2008 Annual Report

• Introduction
  • Mission Statement and Letter from the Executive Director
  • Bureau Staff and Board Members
• 2008 Bureau Results
  • 2008 WCCVB Highlights
  • Community Support Grants and Partnership Awards
  • Performance Charts
• Brief Outlook for 2009

OUR MISSION

Established in 1980, The Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a progressive destination marketing organization that uses its resources and influence to increase the number of year-round visitors to Warren County.

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2008 was a year of tourism successes.  In a year when we saw corporate travel pull back, gas prices reach historic highs and the economy go into a frightening downfall - we also saw tourism travel (lodging occupancy) keep pace with 2007 and actually increase over 2007 during spring break and the beginning of the summer travel season. The decrease in business travel was supplemented by leisure travel in 2008, thereby reinforcing the value and the impact of leisure tourism as a mainstay in Warren County's economy.

The leisure tourism market successes are a result of the Bureau's aggressive marketing campaigns, partner collaboration and individual attraction's strategic marketing efforts.  With rising gas prices going into the summer season it was imperative that we developed marketing campaigns that maximized value with highly creative advertising and promotions...and it worked.  This report demonstrates the results of our efforts not just in the leisure market but also in sports, conference and group tour sales.  

We are keeping an optimistic eye on 2009 and the continuing uncertainty of our economy and how that may influence travel.  Despite the economic uncertainty, I truly believe that 2009 will be even stronger for the leisure market than 2008.  Research and trends indicate that business travel will continue to decline through 2010.  This is why we must focus on market segments that we can influence, build and grow. Warren County is a perfect drive market with a strong and diverse product offering.  Partnerships will be critical in 2009 - working with our partners to develop co-operative campaigns in key markets will stretch our adverting budget and strengthen the message.  Several of our tourism partners are introducing new products that are significant enough to attract new out-of-town visitors and boost local market penetration.  Kings Island's new ride, Diamondback, is already generating significant buzz and Western and Southern Tennis Master's Series will now feature a Tier I Women's Tournament which is certain to attract the top women's players.  Recently, Camp Kern introduced Ozone Zipline Adventures, the Midwest's largest zipline tour that will bring a renewed regional and national focus to the County and complement the already existing outdoor adventure package.  As tourism marketers, we have a lot to work with and will focus our efforts on building value into our marketing campaign. 

I am pleased to present this report to share the success of the efforts made by the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau's for our partners and stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Shirley Bonekemper
Executive Director