CVB's or convention and visitors bureaus are getting into social media in a big way. A few weeks ago I took part in a PRSA teleseminar for CVBs that was very well attended. There is a great deal on interest in the topic, specifically because so many people turn to each other (or total strangers) online for travel tips.
As a CVB you could teach yourself all this new stuff or just hire somebody. That's what the City of Philadelphia has done. They just snagged Annie Heckenberger.
Visitor Comments
Thanks for the shout. I gotta get my hands on that CVB podcast you did recently....
Posted by: Annie | September 26, 2006 11:24 PM
CVBs are starving for the kinds of relationships that social media can form. The ability to tailor a response or idea to each person looking to come to your area is the goal of all small CVBs and should be the goal of large ones as well.
Having worked at a CVB this summer, I have seen the lengths to which the hospitality industry will go in order to get people to their area. In fact, it's surprising that more have not jumped into social media.
Instead of going to a random site for information, a CVB site insures the people you are talking to have no underlying agenda and have access to all the information. People would/are LOVING it.
You can truly showcase your city's character through social media and blogging. It's the perfect way to highlight the stories and places in your city that are never shown.
Posted by: Courtney | September 27, 2006 12:41 PM