Introduction from the Executive Director

Welcome to "News You Can Use" from the Warren County CVB. It’s the new, restructured look of our e-communication to you, our tourism partners. The quarterly Tourism Brief along with other important "News You Can Use" announcements from Bureau staff members will provide you with the latest industry trends, up-to-date marketing program information and Bureau highlights.

I hope you will take a minute to tune into "News You Can Use" and follow the links provided for further information. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any Bureau staff member if you have any questions or comments. We appreciate your feedback.

Marketing Update

Results through May 2009

Website Launch

The CVB launched an all new website at www.ohioslargestplayground.com to make travel planning more visitor friendly and cost effective by using the most current, innovative technology. Splashes of vivid hero photography, bold colors and simple navigation welcome visitors to Warren County. The website has more than 3,000 pages of consumer focused content and features a searchable event calendar, itinerary planning tool, vacation packages, and tailored sections for sport participants and planners, meeting and tour planners, and the media.

Remember to send Chris Kays your updated information and events so that we can keep the website updated and accurate.

Vacation Packages

Current research indicates that 76% of vacationers will book packaged vacations this year with approximately 65% of those all visitations occurring during the summer season (June through September). With that in mind, the CVB has created unique getaway experiences that assemble attractions and accommodations into vacation packages that can be purchased through the CVB website. The offers also include free coupons and discounts to area restaurants and shopping.

For more information on the vacation packaging program, email Jennifer Burns.

National Tourism Week

"Tourism is good for the economy" is the mantra that was carried to the travel industry legislative day in Columbus this past March. It is the leading industry in Warren County supporting one in every eight private sector jobs and generating $127 million in taxes and fees. The 6.6 million yearly visitors drive an economic impact of $917 million and 11,029 tourism-related jobs. During National Tourism Week, May 11-15, the CVB discussed the importance of tourism for Warren County’s economy on many platforms and distributed a Tourism Fact Sheet to our partners and the media.

New and Upcoming

Did you know?

That the CVB website has a "For Our Partners" section. Located under Public Relations – this section contains the Visitor Guide Update Form, Industry Articles, Research and Trends, and copies of the Annual Report and Directors Brief. Be sure to visit this section periodically to view this valuable information.

Community Button

Look for the new "Community Button" on www.ohioslargestplayground.com. Visitors looking to experience local culture and residents looking for local event information can use this area to find unique community events.

Ozone Zipline Adventures

Ozone Zipline Adventures projected opening date has been pushed back until July 1 in order to add additional features to the zipline tour. New additions include seven sky bridges and a 45 foot tall multi-level central zip tower which will act as a "zipline hub" for zipline riders.

The tour will now include up to 12 total ziplines making it the largest zipline tour in the Midwest, at over 10,000 feet in total length.

Online registration is now available at www.ozonezips.org

Sports

Named as one of the "50+ Places to Watch in 2009" by SportsEvents Magazine, WCCVB Sports has capitalized on the demand for amateur sporting events and the appeal of Warren County’s location, along with the incredible array of family-friendly attractions to make Warren County a premier destination for sports. A new logo has also been created to give the CVB sports department its own recognizable look, while still identifying it as uniquely Warren County.

WCCVB Sports will host the second CVB owned and created sporting event in June. The Inaugural Kings Island Baseball Invitational, for 10 through 12-year-old players, will be held at Mason Sports Park July 2 – July 5. Local teams are welcome to participate. For more information contact Ben Huffman.