The Skinny From D.C.

We all know there’s never been much of a national tourism marketing budget.

Then, last year, Congress appeared ready to appropriate $50 million specifically for an international marketing effort aimed at Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Sadly, but perhaps predictably, the $50 million was reduced to 10, and then to a $6 million “pilot program” in the Department of Commerce focusing on the UK.

Yet hope springs eternal and in a couple of weeks the Congress, in a lame duck budget session, will consider adding $20 million to the 6.

The government affairs folks at the Travel Industry Association think there’s a “pretty good chance” the $20 million will be approved in budget negotiations, especially since the main backer of the tourism cash is Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.

America could certainly use a boost to its image abroad, and a $26 million marketing campaign in Britain would be a good first step.

By the way, Wisconsin’s own Congressman David Obey is the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, if any of you have occasion to speak to Dave over the next couple of weeks.

In another bit of federal tourism news, Nevada Congressman Jon Porter has offered legislation to create the new position of Under Secretary for the Private Sector and Tourism within the Department of Homeland Security. The future for this legislation is not as bright, in our opinion.

back to top

Brooks to Fox Cities: “Consider This”

What an eye-opening presentation tourism consultant Roger Brooks (Destination Development, Olympia, WA) delivered recently to public officials, tourism professionals and private business owners in the Appleton/Neenah/Menasha area.

Brooks analyzed the area’s desirability and “visitor friendly quotient” as a leisure travel destination courtesy of a Diversity Planning Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

Eleven other communities or regions in Wisconsin are undergoing similar study, but the Fox Cities was the first to report.

Brooks and his team visited the Fox Cities unannounced, just as any leisure traveler would, and documented all that was good…and bad…about the experience.

The Fox Cities learned about the “four-times rule”, the importance of having an effective local “wayfinding” and signage program, why a “critical mass of visitor retail” is essential, and how cross-marketing of local attractions can help a community become a more desirable travel destination.

A short list of recommendations made by Brooks was taken up immediately by the Fox Cities CVB Board of Directors at a planning retreat and CVB Executive Director Lynn Peters says several initiatives based on the recommendations will be pursued as time and financing permit.

If all planning grant reports are as revealing and creative as this one the Department will likely publish a summary of all twelve so everyone in tourism can benefit from the work these communities have done.

back to top

I’m Telling You For The Last Time...

We know this holiday ornament thing has gotten old, but two deadlines draw near and so we wanted to issue one last reminder to those of you who might be in a position to donate an ornament for our state holiday trees.

You have two choices:

*Tourism Tree at the Governor’s Residence. Send us an ornament which
represents your organization or community or a business in your area.

*State Capitol Holiday Tree. Send us an ornament hand made from
Wisconsin forest products (wood, twigs, pine cones, birch bark, a carving, etc.)

We need the ornaments here by Thanksgiving. Mail to the Department at P.O. Box 8690 in Madison, WI 53708-8690. Thanks!

back to top

Roll Out The Barrel

State Polka Dance Champs Frank and Donna Pacyga of Rice Lake are takin’ it on the road. The two terpsichoreans are so dedicated to promoting the Wisconsin State Dance that they offer to travel anywhere in the state to perform for free.

If you’re looking for an act to add some local flavor for visiting conventioneers, or if you need someone to entertain that bus tour group after lunch, Frank and Alice might be just the ticket if their schedule allows. Call Frank at 715-790-5975 or e-mail pacyga@hotmail.com.

back to top

Diane Meyer is the new Director of Sales, and Tracie Schlaak is the new Office Manager at the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Cara Robida has left her job as Programs Director at the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce to accept a position as Project Director at a telecommunications company in Hudson.

Geoff Campion is the new Manager of Corporate Sales at the US Bank Golf Championship in Milwaukee.

Susan Amann has left her position as Tourism Coordinator of the Pierce County Partners in Tourism. She will be succeeded by the organization's current Administrative Assistant Judie Zubick.

back to top

back to top