Tourism Advisory Board Meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011 (9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

Large Conference Room

Dover, Delaware

MINUTES

Attendance:

George FiorileLinda Parkowski (DTO)

Heath GehrkeKate Kreppein (DTO)

Ann Watkins Scott Thomas (Southern Delaware CVB)

Megan McGlinchey

Danielle Rice

Xavier Teixido

Kay Wheatley

The meeting of the Tourism Advisory Board was called to order by Chairman George Fiorile at 9:30 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the meeting March 3, 2011 were reviewed and approved by Megan McGlinchey, seconded by Ann Watkins, motion carried.

Delaware Tourism Office Quarterly Report

DTO Director Linda Parkowski presented the Delaware Tourism Office the report for the second quarter of 2011. The following highlights were mentioned:

  • Sales team has reported wins in all segments.Almost 30% increase in what was reported last year at this time.
  • ABA has already paid off as a result of the investments we made in the ABA Trade Show in Philadelphia last January.
  • We are also showing over $600,000.00 in free earned media to date this fiscal year.
  • DTO responded to Hurricane Irene's aftermath by concentrating on getting visitors backby: blogs, videos and press releases, immediately after the storm passes. We learned firsthand on how to handle a state of emergency for Delaware tourists, before and after the storm.
  • DTO conducted a sales mission in the DC area; over 40 appointments were secured to the local businesses. The event culminated with a meet & greet on the Kalmar Nyckel docked in the Potomac. This is the 1st time for Delaware introducing the ship to DC.
  • SAYTA (Student Travel) and VA Motorcoach tradeshows visited by Group Tours. Student Travel especially interesting considering student travel goes for performances and history.

DTO Upcoming Events:

  • October 18, 2011 – Travel Guide Launch, I-95 Visitor Center, Newark
  • December 7, 2011 – Delaware History Trail Launch, Old State House on the Green, Dover
  • Includes 36 sites, participants download a Passport from visitdelaware.com to complete at least 6 sites in each county, as a reward they receive a cocktail book done by Kevin Fleming and written by Pam George of historic sites on the trail.
  • DTO is preparing on attending ABA Tradeshow in January
  • Launching the "Delaware FAM on your own", log into DE website and log your tour for more information and help on your tour from the DTO.

Review of Lodging Tax Report; (by Revenue Report)

New Castle occupancy is up 9% from FY 2011 as a result also showing an increase in PAT over FY 2010

Kent County occupancy down 1% from FY 2011 as a result showing a minor decrease in PAT from FY 2010

Sussex County occupancy down 1% from FY 2011 as a result showing a minor decrease in PAT from FY 2010

However to date, all 3 counties are showing a positive increase for FY 2012.

New Business:

TAB will send a letter to the Governor stating TAB supports the future Sports Complex in Kent County, Arts Program and ask again to remove the CAP from the Tourism budget. The funds we would be receiving without the CAP, could be used by tourism to increase the tourism economic impactback into Delaware.

Public Comment

None

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.