new pool and play area, recently opened at La Costa Resort & Spa. The 13,505 square foot area consists of three pools, three waterslides, an interactive WaterPlay area and the new Splash Poolside Bar & Café. Earlier this year, the resort opened its new Executive Learning Center with an 84-person capacity for meetings and conferences, which is certified by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). «back to top Put the San Diego North CVB to Work For You Promotion Opportunities for ARES Members Hot Deals - Members who are contracted through ARES can post Hot Deals promotions which will be promoted in the next issue of the Bureau's opt-in consumer newsletter, Getaway Highlights. In addition, the Hot Deals listing will link from the San Diego North CVB Web site, which generated traffic of over nearly 220,000 unique users during the 2006 fiscal year. Dynamic Packaging - The Bureau's Web site can now feature any combination of attraction tickets with any contracted hotels and distribute it as a packaged product, through ARES' dynamic packaging capabilities. This feature provides additional discounts and offers complete customization to the consumer. For information on ARES services, click here or call 1-800-828-0868. The 06-07 Co-op Trade Show Opportunities Are Now 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 Donna Alfsen, 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 06-07 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 their 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. «back to top Welcome Aboard! We are proud to announce the following organizations which have joined as new members of the San Diego North CVB: Sterling Rose Limousines 27941 Jefferson Ave. Ste. E Temecula, CA 92590 Phone: 800-649-6463 Fax: 951-699-2502 Sterling Rose Limousines Full service chauffeured transportation company including sedans, SUVs, limousines, vans, shuttle and limo coaches. One point of contact for all of your transportation needs. The Crossings at Carlsbad 5800 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad, CA 92008 Phone: 760-476-9933 Fax: 760-431-2430 The Crossings at Carlsbad Ocean view, 18 hole - Greg Nash designed Championship Golf Course. 23,000 square foot clubhouse will host events up to 300 people. Lighted practice facility. Lomas Santa Fe Country Club 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive Solana Beach, CA 92075 Phone: 858-755-6768 Fax: 858-793-0299 Lomas Santa Fe Country Club Private Country Club: Championship and executive golf courses, 15 tennis courts, fitness facility, 25 meter pool (heated 82 degrees). The family club of San Diego North. «back to top Fast Facts - Travel Industry Tidbits Survey: Insights on Food and Wine Travelers A first-of-its-kind national survey on the popular culinary travel niche market shows that 27 million travelers, or 17% of American leisure travelers, engaged in culinary or wine-related activities while traveling within the past three years, based on a new report from the Travel Industry Association (TIA). The future is bright for the culinary traveler market, as the share of U.S. leisure travelers interested in culinary travel in the near future (60%) is significantly larger than those currently engaged. These travelers are younger, more affluent and better educated than non-culinary travelers. "The study demonstrates that a sizable proportion of the U.S. leisure market does indeed make travel decisions based on a desire for wine and culinary experiences. In fact, it confirms that wine and culinary experiences are a driver of destination choice," said Laura Mandala, Vice President of Research for the Travel Industry Association. Culinary activities participated in while traveling include cooking classes, dining out for a unique and memorable experience, visiting farmers markets, gourmet food shopping and attending food festivals. Wine activities included participating in winery tours, driving a wine trail, tasting locally made wines and attending wine festivals. "These travelers are also more likely to take local foods and wines back home with them, providing a secondary opportunity for destinations to spread the word about their unique offerings," said Mandala. For more information on this article click here. Hotels Spice Up Their Minibar Selections Hip hotels have been adding offbeat minibar items, from Rice Krispies Treats to condom says USA Today. Some Omni hotels, for instance, have "Sensation Bars" that include Mini Zen Gardening Kits and CDs designed to lull guests to sleep. Now the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in Miami's South Beach is premiering a "Pimp My Fridge" program that offers themed minibar packages starting at $50 that are designed for fun-loving guests. Valentine's Day celebrants might be tempted by the Get It On option, including edible body paint, Champagne, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, candles, massage oil - plus a Barry White CD. For more information on this article click here. TIA To Build Official Travel & Tourism Websites Promoting America Encouraging international travelers to "Discover America," the Travel Industry Association (TIA) will build websites in multiple languages to promote the U.S. as a premier destination after winning a $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. TIA, with the assistance of leading travel industry partners, will build, market and maintain a set of websites aimed at markets that account for roughly 75% of the international inbound travel market. TIA initially will develop websites in English and Japanese over the next nine months to attract attention primarily from travelers in the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. The second phase will include development of sites targeting residents of Mexico and Germany. For more information on this article click here. «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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
