Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
10 <br /> Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this board has with other advisory boards and <br /> commissions? <br /> The board has a monthly exchange of information, content, ideas and strategies with <br /> multiple boards and commissions including the Hillsborough and Chapel Hill Chambers <br /> of Commerce; Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership; Carrboro Business Alliance; <br /> Hillsborough Arts Council; Orange County Arts Commission; UNC Media Relations; <br /> UNC Athletics; North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association; North Carolina <br /> Travel and Tourism Coalition; Black Meeting Professionals; Society of American Travel <br /> Writers; Public Relations Society of America; VisitNC tourism. <br /> Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate <br /> to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., <br /> funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please <br /> list). <br /> Using a portion of Orange County's 3% hotel occupancy tax, The Orange County Visitor <br /> Bureau champions the interests of local businesses that drive $550 million in annual <br /> sales through food, apparel, lodging, and other visitor-supported industries. With 468 <br /> leisure and hospitality establishments employing over 7,500 individuals-18% of the <br /> county's workforce—the Visitor Bureau fosters economic growth, job creation, and <br /> community vitality, making Orange County a premier destination for visitors and <br /> residents alike. <br /> What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming <br /> year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? <br /> Greater user of Al <br /> Travel has become one of the most popular use cases for Al that Google, Microsoft, and <br /> OpenAl like to point to in demos, and firms like Tripadvisor, Expedia, and Booking.com <br /> have started to launch AI-powered vacation-planning products too. <br /> The Visitors Bureau must recognize and support travelers use of Al when booking their <br /> trip to Orange County. <br /> Al agents can create itineraries, translate languages, book rooms, and provide <br /> restaurant suggestions. <br /> Our technology must be compatible with Al. <br /> Our public relations efforts repurpose local promotional materials on our website and in <br /> our news releases. <br />