Tourism off to solid start in 2023

While concerns over the economy linger, visitation to Adams County has been strong so far this year, according to lodging data provided by Smith Travel Research (STR). This gives the team at Destination Gettysburg assurance that travelers will continue to look for more affordable, close-by destinations in 2023.

January's STR report shows an increase in all key categories as compared to 2022 levels. Data from 17 participating hotels shows that occupancy increased 22.6 percent, from 31.3 percent to 38.4 percent; the average daily rate (ADR) increased 3.7 percent, to $86.72; and RevPAR (revenue per available room) increased 27.2 percent.

A report released earlier this week by the Adams County Treasurer's Office showed that January's overall lodging revenue increased 21.5 percent over 2022 to $2.815 million. This includes money spent at hotels, motels, short-term rentals, bed and breakfasts and campground cabins and cottages.

While February's official numbers have not been released yet, weekly data shows that the momentum built in 2021 and 2022 is continuing into 2023 - likely boosted by unseasonably warmer weather, the filming of "A Gettysburg Christmas," the Ken Burns film festival and President's Day Weekend, among other events.

Destination Gettysburg's marketing team will continue to target travelers within a 300-mile radius, promoting Adams County as a great road trip getaway.

Spring campaign kicks off today

It's March 1, which means Destination Gettysburg has turned off its Winter marketing campaign, and refocused its attention, messaging and advertising to the Spring season.

Over the next three months, through Memorial Day Weekend, marketing will emphasize outdoor recreation, spring getaways and the variety of events throughout March, April and May - including the grand opening of Adams County Historical Society's "Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum" on April 15-16.

Even after an unseasonably warm winter, travelers will be eager to get out and explore this Spring, and Destination Gettysburg - through its "Gett Inspired" campaign, will target potential visitors in key markets such as Washington, DC; Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania.

Keynote speaker announced

for March 21 Annual Meeting

Destination Gettysburg will host its Annual Meeting of partners, community leaders and elected officials on Tuesday, March 21, at Adams County Historical Society's new "Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum."

This is a great opportunity for the tourism community to come together not only for networking and highlights of what's happening in the industry, but to get a sneak peek at the destination's newest attraction.

The evening will begin with museum tours and a cocktail reception at 4:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 5:45 p.m., and program to immediately follow.

Keynote speaker for the event will be Stacy Taniguchi, co-founder and managing partner of Beta Experiences, a consulting firm that specializes in inspiring travel through transformative and unique experiences. Stacy is also a retired professor from BYU's Marriott School of Business.

The theme of the Annual Meeting is "Mapping Out the Future of Tourism in Adams County," and presentations will highlight ways in which Destination Gettysburg is building the future for the travel industry over the next several years.

For partners, elected officials and government employees, the cost for the event is $50, which includes dinner, an open bar, museum tours and presentation. The cost for non-partners is $70. Click the button below to register. The deadline to sign up is March 13.

Sign up for New Partner Benefit Cards

A new Partner Benefit Card is in the works for the 2023-2024 season, and Destination Gettysburg is requesting that partners renew, update or create new offers for the coming year.

This valuable resource is a no-cost benefit exclusive to partner businesses to share with their staffs. Participating businesses who present an offer benefit by incentivizing other front-line hospitality employees to visit their business for a first-hand experience, which can result in more referrals.

The current Partner Benefit Card expires March 31, 2023, and the new offer will run through March 31, 2024.

To register an offer, or to request cards for your staff, click the button on the right below. Current offers can be found at the link on the left. Questions should be directed to Tammy Myers, Director of Partnership, at tammy@destinationgettysburg.com.

Group Sales Meeting set for March 23

Destination Gettysburg will host its next Group Sales Meeting on Thursday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at the World War II American Experience museum in Gettysburg.

This meeting is a great opportunity for partners to learn more about the group travel market, how Destination Gettysburg's sales team is representing Adams County at upcoming shows, and how businesses can get involved in this important segment of the travel industry.

Please register before March 20 by emailing Aleigha Fuhrman, Sales Manager, at aleigha@destinationgettysburg.com.

PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE

Save 50 percent with co-op ad buy

Destination Gettysburg is purchasing a full-page placement in two issues of Philadelphia Magazine. A 1/6-page ad would normally cost $2,000 in the publication directly. Partners can take advantage of the co-op price and save $1,000.

Reservations are being accepted on a first come, first serve basis for the June and December issues. Learn more by clicking the button below.

Discounted, high-quality video production now offered to partners

Thanks to a new collaboration between Destination Gettysburg and Community Media of South Central PA, partners can now schedule high-quality video production, starting at $350 for a 90-second highlight video to be used on websites, social media and more.

An offer exclusive to partners of Destination Gettysburg, this opportunity gives businesses and organizations options to develop highly discounted videos to promote their business. In addition, Community Media will broadcast videos on cable television and social media.

Community Media is offering two packages - each 90 seconds. A $350 video includes video footage and a voice-over, and a $650 package includes on-air talent in addition to the video footage.

Learn more about the options available to partners, along with the two pricing tiers and sign up information by clicking the button below. Questions about this offer may be directed to Carl Whitehill, Vice President, at cwhitehill@destinationgettysburg.com.

Marketing, Sales and Partnership Report

See how Destination Gettysburg is

working to get its message out to millions of potential travelers from around the world.

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Partner Education:

The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads

It's no secret that these days, the stronger and more focused your paid campaigns are, the more clicks you generate — leading to a greater probability of obtaining new customers. Little wonder then that Google Ads has become increasingly popular among businesses across all industries.

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