Radio Sales Café

Has anyone run a successful campaign for their Visitors Committee or Center? I am looking for new ideas. Thanks!

Hi Lana

Last year we ran a campaign for our local visitor's bureau that was a huge success. We had them voice the spots which focused on all of the services to local businesses the visitor's bureau handled including booking events, providing brochures and maps and helping to create links to their website for their event or trip. It was such a huge success and they got such great results, that this year they were booked solid and therefore did not run the campaign again.
Most people have no idea what a local visitors center/bureau can do for them so we presented them as a valuable cross marketing tool. It was a huge hit. I hope that helps. Good Luck!

Julie
KFMJ 99.9 FM

Thanks!

Thanks!

Lana,

"Jingle"Jim Reilly sent an idea in his newsletter recently that might be transferable to your Visitors' Center. If they don't have the budget to advertise directly, perhaps you could have them write 20-30 seconds worth of material for you each week (community highlights, what makes your area special) that you could turn around and sell to someone else - a local bank, insurance company, real estate agency - anyone with strong local community ties wanting the benefit of this type of positioning - as a sponsorship. Might be worth a try! -RS

Thanks to all who replied. Our visitors committee has been purchasing a pretty good size annual each year. They use the ads to promote community events and in the summer months ...their visitors center. Each year when I renew the contract I have a hard time convincing them that it is worth the cost. Even though their new visitors center had more people stop than ever before they just won't attribute it to radio. They feel that attending out of town Expo's is where they attract people..and through magazines. Most of the people on the committee are managers of hotels that do not believe in radio. The funds come from taxes on the hotel rooms. Any ideas?

When I drive to a town, I'm listening to Radio.
When I get to the town (or near) I start listening to the local Radio stations.
It's what we do!
What a great tool to "welcome" visitors and invite them back.
Bonus: The local folks hear it too and are impressed with the Visitor Bureau's work.
It shows the members that the VB is doing their job.
Hotel folks are doing the same thing with outdoor. Outdoor's biggest client!
I read the signs and heard the Radio message. Powerful!
Good Selling!
Jer