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DEAR VALUED PARTNERS,
There is no denying the preeminent role that Food & Drink of the South play when we are promoting our region internationally. We live to eat and drink and love inviting the world to share a meal. So, we are quite excited to launch a new integrated digital marketing, advertising, and editorial campaign, culminating with a title sponsorship at the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival in London, July 15-16, 2023! This campaign will be a first-time nine states will be coordinating a consumer promotion in the UK.
Over the next six months, we will highlight nine Travel South Culinary Ambassadors and share our unique, authentic, and travel-worthy experiences. From sustainable oyster farms, foraging in the forests, and sharing food from our rich soil, lakes and coastline, to our curated cocktails, bourbon and whiskey culture, this campaign will allow us to invite the UK to come to Taste the South!
In July, partnering with a world-class brand like National Geographic, this event promises exposure to thousands of foodies and prospective visitors. And, of course, we will take full advantage of press opportunities before, during, and after the festival.
The agenda for the takeover week also includes a private VIP event for trade and media in central London to connect the consumers with our valuable selling partners. Our goal continues to be expanded promotion of the authentic South, with Culinary Ambassadors serving as storytellers and sharing their signature dishes, stories, talents and humor while showcasing the region’s best tastes, wines and spirits.
This event and its surrounding exposure will whet the world's appetite to visit the South! Click here for more information on the National Geographic Food Festival. |
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| MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES |
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| March 31 is the last day to register for Global Summit Week. Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your global reach. Also, IPW is just around the corner. Ensure a great time at the concert by reserving a table! |
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LAST CALL FOR MEDIA MARKETPLACE
April 25-27
Registration deadline is March 31. Participate in pre-scheduled appointments with top-tier international travel media at Media Marketplace and gain insights from tourism industry innovators at Global Summit. Don’t miss out on this packaged deal! |
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HOST A TABLE AT IPW CONCERT
May 22
Host a table to get a prime spot for this year's concert featuring jazz great Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers and new country artist and 2022 winner of "The Voice", Bryce Leatherwood. Limited tables available. |
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| SOUTHERN SUCCESSES |
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Social Media and Its Undeniable Power to Attract the International Visitor to the South
Learn how using mindful engagement strategies in the ever-evolving world of social media drives visitation to the South.
Travel South's social media presence is paramount in attracting international visitors. To that end, Travel South has partnered with Sparkloft Media to ensure that messaging is current but also innovative, and that it is relevant to each unique international market. To learn more about this well-developed process and the strategies involved, read our interview with Martin Stoll, President of Sparkloft Media. |
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| IN THE NEWS |
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| Read the below online article to see just how the South continues to charm the Aussies, namely for our authenticity and warm southern culture. Next, take a video tour that spotlights multiple southern destinations in a recent video curated at International Showcase. Also, read about the impact that new attractions have on visitor spending targets in the southern US. |
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AUSTRALIANS WANT NICHE MARKETS
While attending International Showcase in Kentucky, the Australian delegation loved being immersed again in Southern culture and are excited to welcome Travel South to Australia in June. Read the article to learn why Australians love the South. |
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SELLING TRAVEL FEATURES THE SOUTH
Selling Travel takes a video tour at International Showcase featuring snippets from suppliers showcasing an array of southern destinations. |
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NEW ATTRACTIONS TO DRAW VISITATION
Ted Davis, writer from the Canadian Travel Press, declares that there is even more to be experienced in the southern US than ever before to help reach visitor spending targets. |
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| BY THE NUMBERS |
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| Travel South’s 4-day mission to Brazil began in Rio de Janeiro and culminated in São Paulo. The mission consisted of media breakfasts, one-to-one meetings with top tour operators and high-end travel agencies and receptions. The Brazil team selected the perfect venue that departed from the traditional conference room setting and instead offered a cozy, comfortable atmosphere that emanated Southern hospitality. Invitees were also treated to southern cuisine and a special Travel South USA All Y’all Are Welcome Spotify playlist. |
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4
DAYS |
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7
DESTINATION PARTNERS |
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375
APPOINTMENTS |
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Global Summit
April 24-26
Travel South has curated a list of tourism experts for this master class for destinations to gain insights about global markets and how to gain more market share from them. |
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All Y'all are Welcome Concert
May 22
Registration emails coming soon to buy general admission tickets. Suppliers tickets are $250 each. Buyers and media contact your local representative to confirm your ticket. Join us for a bite before and cocktails throughout this amazing concert of truly Southern tunes. |
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