Research that Rises Above: CenStates Conference

Plan to attend the 2011 CenStates TTRA annual conference on September 21-22 in Cedar Rapids to inspire your research program. The city experienced devastating flooding in 2008, gutting part of the community and one of the country's premier cultural attractions, the National Czech & Slovak Museum. But the city and the museum used it as an opportunity to move forward in a focused way, making strategic decisions based on research. They are rising above this tragedy, and the 2011 CenStates TTRA conference will present Research that Rises Above.

You'll hear about national trends from leaders in the industry, including David Sheatsly of U.S. Travel and Duane Vinson of STR, and explore ways to make solid marketing decisions with confidence. Look for additional information about the conference in the coming weeks. Until then, you can literally see Cedar Rapids implementing their vision by watching the National Czech & Slovak Museum as it moves to its new, higher ground location. A web cam is documenting the largest museum move in U.S. history, and you can see it live as you anticipate the 2011 CenStates TTRA conference.

New Community Tourism Development resources available

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center has published two new resources on community tourism for use by community leaders, practitioners, educators.  Weaving Tourism into Community:  four stories over time is a new film that presents case studies of four communities across the U.S.  In their own words, community leaders tell the story of their communities' experiences with tourism over two decades -- the changes, benefits and challenges. This hour-long film is available in DVD format and is great for community and classroom use.  

The Community Tourism Development guide is now in its 3rd edition.  This popular 250 page manual provides a process, forms and worksheets to assist communities in planning, developing and managing tourism.  It is written from a community standpoint, and includes practical real-life examples.   The new format includes an interactive CD with more than 35 worksheets and forms for easy use.

More details available here and on the website.

Civil War Traveler Research Highlights Importance of 150th Anniversary

The 2010 U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership travelhorizons^TM survey included questions about the intent to engage in Civil War sites or trails. The results highlighted below illustrate the continued importance of this event in the travelers' mind.

• 51% of U.S. travelers are interested in the 150th anniversary of the Civil War - with 31% extremely interested. A similar percentage of high interest spans all regions, age groups, income and education levels.
• Highly interested travelers are good travelers - they have a more positive perception of all elements of travel and a higher intention to travel in the next six months (64% vs. 59% of the general population).
• In terms of media usage there are few differences in cable stations watched, but the History Channel, TBS, and Weather Channel are watched more; no differences in preferred magazines; and a higher propensity to listen to classic rock.

For more information, contact David Sheatsley at U.S. Travel or view the white paper here.

The rising digital tide lifts all media boats

By Bob Frohoff, MMG Worldwide

A common assumption among marketers and media analysts is that when a new medium enters the market, use of that medium will come at the expense of other media.

There are some historical precedents that support this assumption.  For example, the rise of television in the mid-20^th century did result in sharp reductions in time spent with radio.  We continue to see the aftershocks of this today.  Radio listening levels drop dramatically in evening hours, when television viewing reaches its prime time.

Here in the 21^st century, the new kids on the media block are all the latest digital media forms - mobile media in particular.  Emarketer.com reports that U.S. adults are spending an average of 50 minutes per day consuming media via mobile devices.  That, in conjunction with time spent on laptops and desktop computers, must be leading to reductions in time spent with other media.  Right?

Not so fast. Read more.

Recent Studies Reveal Positive Trends

A recent USA Today article based on a GetThere survey of corporate travel managers points to some positive signs in the business travel segment.

According to a new Deloit survey highlighted in an article on the Travel Industry Wire website, an "uptick" in Memorial Day travel is expected. 

What's On Your Mind?

Trending Water In CenStates

By Dee Ann McKinney, Chairman of the Board, TTRA International; Strategic Planning & Research Director for the Missouri Division of Tourism; and Co-Chair State/Destination Researchers' Roundtable.

While this spot is usually reserved for the latest trends in the CenStates arena, it semed much more important this month to tell you about THE place to really come up to speed on ALL the latest trends in tourism reserch.

Where you ask?  Well at the June 19-21^st TTRA international conference, of course!  I recently asked several TTRA past Presidents and Academic members why they come to that conference and on one thing they all agreed:  "THERE ARE MORE REASONS TO COME THAN NOT TO COME!!!!!"

10.  90 Speakers/60 TARGETED TOURISM TOPICS! Click here for full agenda.

9. Read the other 9 reasons here! 

For conference details please go to: http://www.ttra.com/