Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 RONNIE BURT, PRESIDENT/CEO, VISIT KC I nternational tourism remains a key focus area for KC, as Canada and Mexico hold strong as Missouri's main international feeder markets. Anecdotally, our museums and cultural partners have also experienced an uptick in European visitation over the last several years. And while we don't have data that directly linked to the Travel Promotion Act, we have supported the U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA in their efforts. Moving into 2017, we will contin- ue to align with these two organizations as they move our country forward respec- tively in terms of American policy and perceptions. Kansas City's key advantages remain its central location, overall affordability and vibrant cultural scene. But what's more is that over the last decade more than $6.5 billion has been poured into Downtown, redefining the Kansas City convention and visitor experience. Exciting infrastructure improvements include new or renovated hotels, close-in cultural and culinary offerings and the extremely successful KC Streetcar, which recently welcomed its mil- lionth rider. The m o m e n t u m shows no s i g n s exposure to various audiences around the world. As the program moves forward, we anticipate that these marketing opportunities will increase in both scope and audience. Norfolk is a vibrant accessible waterfront destination with a dis- tinct edge to it. Our rich and diverse heritage provides for a unique mix of multicultural history blended with a modern and contem- porary vibe. And there's a lot happening innot only now but com- ing in 2017! We've a brand new art district, the NEON district, restaurants offering local seafood such as the Lynnhaven Oyster and saltwater fish; and an amazing beer scene, a new upscale state of the art hotel, a new entertainment district overlooking the Elizabeth River, and a new outlet shopping center. VisitNorfolk has consistently reached out to an ethnically diverse and inclusive market and in 2016 was honored by a lead- ing PR News and Communication industry organization for excellence in understanding and demonstrating the power of diversity in its communication. We are committed to continuing that effort. of stopping either, with a proposed 800-room Hyatt coming online in 2019. We've always been very aggressive in this market, and we've enjoyed great success as a result. As we elevate our multicultural marketing strategies and enhance our messaging platforms in 2017, I believe we'll only grow stronger in this area. Our new campaign, "How We Do Kansas City," places a greater focus on KC's diverse vibe—from integrating our sales and marketing mes- sages to digital storytelling tactics that showcase the vibrancy of our modern destination. J. JOHN OROS, JR., PRESIDENT/CEO, GREATER BIRMINGHAM CVB S ince 2010, international travel to Birmingham has increased measurably. We have no way of attributing the rise specifically to the Travel Promotion Act, but the increase has been significant enough that we are now more heavily involved in Brand USA. I believe the Travel Pro-motion Act opened the eyes of many in our industry to the potential of international travel. Birmingham now has representa- tives in the United Kingdom and in Germany, promoting travel to Alabama and to our city. A major portion of the promotions are focused on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and Birmingham's two courses along the Trail. Public golf of this caliber has tremendous appeal to our international visitors. Through these partnerships, international tour bookings and international publicity have increased significantly. There's no doubt President Obama's attention to the travel indus try has made an appreciable impact on the number of visitors to Birmingham. The most important factor in enhancing this program is that the new administration not lose sight of the economic impor- tance of international travel to the U.S. Emphasis should continue on the variety of experiences foreign travelers can expect from the visit to a single country. Maintaining strong global offices and expanding their reach is another consideration. One of the city's most appeali ng aspects for convention planners is the Birmingham- Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). The state's largest meeting facility i n c l u d e s g inv nv n Tr of of tiv iv i Ge an pro Tr Bir Tr tremendous ap ap a peal al a to our i ye ye y di di d r Ac Ac A As As A eff ff f ue th th t e tiv iv i pe its an mo than $6.5 billion has been po