6 Ways to Promote Your Destination As "Distinctive"
Once a destination is selected for the list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations, there are countless ways you can use the designation as a marketing tool to promote tourism. Below are a few examples of how past destinations have used the designation and program logo. Remember, however, that these are just a few ideas and that the important part is being proactive and creative. If this approach is taken, the Dozen Distinctive Destination announcement will be just the beginning of what can prove to be a long and rewarding partnership.
1. Athens, Georgia (2009) is celebrating their designation with Athens Heritage Walks - a series of guided tours featuring historic places. Each tour is hosted by a "distinctive" Athens personality whose knowledge brings a unique and colorful perspective to Athens' local history. Residents and tourists alike are welcome to reserve tickets for tours given June through November of 2009.
2. Santa Barbara, California (2009) placed the Dozen Distinctive Destinations logo prominently on a promotional brochure which they created to outline 12 distinctive sites and experiences in Santa Barbara. This brochure was distributed within the community and placed on their Web site for visitors to download.
3. Marshall, Michigan (2004) created a billboard on Interstate 94, the main road into Marshall, which urges travelers to "Shop Historic Main Street Marshall—Over 50 Distinctive Shops." The billboard also prominently displays the Dozen Distinctive Destinations logo.
4. Lowell, Massachusetts (2001) created banners featuring the Dozen Distinctive Destinations logo. The banners were displayed in high visibility locations such as at Lowell's Park Pavilion during a summer concert series, at major festivals at their city ballpark and at their ice hockey arena. The banners promoting the designation are also used annually at the Lowell Folk Festival.
5. Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan (2009) created a section on their Web site devoted to their designation and included information about the award itself, the event they held to celebrate the nomination and links to relevant news stories and videos.
6. Lititz, Pennsylvania (2009) created two promotional bumper stickers, one for residents and one for tourists, touting their Dozen Distinctive Destinations designation with the phrase "I've been to Lititz, PA, One of America's Distinctive Destinations." The sticker also featured the Dozen Distinctive Destinations logo, which appeared opposite the logo of the local convention and visitors bureau, Venture Lititz.
