|
NORTHWEST FLORIDA–JANUARY 2020–Explore Northwest Florida is receiving recognition for their marketing efforts to bolster tourism in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Outstanding Florida tourism marketing efforts are recognized annually at the Flagler Awards, a statewide program of VISIT FLORIDA. This year’s recognitions included a Bronze Award in Rural Tourism Marketing for the Explore Northwest Florida’s “Choose Your Adventure” campaign.
The Choose Your Adventure effort is a multifaceted marketing campaign, which includes website and video content, print collateral and public relations efforts. The campaign promotes paddling, hiking, diving, beaches, historic attractions, state parks and more, with the aim of touting the region’s assets to a diverse mix of travelers. The effort is the result of market research and promotional rebranding undertaken by the regional coalition of Northwest Florida counties including Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington.
The Flagler Awards honor individuals and organizations for excellence in their promotional campaigns and are described by VISIT FLORIDA, as “a tribute to the determined efforts of those who use their skill, resourcefulness, creativity and innovative spirit to market Florida to the world.”
“It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Heather Lopez, president of Explore Northwest Florida, “and it’s gratifying to see our region coming back strong to successfully promote this diverse, resilient region. These efforts,” she added, “continue to support our destinations, our industry and the economy of the entire region.”
VISIT FLORIDA announced the recipients of the 2019 Flagler Awards during the 2019 Florida Tourism Forum at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort. Judges evaluated the creativity, innovation, production quality and effectiveness of each entry. Cumulative scores resulted in awards being presented to the top three entries in each category: Bronze, Silver and, for the highest scoring entry, the Henry Award. In addition to the regional award, these Northwest Florida destinations were recognized for their individual marketing efforts.
Direct Marketing Silver: Destination Panama City for Postcards from Panama City
Internet Advertising Bronze: Visit South Walton for South Walton’s Stages of Travel Campaign
Internet Advertising Silver: Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office for Navarre Beach Content Videos
Niche Marketing Bronze: Visit South Walton for South Walton Meetings Discovery Box
Out-of-Home Bronze: Visit South Walton for South Walton’s Dallas and Charlotte Airport Advertising
Resource/Promotional Material: Consumer Silver Award: Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau for Visitor Guide
Resource/Promotional Material: Consumer Henry: Visit Panama City Beach for Decor by The Shore
Rural County Marketing Henry: Gulf County Tourist Development Council for Hurricane Michael ReBuild, ReVisit, ReDiscover Gulf County Campaign
Social Media Marketing Bronze Award: Visit Panama City Beach for We Are Thankful: Panama City Beach’s Hurricane Michael Recovery Story
Social Media Marketing Silver Award: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa for Hilton Sandestin Beach Personalized Social Media Strategy
Special Event Bronze: Florida Seafood Festival for 55th Annual Event post Hurricane Michael
Special Event Henry: Gulf County Tourist Development Council for Brothers Osborne Port St Joe Album Release Concert
Television Advertising Silver Award: Visit Panama City Beach for Make It Yours!
Television Advertising Henry: Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau for ABC National
“We’re so proud of our regional effort and success, as well as that of our individual destinations and partners,” said Lopez. “This region continues to show its importance and its popularity as a destination. We represent a microcosm of all that this state has to offer, right here in Northwest Florida. More and more visitors are choosing their Florida adventure here. We’re very proud of that.”
Media Contact:
Betty Webb, Project Manager
850-323-0567
www.ExploreNWFlorida.com
www.facebook.com/explore.northwest.florida/
|
