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U.S. to open borders to vaccinated visitors in early November
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the administration will lift pandemic-era travel restrictions on November 8 and "will begin allowing travelers from Canada and Mexico who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for tourism, via land and ferry border crossings."
Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement saying, “While this shift in policy unfortunately includes more needless delays, it is a positive and long overdue step toward ending the unnecessary restrictions that have caused real pain to our communities and citizens on both sides of the border as well as our retail and tourism businesses that rely on Canadian travelers.” More from Gov. Burgum on the border opening is available here.
 In preparation for the U.S. border re-opening to recreational travel, North Dakota Tourism is intensifying advertising and marketing efforts. Throughout 2021, North Dakota advertising has been placed in CAA publications and across digital marketing platforms including banner ads, Google keyword and pay-per-click. As a result, NDtourism.com website traffic from Canada has increased 22% year-over-year; including a 24% spike on Oct. 13 when re-opening news was announced.
Additional digital advertising started on Oct. 4, and new billboard, bus, social media and newspaper advertising will begin running November 1. To date, North Dakota has lost more than 672,000 trips from Canada, which amounts to an approximate lost visitor spending of $197 million.
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International Roundup takes place in Fargo, May 14-17, 2022
The International Roudup (IRU) tradeshow event is presented by the state tourism offices of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. This event is not your typical tradeshow, at IRU buyers and sellers are able to conduct business that would otherwise be generated only through an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips.
There is limited space so register today! Early registration rates are available through Oct. 25.
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Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Tourism Director selected for AIANTA Board Slate
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) board nominating committee has selected MHA Tourism Executive Director Darian Morsette for the Board Slate for this year’s elections in the Rocky Mountain region. AIANTA has served as the national voice for American Indian nations engaged in cultural tourism.
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5 types of visitors Destination Marketing Organizations should target this fall
DCI can help guide your messaging by understanding the array of travelers that may come your way. While some people may not be ready to travel yet, destinations can focus attention on those who are. Understanding these five different profiles is an excellent first step towards more effective communication.
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$1 million awarded to five projects supporting tourism
Commerce announced the recipients for the 2021 Tourism Planning Grant.
“North Dakota has ample opportunities to expand tourism experiences that enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors,” Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman said. “We expect the plans developed, will provide insight for future attractions that will be a driving force in boosting our economy by creating more entertainment and recreation attractions.”
A total of $1 million was awarded to the following projects.
- The Bison World project, located in Jamestown was awarded $400,000 for a comprehensive plan to support design and planning that will allow for construction to begin.
- The Missouri Riverfront Revitalization Plan received $250,000 for a comprehensive plan that will engage local stakeholder groups and focus on improving the waterfront between highway 1804, near Misty Waters, to the confluence of Apple Creek near the University of Mary through a complete review of the Missouri Riverfront.
- The Center for Exploration project in Grand Forks was awarded $100,000 for a comprehensive plan for the development of a children’s museum which will provide an interactive learning space that focuses on local industry and STEAM activities for all ages.
- The International Peace Garden was awarded $100,000 for a strategic plan to further define the future development of the garden.
- The Medora comprehensive plan received $150,000 to develop a master plan for potential attraction expansions.
RSVP today for the ND Travel Industry Marketing Summit
The North Dakota Travel Industry Marketing Summit takes place from 10:30am to 5:00pm; on October 26 at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. This event will be hosted in partnership with the Bismarck-Mandan CVB, DMAND and ND Tourism, and promises to be a day filled with connecting with industry partners across the state and hearing pertinent information that will assist in planning your 2022 marketing efforts.
There is no cost to attend the event, but RSVP is strongly encouraged by contacting Kimberly Pritchard via email at kigpritchard@nd.gov or phone (701) 328-5314. Partners arriving early or staying late can take advantage of a special block at the Radisson Hotel. There is currently no plans for a virtual option at this time. Click here to view the agenda.
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2021 Governor's Photo Contest winners announced
Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman, and North Dakota Council on the Arts Executive Director Kim Konikow, presented the winning submissions from the 18th annual North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest on Wednesday, Oct. 6.
Prints of the winning images are currently on display at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum through November 10th. The images will then for the first time ever, take part in a traveling exhibit through the North Dakota Art Gallery Association (NDAGA). Exhibitions will be at the Cando Arts Council Dec. 1, 2021, the James Memorial Arts Center in Williston May 2, 2022, and at The Arts Center in Jamestown June 9, 2022. View the winnings images here.
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2021 Main Street Summit focused on infrastructure to attract and retain workforce and investments
Gov. Doug Burgum delivered opening remarks to kick off the 2021 Main Street ND Summit, emphasizing the importance of building smart, efficient infrastructure that allows communities to attract and retain a 21st century workforce and attract new investment. The one-day interactive summit served as a forum for information on the community planning principles behind the pillars of Burgum’s Main Street Initiative.
Nearly 800 registrants heard from nationally renowned speakers who shared ways to create and pay for smart, efficient infrastructure. Breakout sessions included workforce development, partnership between businesses and community to retain and attract workforce, business and organizational succession planning and community and economic development.
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Travel Industry Marketing Summit – Oct. 26 in Bismarck. Contact Kimberly Pritchard to register.
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