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North Dakota Tourism Industry Newsletter - Sept. 21, 2021 |
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On Sept. 20, the White House announced easing entry restrictions on international air travel for vaccinated individuals. International travelers visiting the United States will have to show proof of vaccination prior to boarding a U.S.-bound flight and have proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Masking and contact tracing will also be required, but there will be no quarantine mandate.
However, the Biden administration just extended restrictions at the U.S.-Canada land border crossing for all non-essential travel until to Oct. 21. Canada reopened its land border crossing to vaccinated U.S. travelers on Aug. 9.
Burgum statement on Biden administration delaying U.S.-Canada border reopening until Oct. 21
Get inspired - attend the 2021 Travel Industry Marketing Summit
North Dakota’s tourism and marketing partners are invited to join us and connect with their peers on Oct. 26, at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Hear how the industry has fared through the pandemic, learn more about cooperative advertising programs, social media, metrics, hosting media and influencers, getting support for infrastructure, and more. The summit will end with inspirational seven-minute Pecha Kucha presentations you won't want to miss. For more information and to register contact Kimberly Pritchard.
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There is still time to apply, Tourism Planning Grant applications close Sept. 30
The grant will help fund comprehensive planning to support tourism developers who have a destination project that would have the ability to attract visitors from outside North Dakota and retain them for at least 4-6 hours and preferably an overnight stay-in or near the community. The grant is for planning only.
Eligible projects will allow for implementation within 60 days of receipt of the funds and are intended to complete a project concept rather than for beginning stages. Projects awarded will be announced on Oct. 15, 2021.
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Celebrate and communicate World Tourism Day
This year’s theme is “tourism for inclusive growth.” All destinations are part of the global travel community and while traditionally working in their own bubble, together everyone is stronger to the challenges that face the globe. Before World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, communicate that your destination is aware of the challenges ahead while also celebrating the successes and progress being made.
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Are you curious about the American traveler?
Destination Analysts’ quarterly survey, The State of the American Traveler, was developed specifically for the needs of destination marketing organizations and offers an in depth look at American leisure travelers, their behaviors and perceptions, including leisure travel sentiment, travel expectations, travel planning resources and top U.S. destinations of interest. The report also examines traveler motivations, activities and media use.
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Field trips - still the BEST!
Sara Otte Coleman, Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division Director, attended the Western States Tourism Policy Council meeting in Denali National Park last week. Coleman serves as the secretary treasure of the group, which works to encourage a positive environment for travel and tourism by serving as a forum to identify, research, analyze and advocate the travel and tourism related issues of public policy and opinion in the Western United States. State tourism directors from the 15 western states work collectively with federal agency officials mainly in regard to land management. Coleman lead a discussion on the workforce challenges specific to the tourism and hospitality industry and the need to elevate solutions to assure a post-pandemic recovery.
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Successful road trip with Brand USA to promote North Dakota
Commerce Tourism Global Marketing Manager, Fred Walker and Brand USA, hit the road early September to film segments to be used to promote North Dakota as a scenic road trip destination for travelers.
The road trip started in Fargo, visiting their vibrant downtown, the Drekker Brewing Company (located in a renovated railroad shop built in 1883), and Bonanzaville. Then they were off to Bismarck and Mandan exploring On-A-Slant Village, blockhouses, and Custer House at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, visiting the Heritage Center & State Museum, and the United Tribes International Powwow.
Saturday took them to Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park for some hiking and wildlife photos, including unexpected shots of a herd of buffalo crossing the road just north of Wind Canyon. They enjoyed dinner at Pitchfork Steak Fondue and attended the Medora Musical. Early the next morning they headed toward New Town and the MHA Nation Interpretive Center along the stunning Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway.
Lake Sakakawea State Park was last on their stop. The lake was beautiful, and photos were taken at the east shoreline, fisherman’s point, and the marina. Then one last shot of the Garrison Dam and the shoot was a wrap!
The fun-packed journey will come alive in a two-minute video showcasing the complete road trip to be featured on the Brand USA website, featured by the in-country BrandUSA reps to showcase the USA, as well as a dedicated VisitTheUSA.com “Trips Page”.
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Was that Teddy Roosevelt taking out the trash?
Tourism partnered with the Bismarck Parks & Recreation District to host Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). She was the keynote speaker at the North Dakota Recreation and Parks Conference, and North Dakota Trails Conference Sept. 13-15. Commerce Tourism Outdoor Promotions Manager Mike Jensen and Randy Bina from Bismarck Parks & Recreation gave her a sample of what North Dakota has to offer.
Walking along the Boicourt Overlook Trail in Medora, everyone was drawn to the beautiful changing fall colors. Stratton was delighted to see that the first half of the trail was paved and wheelchair accessible as NRPA is focused on accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. As this was Stratton’s first trip to North Dakota, she was pleasantly amused to see Teddy Roosevelt (Joe Wiegand) taking out the trash. He walked over to introduce himself, spoke for a bit then he grabbed a Teddy bear and gave it to Kristine.
Little tidbit: Sept. 14, 2021, marked 120 years since Theodore Roosevelt became president of the United States.
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ND Social Meet-Up– Join us for our first ND Social Meet-Up Thursday Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. CDT! Any North Dakota destination, attraction, community or business interested in social media marketing is invited to join in this new quarterly event. This upcoming Meet-Up features Joel Walters of the Dickinson Convention & Visitors Bureau who will share tools, tips, and tricks for marketing in-house on a dime. Contact Alicia Jolliffe to register.
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Travel Industry Marketing Summit– Oct. 26 in Bismarck at the Radisson
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