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June 01, 2005
Evangelists for Connecticut
Connecticut is launching a tourism program that encourages residents to become "ambassadors" for the state.
From a recent Brandweek email newsletter (sorry, couldn't find a link):
"Over 40% of visitors to Connecticut are visiting friends or family, and we'd like residents to continue to encourage this by sharing all that Connecticut has to offer," Edward Dombroskas, division director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, Norwalk, said in a statement....
To help recruit "ambassadors," June 11 has been declared "Connecticut Open House Day," with more than 120 businesses participating. Ambassadors for Connecticut will get a kit including pins and postcards to send to friends and relatives, and will receive updates via e-mail about upcoming local events.
It seems more governments are using a customer evangelism philosophy by making it easier for residents to recruit new visitors and residents. Pittsburgh's Regional Champions program enrolls local volunteers to entice people to move to the Steel City.
[Hat tip to Andrea Learned.]
Other blogs that reference Evangelists for Connecticut:
The Greater Richmond (VA) Chamber of Commerce is using a similar method to draw tourists to the city during the 400th anniversary of the English settlers' arrival at Jamestown in 1607 (http://www.jamestown1607.org/). For example, they are encouraging families and high school classes to hold reunions in Richmond during the celebration.
states are doing such interesting things these days to promote tourism... i just read an article on clickz that talked about pennsylvania using bloggers on its web site www.visitpa.com
Jackie,
While I agree that this program has merit, and is certainly a step in the right direction, the state of Connecticut still seems to be missing the point when it comes to their tourism woes. As the article points out (I believe it's the same story you refer to), they believe their lack of vacationers is tied to their declining advertising budget. We all know that's not the problem. They need a better experience and more people to spread the word. You can learn more about my perspective by reading my post from a few days ago.
http://michaelchaffin.typepad.com/star_in_the_margin/2005/05/wanna_go_to_con.html
P.S. I really enjoyed the Seth Godin podcast.
maybe CT ought to take this idea from PA:
http://www.visitPA.com/
PA has sent 5 or 6 bloggers of various types on road trips around the state. They post commentary, sites visited, shoot video, etc. It seems pretty well done, authentic voices, etc...but no comments and other blog features. here's where I found out about it: http://www.clickz.com/news/article.php/3509371
The state of Pennsylvania is using a blogger staff to promote travel in the state. I have read a lot of blogs saying these bloggers are bais towards the State but I think they are providing great info.
