Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/944430
B M & T ••• January/February 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 12 KARIN AARON, PRESIDENT/CEO, GREATER NEWARK CVB China, the UK and the Canada drive the majority of our interna- tional business. The GNCVB is for- tunate to have an international air- port where travel remained steady over the last 12 months. We do monitor travel trends with the air- ports' authority and is prepared to adjust our marketing efforts when necessary. We have established relationships with our international air carriers on joint travel agent/FAM trips and part- nerships with our shopping and cul- tural attractions. This gives us direct access to the buyer for cross promo- tion and future promotions to drive visitation. Newark is on the rise with record growth in visitor traffic over the last few years. We are an affordable, accessible alternative when visiting the NYC area so you will save a lot money while visiting the two desti- nations. In addition, Newark has a stunning history of arts and cultural attractions that new visitors to Newark can experience. We know that hotels in Newark are up to 40% cheaper than midtown Manhattan, which ultimately is a huge savings to the meeting planner or booking agent. Newark is a strong, urban city with a rich history of ethnic and cul- tural attractions. We work with our universities and faith based organi- zations to showcase African- American history and experiences. We are also working with local histo- rians to craft new walking tours and documented accounts of what the city was like generations ago. LARRY ALEXANDER, PRESIDENT/CEO, DETROIT METRO CVB While recent restrictions have negatively impacted many destina- tions around the United States, Michigan and Detroit saw minimal negative impact. Our area is on the rise and coming off a banner year in 2015 (current numbers are not avail- able) so a small decrease in interna- tional travel is still a win in our book. The accolades and attention that Detroit is getting around the world has generated a lot of recent interest in the destination. Our strategy will be to stay the course in our interna- tional efforts and we have no plans cut back on our involvement in Brand USA and international sales and marketing efforts. The Detroit Metro CVB will be attending international tradeshows and embarking on sales/training mis- sions to some of the largest tour operators in the world. Our goal is to educate the trade on what Detroit has to offer and answer any ques- tions they have about the destina- tion. As a result, we hope the trend of seeing an increase in the amount of product that is being created for metro Detroit continues. The Detroit CVB is also actively partici- pating in Brand USA marketing efforts that provide us an outlet to distribute our message on a global platform. The city is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, like never before, with new restaurants, retail, entertainment options and hotels on the horizon. Detroit is an affordable, accessible destination and the new Q Line makes it even easier to get around downtown. When you add these to our state-of- BENNISH BROWN, PRESIDENT/CEO, TRAVEL TACOMA + PIERCE COUNTY While Washington D.C. has been debating international travel, Washington State has embraced inclusion, and the welcome mat is still rolled out in Pierce County. Our international visitors have historical- ly gravitated to Tacoma and Mount Rainier, and we haven't seen that impacted in a negative way in recent years. The Pacific Northwest has a well-deserved reputation as a very accepting and welcoming place, and Pierce County is a true Northwest destination. Travel Tacoma + Pierce County recently partnered with Brand USA on a series of in-language videos that encouraged travelers from China, South Korea, Germany and the U.K. to visit Mount Rainier National Park. By reaching out in their native languages, we've been able to reach the-art convention center, unique meeting venues and world-class attractions, Detroit offers meeting, incentive and leisure travelers a well-rounded, exciting experience that you can't find anywhere else. We have a knowledgeable sales staff including a senior national sales manager that is dedicated to target- ing diverse and multicultural groups. In 2018 we plan to implement sever- al new strategies, including creating a local president's forum, expanding our current relationship with key diversity and inclusion officers, attending and sponsoring more con- ferences and events, and enhancing our current exclusive Diversity Education Leadership (DELP) pro- gram with ASAE