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Stillwater Tourism Update
Exclusive report from the Convention & Visitor's Bureau on marketing for Stillwater area tourism related businesses -
lodging, restaurants, shops, attractions, and events.
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STATISTICS:
- 2015 Year-to-Date (Jan-June) we've seen a 68% increase in users - that’s 126,000 people using the website with an average of 2,600 page views per day.
- We are focusing our advertising dollars on off-season and as a result saw the largest increase in website traffic ever during 1st quarter - 75%!
- Most popular section remains: Events Calendar
- Lodging Revenue: 2014 year-end lodging tax income highest on record.
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50,000+ flying off the shelves and through the U.S. postal mail!
Requests are sent by mail, shipped to brides for visiting guests or tour operators and distributed at downtown shops, MOA, MSP Airport, travel information centers, events, lodging, and more.
REMINDER: Downtown guide pick up spots are Water Street Inn, Northern Vineyards, and Alfresco Casual Living. Limited inventory remaining due to the popularity of the guides this year.
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We send requests to visitors traveling from nearly every state in the US and many international destinations as well: Canada, Africa, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, France, Germany, Romania, etc.
2016 Ad Sales Start September 1st. Details to follow. Our print distribution will increase again.
Feedback from you and customers on content always welcome as well, so please share now as we begin layout.
Thank you for being Stillwater Ambassadors!
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2015 SPRING/SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Re-designed Website: launched in May with new brand image, search function, expanded things to do section, and more.
- Biking Tourism - you've seen the cyclists in town, so no doubt that our new bike trail is a hit. We advertised in MN Hike/Bike Guide, MN Biking Guide, sent media press releases, and targeted MN and WI residents interested in biking via an email campaign and social media.
- AAA Only in MN Maps & Sweepstakes- eye-catching co-op with Explore Minnesota in printed/digital editions of member magazines. Biking map, general travel map, email sweepstakes. Targeted MN, WI, ND, SD.
- Travel Guides - 2015 publication display advertising (Minnesota Travel Guide,Minneapolis/St.Paul, St. Croix Valley)
- Culinary Tourism - Targeted foodies via 30-second video and digital advertising on mobile and tablet. Over 20,000 views of the video alone!!!
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COMING UP THIS FALL:
 New Travel TV Show - Tune into Fox Sports North/Fox WI for The Minnesota Traveler. Stillwater segment will feature fall and winter attractions airing 12 times starting Sunday, August 30th. Stay tuned for viewing party details.- Radio Campaign for Downtown Holiday Shopping/Dining.
 Twin Cities entertainment talk radio station, MyTalk FM 107.1 Discover Stillwater spots featuring select boutiques, restaurants, attractions. Co-op advertising opportunity details coming soon.
- Photo Contest - Runs June - August with online voting in September. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Stillwater Getaway Package valued over $700 for popular vote winner. If you still need a poster, please let me know or promote on your social channels. You, your staff, and your customers can enter this, too!
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NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Welcome aboard!
The Stillwater Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors welcomes Jerry Helmberger of Aurora Staples Inn as the new President and Alex Rojas of the Lowell Inn as the new Vice President. In addition, Larry Loyer of the Rivertown Inn officially represents small property members.
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MILWAUKEE, WI
Twin Cities Campaign
The Explore Minnesota metro group of CVBs (we are members) is targeting Milwaukee, Wisconsin travelers with a campaign this fall. Advertising includes billboards, digital, newspaper, television (including a segment on MN Traveler TV show). Make sure your business is listed on ExploreMinnesota.com - it's FREE! #OnlyinMN campaign continues and it's winning awards.
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OFF-SEASON TRAVEL
America's Best Towns for Fall Colors
Don't forget, Stillwater received a national shout-out from Fodor's travel last year, so we can keep bragging about this leading into colorful leaves season. If you have something new you'd like to feature for your business this fall/winter, please feel free to share. Thank you!
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