Figures Released for NHL All-Star Weekend
Economic impact figures have been released for the NHL All-Star Weekend, January 28-30, 2011, and the event generated an astounding $11.4 million in direct visitor spending according to the GRCVB. In addition, more than $49 million in media value was secured with articles or mentions in 685,000 domestic and international publications. NHL All-Star Weekend—which included the NHL All-Star Game, Honda SuperSkills Competition, NHL Fan Fair, NHL All-Star Wide Open, NHL All-Star 5K presented by visitRaleigh and numerous private parties and events—brought approximately 18,900 visitors from outside of Wake County to North Carolina’s Capital City, generating 10,551 hotel room-nights. It is important to note that the above $11.4 million figure is a conservative estimate that does not include local spending, nor does it include a multiplier. The estimated $11.4 million represents direct visitor spending only, which is new money coming into the local economy.
In this issue...
Figures Released for NHL All-Star Weekend | Green Thinking | Congratulations Are in Order | Leaders in Meeting Planning | Mark Your Calendars | Reserve Your Space by April 12
Green Thinking
From electric car plug-in stations to being named the first LED City in the world, the Raleigh area is leading the trend of going green. In an effort to tell the story of sustainable tourism in the Raleigh area, the GRCVB has created a dedicated page on visitRaleigh.com that highlights resources about green practices county-wide and how we can help you to plan a greener meeting in our destination. Find out more information here: http://www.visitRaleigh.com/green/.
Congratulations Are in Order
Congratulations go to the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown for ranking #20 out of 295 Hiltons in the Americas on Hilton’s 2010 Voice of the Customer list. The Voice of the Customer index is based upon guest surveys and is a combination of the hotel’s Loyalty, Service and Problem-Free scores. The hotel also achieved its sixth consecutive Outstanding rating on its Quality Assurance inspection, which measures adherence to brand standards, cleanliness and condition of the building. Dean Ogan, owner of Rocky Top Hospitality, was named 2011 Restaurateur of the Year by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Ogan wasn’t the only big winner from the Wake County hospitality community. Jim Beley, general manager of The Umstead Hotel and Spa, was named 2011 Lodging Operator of the Year, and Kim Almond, bartender and server at a Wake County Applebee’s, was named 2011 Restaurant Employee of the Year. In restaurant news, 42nd Street Oyster Bar was recognized by Frommer’s Travel as one of the “Top 10 Airport Restaurants” in a recent survey, and The Pit came in at #25 in The Daily Meal’s list of “101 Best Restaurants in America.”
Leaders in Meeting Planning
Congratulations to GRCVB Regional Director, National Accounts, Kumi Anzalone, CASE, and Associate Director of Convention Sales Malinda Pettaway, CASE, for attaining the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. The foremost certification of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, the CMP program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP credential increases the proficiency of meeting professionals worldwide.
Mark Your Calendars
The next Quarterly Marketing Update for Wake County hoteliers and attraction partners is set for Wednesday, March 23, from 2pm – 3:45pm, in the meeting space of the newly renovated Wachovia IMAX Theatre in downtown Raleigh. Following the meeting, a free screening of Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D will be shown, compliments of Wachovia IMAX Theatre. RSVP to jfreeze@visitRaleigh.com by Wednesday, March 16.
Reserve Your Space by April 12
It’s that time again to reserve your space and promote your business to the 10 million visitors to our area in the Official Visitors Guide to Raleigh, Cary and Wake County. The Visitors Guide includes information on things to do in Wake County, maps, editorial on unique Wake County dining and sights to see and accommodations listings. The guide is distributed in state welcome centers, at the official Visitor Information Center, at RDU, area attractions and hotels and during conventions and sporting events. For details about advertising in the guide, review the media kit and contact S&A Cherokee’s Jennifer Grady at 919.674.6020 x131 by April 12.
