Choose one of the state destination marketing organizations (DMOs) below. These states have the easiest access to such things as marketing plans and tourism research and statistics:
Montana: Montana Office of Tourism Intranet,
Oregon: Travel Industry,
Nevada: Industry Partners,
Kentucky: Industry Partners,
Michigan: Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan,
Wisconsin: Industry Partners,
South Carolina: Industry Resources,
Iowa: Industry Partners, and
West Virginia: Industry Info.
Each state website has a link included geared toward the traveler. These links may be at the very top or very bottom of the page indicated.
For the first part of the assignment, analyze the attractions of the state. You will need to review the chapter in the textbook on attractions. Using the content, draw conclusions about the focus of the DMO’s efforts. For example, every state has a travel guide and other items to facilitate travel to the particular state geared toward the individual traveler. The trade, meeting planners, tour operators, and incentives also have targeted brochures.
Describe the attractions/entertainment in the state.
Identify the brand for the state, and highlight how the destination is focusing on this brand. For instance, the brand for North Carolina is “Deeper Connections.”
Finally, investigate the individual traveler, industry, and trade to find how the state addresses this brand. How does the DMO market to the individual and trade? Identify key marketing, management, and financial issues facing their operations.
Your response should be a minimum of three pages in length, double-spaced. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and be cited per APA guidelines.
