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A Message from Jim: Communication Following Hurricane Katrina

It is impossible to predict the short and long term impacts on the travel industry from the latest national uncertainty over fuel prices and storm-related trauma. But Wisconsin tourism needs to anticipate and be prepared to respond to possible changes in travel patterns over the coming months.

In a planning session this week, Department staff agreed unanimously on one first step… and that is to remain in constant communication with Wisconsin tourism properties and organizations in order to monitor travel trends. We also agreed to continue to solicit Wisconsin's travel and hospitality industry's best thinking regarding the most appropriate and most effective state action, if developments warrant it.

Please let us know how your Labor Day weekend goes. Let us know about bookings into September and October. Cancellations? What do tourism businesses in your area predict or know about fall travel and the longer term outlook? Do you have any recommendations for us? We'd surely like to hear them.

Contact me directly or feel free to call or email any of our staff members. You are closest to the situation and your advice is valued.

Thanks for keeping the Department informed!

Getaways For Gulf Aid

The National Association of State Tourism Directors, led by Visit Florida, has already launched a relief effort called "Getaways For Gulf Aid." The proposed initiative certainly has two worthy goals: providing funds which are badly needed by relief agencies, while at the same time generating some awareness of Wisconsin's premier tourism product. The idea is for travel industry businesses to donate rooms, meals, tickets, admissions, and more, which are then bundled as travel packages and auctioned off on E-bay like this one.  The proceeds go directly to the American Red Cross. Let Jim know if you are interested in participating in this program or seeing something similar on travelwisconsin.com.

Tourism Budget Sees 21% Increase in Next Biennium 

On July 25, Governor Doyle signed the state's 2006-07 budget, which boosted tourism marketing funds by 21% over the next two years through an increase in revenue from the state's car rental fees. The $3.8 million increase is the first tourism budget increase in six years. All of the additional funding has been directed toward marketing initiatives and grant programs as advised by the Governor's Council on Tourism, its committees and other industry partners. None of the increased budget appropriation will be used for additional staff or administrative expenses. Tentative plans to distribute the first $1.6 million in the 2006 fiscal year include additional advertising in Chicago, Minneapolis and expanded marketing in Michigan; technology initiatives and modifications to travelwisconsin.com; allocating additional funds for the Joint Effort Marketing grant program; developing the "Ready Set Go" grant program; adding more sport and travel shows to the annual trade show schedule; hiring of a national-level public relations firm to deliver new out-of-state public relations contacts in New York City and other major U.S. cities; and, increasing our commitment to attract meeting and convention business to Wisconsin.

"Ready, Set, Go!" Grants for Sports Event Marketing

Seeking new sporting events for your area? Ready, Set, Go! out and get new competitive events with the help of a brand new grant program. Recognizing the growth potential and impact of sporting events on local economies, the Department, Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation (WSDC) and the Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitor's Bureaus (WACVB) have partnered to create the Ready Set Go! initiative. This matching grant program offers organizations financial assistance to secure and book sporting and competitive events that require an upfront cash or monetary commitment. Tourism and WSDC will have joint administration of the program including a two level review process. Organizations are required to submit an event marketing plan, budget and estimated return on investment. Grant applications are available online. For more information, contact Marketing Director Sarah Klavas at 608-266-3750.

Life's So Good Mini-Grant Program is Back 

This past spring's mini-grant program to promote Wisconsin's new travel slogan proved to be so popular that it's returning in time for winter promotion efforts.

Any nonprofit tourism marketing organization may apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to be used for a marketing or public relations effort that will raise awareness of the "Wisconsin - Life's So Good" slogan among state residents during the winter season. The requirements are that the project should be original and creative, and therefore interesting to local media, something more than adding the Life's So Good logo to an existing project. Also, the grant doesn't fund operating expenses, annual publications, advertising agency fees, etc.

Applications are due by November 1 and grants will be awarded by November 11. Projects should be implemented between November 14 and March 1. Click here for a short, easy to use grant application.  Need an idea? We have excellent examples from the spring round of Life's So Good grants if you need inspiration. See our May issue of TWN. 

Got a Great Deal, Discount or Special Rates? Let’s Us Help You Promote It

The Communications Team is working on a special media promotion of the Package and Deals section on travelwisconsin.com. Be sure to get your special rates, packages and discounts entered on travelwisconsin.com in the next few weeks to reap the benefits of this special promotional effort. Contact your local Extranet Partner to get your deals entered in the database. If you have any questions about how to enter special packages or deals, contact Linda Anderson-Drogsvold at 608/261-8212.

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