Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/1013621
3 FAM tours for international groups from UK/Ireland and China Trade show attendance brings 115 appointments with tour operators 45 leads converted to bookings, $1,201,092 in revenue, 4,301 projected room nights SALES GOAL: Market Themed International Group Travel RESULTS: Partnered with I Love NY & Brand USA to host three familiarization tours for 27 people representing 26 companies from China, UK, Ireland and Scotland. Meetings: Building Tools & Rebuilding Relationships The Sales team create the tools needed to better represent our destination to meeting, conference, and event planners including: new downtown meeting event imagery, more robust website content, more compelling profile sheet, new content for LinkedIn and NewYorkMeetings.com. By adding of a dedicated meeting and conference sales manager in March, we grew partner and campus engagements to 76 in the last three quarters of 2017 and have nurtured 200 relationships. Tour & Travel: Hello World! In 2017, the Sales team partnered with I Love NY & Brand USA to host three familiarization tours for 27 people representing 26 companies from China, UK, Ireland and Scotland. Our new presence on VisitUSA-UK in late September has already delivered 156 profile views, 164 views on the Ideas section (What to do in Ithaca, Craft Beer, Gorges ½), 70 views on brochure section (Travel Guide, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail), and 20 views on our group tour video. Top reason stated for lost business is insufficient facilities. In April 2017, the results of a feasibility study conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners, indicated that there is pent up demand for a conference center in downtown Ithaca. Work continues see this critical tourism infrastructure project move forward to fruition. "What a FAB.U.LOUS tour for a bus full of "girlfriends," ranging from 35 to 85!!! I never heard so much spontaneous applause or happy cheers…or so much chatter!! Our 52 ladies absolutely loved each and every meal and attraction." – Sandy from Starr Bus Charters and Tours, NJ Leads Sent Meet/Conf Athletic Tour/Social/Wed Total Leads 2016 2017 11 23 82 116 $2,108,225 31 5 41 77 $2,612,882 Potential Economic Impact Leads Booked Meet/Conf Athletic Tour/Social/Wed Total Booked Conversion % 2016 2017 2 13 61 76 65.5% $1,184,180 17 4 24 45 58.4% $982,814 Actual/Booked Economic Impact 5