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DEAR VALUED PARTNERS,
One of my favorite times of year is Spring. Why—foals! Foals are baby horses. The grass turns blue-green, the sun shines, and there is a warming breeze in the air in Kentucky. It is also the time of year we share our plans for the next fiscal year. All but one of the southern state tourism offices' budgets run July to June, with one exception that uses the federal fiscal year of October to September.
Working alongside my fellow State Travel Directors has also been a source of pride, particularly as we contribute to the states’ economic recovery and surpass the national average, welcoming international travelers back. Nonetheless, we still have a ways to go and remain steadfast to continue our efforts.
As we move into FY 24-25, our primary objective is to ensure the South becomes a global destination powerhouse. We are devoted to leveraging research, world-class global marketing and stakeholder partnerships to accomplish this goal.
We know the Southern experience is in high demand, and there is an appetite for our unique Southern accommodations, attractions, guide services, authentic experiences, outdoor playgrounds and road trip itineraries.
During Global Week 2024, we will gather 225 strong to collaborate on marketing, advertising and event activations for our top 15 countries, which deliver almost 90% of our international visitor spending. The FY 24-25 Marketing Plan will focus on eight priority imperatives, which will be announced in Charleston. Look for this plan in next month’s newsletter if you are not able to attend.
We are confident that global travel will continue to fuel a robust national and regional economy, create jobs and connect small businesses, bolstering tax revenues for local and state municipalities. We invite everyone to join us as we welcome the world to our region, where everyone is welcome.
Mike Mangeot, Commissioner of Kentucky Tourism, and 2023-24 Chairman of the Travel South USA Board of Directors
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| MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Nothing sells the South quite like our music and food. This year’s All Y’all Are Welcome Concert presented by Travel South USA at IPW is sure to be a hit with Southern cuisine provided by Fixins Soul Kitchen. Our featured entertainment sponsored by Rhythms of The South is Louis York & Friends, famous for writing and producing hits for Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson and many more.
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IPW CONCERT TICKETS
May 6, 2024
You won’t want to miss the dynamic Louis York & Friends at The Novo located in LA Live. International Tour Operators, Journalists and USA based Inbound Operators - reach out to TSUSA directly. Tickets are $250 when purchased in advance, $300 at the door for suppliers . If you haven’t received an email to confirm your ticket, contact the TSUSA office. |
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| SOUTHERN SUCCESSES |
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Honoring the Civil Rights Movement
How the US Civil Rights Trail is Affecting Change
Mark Ezell believes the stories of the Civil Rights Movement can change the world. As commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development and chair of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance, Ezell has seen first hand how interactive encounters with the Civil Rights legacy can make lasting impacts on travelers.
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| IN THE NEWS |
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The Italian market showed amazing growth from 2022 to 2023 and forecasts that 2024 will continue on that trajectory. Furthermore, Italian author Lucio Rossi visited Alabama,Mississippi and Louisiana gushing over the hospitality and the beauty of the area all depicted through outstanding photography. In the land down under, Vacaay’s website is selling the South featuring thousands of Points of Interests, with 45 of the top performing POI from participating states being highlighted.
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ITALY: 2023 GROWTH AND BEYOND
Quality Group sees considerable growth in 2023. +84% compared to 2022 in turnover and a 70% increase in passengers. Advance bookings represented 70% of the total turnover. These numbers support a bright 2024-25 ahead. |
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ALABAMA SHINES
Lucio Rossi's article in Latitudes features Sweet Home Alabama for its kindness, cuisine, outdoor beauty and recreation, waterways & vibrant history. |
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BEST OF THE SOUTH
Vacaay is featuring Best of the South with 45 points of interests representing the top 5 performing points of interests for all nine states on their website. Check it out!
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| BY THE NUMBERS |
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| TSUSA’s Amsterdam/Nordic mission proved to be a resounding success including meetings with 75 trade and media partners in Amsterdam as well as 60 travel agents, tour operators and media during Discover America days. The South was also able to captivate over 5,000 consumers in Sweden and Denmark combined.
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3
Countries |
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130
Trade/Media |
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5,000
Consumer |
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© 2024 Travel South USA. All Rights Reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have done business with Travel South USA or have expressed interest in Travel South USA via our website or at a recent industry event.
404.231.1790 | info@travelsouth.com
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