Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
4 <br /> What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? <br /> 2019 Orange County tourism impact numbers were higher than ever(visitation <br /> up 5% and visitor spending up 6% over 2018 figures). However, we know that <br /> figures from 2020, when tallied, will tell a vastly different story of our area tourism <br /> economy, resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic. Many local businesses, <br /> both in hospitality and in its supply chain, are hurting; their employees, and the <br /> great number of unemployed locally, are struggling to make ends meet. The VB <br /> and hospitality community must work tirelessly toward a post-COVID recovery so <br /> that we can again see tourism support 2,000+ Orange County workers who <br /> directly interact with visitors as well as support their own families. <br /> Visitors Bureau staff have worked to help Orange County's hospitality industry <br /> survive by producing tourism recovery programs on every platform possible, from <br /> videos, radio and television promotions to spotlight businesses, social media, <br /> data base analysis and communications with former, current and potential <br /> clients.. <br /> List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored <br /> Annually. <br /> TASKS ALTERED DUE TO COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. <br /> • COVID-19 response and recovery efforts shifted our role as consultants for <br /> meeting planners, hotels and event venues to be a primary resource for the <br /> most updated towns, county and state guidelines pertaining to gatherings and <br /> safety. <br /> • The Visitors Bureau sales director refocused to assist with cancelling and <br /> postponing meetings and events, while proactively pursuing new business <br /> acquisition. <br /> • Additionally, the sales director concentrated on strengthening relationships <br /> with planners. <br /> • Strategies were adjusted to be sensitive to the current environment. <br /> • The Orange County Visitors Bureau Communications staff continued to focus <br /> on its content marketing strategy, including its emphasis on `live like a local," <br /> new content about restaurants, leaders and creative community. <br /> During the COVID-19 crisis, our staff has focused on: <br />