Travel and Tourism Brands Sell the Sizzle of Summer

In the immortal words of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, “Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind.” Not if you work on a major tourism account!This is the time you kick it into high gear and convince your fellow travel-loving Americans to see the rest of the country. More specifically, to see your awe-inspiring, breathtaking, amazing (insert other adjectives here according to your content strategy plan) part of the country.So, who won this summer’s travel and tourism showdown? Below are a few highlights from California, New Orleans and Arizona. You be the judge.Full disclosure: I’m biased toward our client, the Arizona Office of Tourism. Not only was the summer campaign creative and inspirational, we also have some pretty solid results to show how #SummerInAZ drove intent to travel.

California Road Trips 2014

“If you ever plan to motor west” as the song says, during the summer, check out the California Road Trips guide by Visit California, because the 2014 edition was rockin’! Each itinerary within the guide included a custom-picked song hosted by Spotify creating a full Cali soundtrack when compiled. Travelers could sway to “Yosemite” while they explore the natural wonder, pump up for a day at the beach to “Miserlou,” or “get their kicks on Route 66.”

Follow Your NOLA

For years, New Orleans has been known as a destination for those who are looking to laissez les bons temps rouler. Last year however, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. launched a brand new marketing campaign to attract more family travel to the historical city. “Follow Your NOLA” highlights the cultural and artistic diversity of New Orleans, directing visitors to a microsite which mapped out hot spots across the city.

#SummerInAZ

Arizona residents typically escape the sweltering heat of the Sonoran summer by traveling to other states. Arizona Office of Tourism’s (AOT) goal was to encourage Phoenix and Los Angeles residents to explore Arizona this summer instead. AOT launched a microsite providing destination ideas and itineraries to suit any adventurer’s preference. With a social media sweepstakes giving away a luxury trip in Arizona, and news articles emphasizing the impact of tourism on the state, who wouldn’t want to spend their #SummerInAZ? It takes a lot of hard work and creativity to inspire summer wonderlust, and these award-winning tourism offices are sure to wow for seasons to come. Until then, take us out DJ Jazzy Jeff…“Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme And put your car on cruise and lay back cause this is summertime.”