336: Why Destination Marketers Should Think Like Economic Developers with Dane Carlson
Aug 27, 2024
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Dane Carlson, CEO of Site Hunt and host of the Econ Dev Show, discusses the powerful connection between tourism and economic development. He shares his journey from blogging to transforming Mariposa, California, by adding innovative attractions like an escape room. Carlson highlights the significance of collaboration among marketers and economic developers to enhance local experiences. He also explores how tourism revitalizes small towns, showcasing the creativity needed for sustainable economic growth and the use of AI tools like Sitehunt to harness local assets.
Collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers is essential to create engaging visitor experiences that support local economic growth.
Transforming community resources, like visitor centers into attractions, fosters tourism and generates revenue while promoting local pride and engagement.
Deep dives
The Full Experience of Tourism
Tourism extends beyond mere accommodation and transportation; it encompasses the entire experience a destination offers to visitors. This broader perspective emphasizes the importance of economic impact, as the right experiences can generate jobs and support local economies. By creating attractions and activities that resonate with tourists, communities can capitalize on the influx of visitors, ultimately benefiting both the local economy and the residents. Therefore, a focus on enhancing the full visitor experience is critical for sustainable economic development.
Engaging the Local Community
Community involvement is vital for tourism success, as local businesses can significantly contribute to a thriving tourist economy. By identifying the resources and attractions available in a town, economic developers can create strategies that enhance visitor engagement while promoting local offerings. For example, transforming unused visitor center space into an escape room not only provides entertainment but also generates revenue from tourists. Showcasing the unique attributes of a community helps foster pride among residents and encourages them to participate in the tourism experience.
The Synergy Between Economic Development and Tourism
Understanding the interconnectedness of tourism and economic development is crucial for communities aiming to thrive. Both sectors share a common goal: attracting visitors to generate revenue and grow the local economy. Economic developers can benefit from adopting a mindset similar to that of destination marketers, as both groups work together to enhance the community's appeal. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that enrich the overall visitor experience while supporting local economic outcomes.
Building a Community Through Connection
Fostering a sense of community among economic developers and tourism professionals opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships. By building relationships through platforms like podcasts, individuals can share knowledge and learn from each other's experiences, ultimately enhancing their expertise. This interconnectedness allows professionals to support and celebrate each other's successes while creating an environment of collaboration. Developing a strong community network is essential for individuals looking to make a lasting impact in tourism and economic development.
In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. If you are interested in joining the network, please email adam@relicagency.com.
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