May 2010 Edition

New Ambassador/Signage Program Underway

VDTM is launching a new Ambassador/Information Signage Program that will give businesses and organizations the opportunity to serve as an informal travel information provider. The program is being launched as a pilot project in the Okemo Valley and is planned to go statewide this summer.

Businesses and organizations that complete this training will have the opportunity to post a simple sign that will alert the traveling public that the family-friendly location will provide basic, unbiased information.

VDTM will provide a blue “INFO” sign to alert travelers that there are state maps, traveler’s guidebooks, local information and a bathroom facility are available at these locations. Stay tuned for updates.

Culture & Heritage Campaign

Research continues to point to the value of attracting the cultural heritage traveler.  The most national recent study reveals that 78% of all U.S. leisure travelers participate in cultural and/or heritage activities while traveling, and when compared to other travelers, they travel more often and are willing to spend more and travel farther for the experiences they are seeking. 

Vermont – with its abundance of arts, culture, culinary and heritage attractions, coupled with world-class leisure activities and authentic villages and towns – is a perfect match for what many of these travelers are looking for.

Beginning in mid-May, VDTM will be promoting Vermont’s culture and heritage through radio, web and social media.  Promotions through Twitter and Facebook include weekly drawings for discounts and complimentary admissions at events and attractions.  If you would like to be part of the promotion, contact Catherine Brooks at catherine.brooks@state.vt.us or 802-828-3683.

Transportation Enhancement Grants Available for 2011

Grant applications are being sought for the 2011 Transportation Enhancements grant program managed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The Transportation Enhancements grant program is an innovative program for non-traditional, transportation-related projects and can be a funding source for new sidewalks, bike paths, historic preservation and more.

All local authorities, not-for-profit organizations, and federal/state agencies are eligible to apply by submitting a pre-application letter postmarked by June 4. Final and complete applications are due Aug. 20. The grant awards will be announced in January 2011.

For more information, contact Curtis Johnson at 802-828-0583 or
Curtis.Johnson@state.vt.us.

Travel Trends

VDTM’s long-running survey of visitors to VermontVacation.com continues to demonstrate that a significant percentage of the people exploring the site have not previously made a trip to Vermont.  A review of responses January – March 2010 shows:

• Nearly half (44.7 percent) of those potential visitors electing to take the VermontVacation.com online survey have not visited Vermont before.
 
• 48.7 percent of all respondents expect to visit within three months.
 
• 19.5 percent expect to visit within three to six months.
 
• 16.9 percent expect to visit within six to twelve months, while 15.6 percent did not indicate when they might visit.

Orbitz Promotion

VTDM is sponsoring this summer a Summer Getaways promotion designed to increase travel statewide. The promotion will be advertised to potential visitors in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.

Read more about the promotion on www.VermontPartners.org.

Volunteers Needed for The Big E

The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing is looking for volunteers to work in the Vermont tourism booth at The Big E. The Big E will be held in Springfield, Mass., Sept 17 to October 3.

Read more about the Big E and contact Christiane Skinner with any questions at Christiane.Skinner@state.vt.us.