For 2010-2011, we have added two new online advertising co-op programs. These programs are provided to allow members to leverage the CVB’s marketing of signature events. Please download our PDF document, 2010-11 Online Email Advertising Options and Rates brochure, from the Member Program Participation page for more details. This brochure not only includes details on these new co-op programs, but information on our existing email marketing programs. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me, Josh Kenzer, at 480-949-6280 or email me directly at jkenzer@scottsdalecvb.com.

July 26, 2010 | Tags: cooperative advertising, Online Marketing | Category: CVB News & Events | Leave a comment

Below are the recommendations of the Governor’s Tourism and Economic Development Task Force:

General Findings

• The task force concurred that Arizona’s “brand” is strong and successful. The “brand” enhances statewide assets and compliments the promotional efforts conducted by statewide tourism entities that market Arizona an extremely desirable place for visitors and business.
• To implement the following recommendations, it is suggested that a tactical approach be managed under the direction of the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Arizona Tourism Alliance in collaboration with statewide business and tourism leaders.

Action Plan

Short-Term Tactics

• Extend AOT “ValueAZ” In-State Travel Campaign: The task force agreed to support AOT’s in-state summer travel deals campaign ValueAZ.com. AOT, in partnership with the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association and other statewide industry partners, has launched its summer campaign. The campaign will showcase summer travel opportunities and deals found throughout Arizona in addition to promoting the economic value of travel throughout the state.

• Develop Printed & Digital SB1070 Fact Sheet: The task force recommends that a printed and digital SB1070 fact sheet be developed to clarify facts and misconceptions.

• Contract with Public Relations Firm: The task force recommends contracting with a qualified public relations firm to help manage the existing dialogue and clarify the facts regarding SB 1070 to key target audiences. This could include editorials and interviews in key markets throughout the U.S. such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., as well as Mexico and other select international markets. The initial focus would provide facts that inform potential visitors/meeting planners and the general public that Arizona is a safe and welcoming destination; change the tone of the dialogue to reflect the true implications and tangible effects that boycotts have on the lives and families of the most vulnerable tourism employees.

• Grass Roots Communication: The task force recommends creating a statewide (and beyond as feasible) organized program designed to disseminate the facts through various tourism and business conduits, i.e. Certified Ambassador Programs (Maricopa County), statewide community outreach programs, newsletters and email blasts. Additionally, the task force recommends public appearances by key government and industry leaders on television, radio and other media opportunities that would complement the grass roots program as well as be connected to the suggested PR efforts. Any grass roots campaigns, such as “letter writing”, editorials or direct contact, would also be included in these activities.

• Corporate, Association and Group Meetings Outreach: The task force recommends assisting the tourism (i.e. corporate, association and group meetings) segment which is being most significantly impacted. The recommended program would be an extended and expanded version of a similar program initiated by Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, which would invite key meeting planners, their respective board members, and other designated group booking decision makers to Arizona for personal dialogue, tours and a personal interaction with the Governor. The intent is to embellish the relationships on a one-on-one basis. Included in this program would be an educational component of the facts in major industry publications through editorials and PR related articles, especially in the key trade publications and markets, as well as the locations of the larger associations.

• Research: The task force recommends engaging a local research company to begin preliminary evaluation of the potential loss of business based on SB1070. Initially, this would be an internal document for the industry to be shared with the Governor’s office and industry leaders.

Long-Term Tactics

• Marketing, Advertising & PR: The long-term recommendation is for the State of Arizona to consider a national and international marketing, advertising and public relations effort that would further the existing Arizona “brand” by promoting the assets of the state with a focus on tourism, business and economic vitality.

Let us know what you think of the task force’s recommendations by leaving your comments below.

July 1, 2010 | Tags: AOT, Governor, SB1070, Task Force | Category: Industry News & Resources, Valley & State Updates | Leave a comment

Following is a press release distributed June 30 from the Governor’s office:

Governor Jan Brewer announced the release of recommendations compiled by a volunteer committee of tourism leaders from around the state formed to recommend ways in which to enhance Arizona’s tourism industry and overall economic development.

In May, Governor Brewer met with statewide tourism and business leaders to discuss the current status of the Arizona tourism industry as well as economic development issues. Arizona’s tourism industry has been challenged by many of today’s current issues, such as the condition of the national economy, the negative perception of hosting business meetings or conventions at resorts, and the threat of destructive and thoughtless boycotts.

“We want to do all we can to protect our hard working families in the tourism industry and make sure Arizona’s real story as a welcoming, one-of-a-kind travel destination is resonating,” said Governor Brewer. “Despite threats by some to Arizonans because of misinformation about immigration law enforcement, I am confident that Arizona’s reputation and brand remains strong and that the truth is prevailing.”

The tourism leaders are comprised of members from the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), the Arizona Department of Commerce (ADOC), the Arizona Mexico Commission (AMC), as well as the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association (AzHLA), the Arizona Tourism Alliance (ATA) and other statewide business leaders.

  Read More »

July 1, 2010 | Tags: AOT, Governor, SB1070, Task Force | Category: Industry News & Resources, Valley & State Updates | Leave a comment

Listen now:

Guest: Brent DeRaad, executive vice president of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

Summary: Hear about the latest findings from the MetroPoll XIII study, conducted by Gerald Murphy & Associates. You’ll find more about what meeting planners think of Scottsdale, as well as some of the key points and how they impact the city. For a recap of the study’s significant findings, login to your profile on the CVB’s website, click on CVB Publications & Research, and visit the Meetings Research folder. 

Time: 6 minutes, 27 seconds

MP3: Findings from the MetroPoll XIII study

June 28, 2010 | Tags: meeting planners, Metropoll, research | Category: CVB News & Events, Podcasts, Scottsdale Tourism News | Leave a comment

The Arizona Office of Tourism targets international travelers from Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany (including German-speaking Austria and Switzerland) and France and has in-market representatives in all countries. Every year, Arizona’s international representatives complete an inventory of all tour operators in their market that offer Arizona product.

• Canada: More than 50 Canadian tour operators feature Arizona travel product, an increase of 8 percent over 2009. Enhanced consumer outreach, increased non-stop air service and the parity of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar have attributed to the increase.

• Mexico: In 2010, there were 23 tour operators in Mexico that offered product to Arizona, a decrease from 25 in 2009. A strong U.S. dollar coupled with the loss of Aeromexico’s nonstop air service from Mexico City has had a negative effect on this market.

• United Kingdom: There are currently 96 tour operators featuring Arizona in the United Kingdom, an increase of 16 percent over 2009. Of this total, 35 percent of the tour operators are offering their product online, an increase from 16 percent in 2009.

• Germany (including Austria & Switzerland): Arizona is heavily featured in the German-speaking market. The current product inventory shows an increase of 9 percent, with 112 tour operators offering Arizona product compared to 103 in 2009.

• France: The number of operators in France that offer Arizona product has increased from 74 in 2009 to 81 in 2010. The number of online tour operators increased from 25 to 31.

The 2010 product inventories are currently available for $100 each. For more information, contact Kristin Swanson at 602-364-3696 or kswanson@azot.gov.

(AOT in Action, June 14)

June 15, 2010 | Tags: AOT, international, Tour Operators | Category: Industry News & Resources, Valley & State Updates | Leave a comment

Listen now:

Guest: Brent Gumbert, membership development manager at the Scottsdale CVB.

Summary: Hear from Brent Gumbert about his role at the bureau and how he can help you maximize your membership with the CVB.

Time: 5 minutes, 5 seconds

MP3: Meet Brent Gumbert

June 11, 2010 | Tags: Brent Gumbert, Membership | Category: CVB News & Events, Podcasts | Leave a comment

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes its newest members who joined in May 2010.

Desert Sedan, LLC (Limos, Shuttles & Taxis in the Transportation Category): Desert Sedan provides limo and car service to the Phoenix metro area as well as from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Sedona, Tucson, Grand Canyon and Flagstaff.

Tickets Unlimited (Ticket Sales & Value Passes in the Attractions & Adventures Category): Tickets Unlimited offers preferred seating to all local, national and international concerts, sporting and theater events with group rates available.

FnB Restaurant (American Restaurant in the Dining Category): Located in downtown Scottsdale, FnB features local, organic and sustainable cuisine, including Charleen Badman’s sophisticated comfort food and Pavle Milic’s exclusive wine list.

June 4, 2010 | Tags: Desert Sedan, FnB Restaurant, members, Tickets Unlimited | Category: Member News | Leave a comment

With the passage of Prop 200 (bed tax increase) in Scottsdale and Prop 100 (sales tax increase) in Arizona, both sales and hotel checkout tax rates will be affected.

Following is a breakdown of Scottsdale’s taxes:

Note: Taxes for transportation, utilities, restaurants, retail, among other business classifications, are given one rate versus lodging classifications (such as the hotel/resort checkout rate), which are listed in a different section of the state tax code and are given a different rate. 

Scottsdale’s current tax rates (now through May 31, 2010):

Scottsdale Sales Tax

            5.60%   State of Arizona Sales Tax

            0.70%   Maricopa County Transaction Excise Tax

            1.65%   City of Scottsdale Transaction Tax

            7.95%

Scottsdale Hotel/Resort Checkout Tax

            5.50%   State of Arizona Sales Tax

            1.77%   Maricopa County Transaction Excise Tax

            1.65%   City of Scottsdale Transaction Tax

            3.00%   City of Scottsdale Transient Tax (Bed Tax)

            11.92%

Scottsdale’s new tax rates (June 1-30, 2010 – taking into account the increase in Arizona’s sales tax by one cent):

Scottsdale Sales Tax

            6.60%   State of Arizona Sales Tax

            0.70%   Maricopa County Transaction Excise Tax

            1.65%   City of Scottsdale Transaction Tax

            8.95%

Scottsdale Hotel/Resort Checkout Tax

            6.50%   State of Arizona Sales Tax

            1.77%   Maricopa County Transaction Excise Tax

            1.65%   City of Scottsdale Transaction Tax

            3.00%   City of Scottsdale Transient Tax (Bed Tax)

            12.92%

Scottsdale’s new tax rates (as of July 1, 2010 – taking into account the increase in Scottsdale’s bed tax):

Scottsdale Sales Tax

            6.60%   State of Arizona Sales Tax

            0.70%   Maricopa County Transaction Excise Tax

            1.65%   City of Scottsdale Transaction Tax

            8.95%

Scottsdale Hotel/Resort Checkout Tax

            6.50%   State of Arizona Sales Tax

            1.77%   Maricopa County Transaction Excise Tax

            1.65%   City of Scottsdale Transaction Tax

            5.00%   City of Scottsdale Transient Tax (Bed Tax)

            14.92%

May 20, 2010 | Tags: Arizona, bed tax, hotel checkout tax, sales tax, Scottsdale | Category: Scottsdale Tourism News | Leave a comment

Bob Hayward from Warnick + Company spoke at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s May 11 Quarterly Update Meeting to discuss Scottsdale’s lodging outlook , as well as how the city compares to the lodging industry of greater Phoenix and the United States.

Listen to the 30-minute audio recording for analysis of the data provided in his presentation. The audio corresponds directly to the presentation slides.

Listen now:

MP3: Warnick + Company Scottsdale Lodging Performance

Download the presentation slides: Warnick + Company May 2010 Presentation

May 14, 2010 | Tags: Bob Hayward, lodging performance, Warnick + Company | Category: Industry News & Resources, Podcasts, Scottsdale Tourism News | Leave a comment