Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network launches 2009 marketing initiatives

Posted on April 13, 2009

The RTN is focusing its marketing efforts on leveraging traditional media with increased internet marketing and strategic social media programs. The messaging tone and creative strategy will encourage visitors to seize the weekend and enjoy the variety and value of Cincinnati USA experiences with family and friends. www.CincinnatiUSA.com serves as the region’s leading travel portal The web portal, www.CincinnatiUSA.com, will continue to serve as the call-to-action for the advertising and promotional efforts. This year, the RTN will increase its efforts in search engine marketing to optimize position and increase its web traffic. The RTN will also leverage select social media platforms such as weekly e-blasts, sponsored by the P&G brands, and monthly podcasts on a newly created Travel Cincinnati USA Radio Network hosted by Antus and featuring interviews with guests from local attractions and events. This new monthly podcast will be featured on cincinnatiusa.com and i-tunes and provided directly to hotels and attractions for distribution to their customers. Increase Awareness through PR and Promotion The RTN will continue its targeted approach to reach the family travel planner in regional markets within a 300-mile radius with a blend of radio spots, aggressive internet marketing, seasonal travel & lifestyle pubs and direct marketing. The messaging tone and strategy will use custom music signatures and topical monthly itineraries to give the visitor compelling and uniquely-Cincinnati reasons to visit often during the 2009 season. Additionally, the RTN will expand its partnership with the Reds Radio Network comprising more than 60 radio stations that carry live Reds broadcasts throughout the entire Reds season. Expand Multicultural Marketing Major drivers for the multi-cultural marketing effort include Major League Baseball’s Civil Rights Game (June 19-21), Macy’s Music Festival (July 31, August 1) and the Midwest Black Family Reunion (August 14-17). The Gillette Civil Rights Game will make its multi-year debut in Cincinnati as a MLB Premier Event with a contest between the Reds and White Sox to celebrate baseball’s role in the Civil Rights movement and will draw sports and entertainment celebrities to the celebration at Great American Ball Park, the Freedom Center and other regional venues. The Macy’s Music Festival returns to Paul Brown Stadium with Anita Baker, John Legend and Frankie Beverly & The Maze and the Midwest Black Family Reunion maintains its traditional celebration at Sawyer Point. Visitors want value and memorable experiences According to an independently conducted March ‘09 trend survey of loyal Cincinnati visitors representing four regional states, seven in 10 visitors are likely to visit the Cincinnati USA region in 2009. Although these visitors are concerned about the economy, family getaways are not in the top 10 list of activities they are willing to give up. Respondents cited authentic, fun experiences, value for the dollar and the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends as the most important attributes they will seek in a 2009 vacation or getaway