On June 24, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT held a Tourism Luncheon in collaboration with The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce. Guests heard from Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer for CT, Rachel Lenda, Director of Tourism for CT, and Jillian Lozier, Director of Digital Operations from Quinn & Hary.
Here are some key takeaways to help you better promote your business to tourists and engage with statewide marketing efforts.
Create Organic Uplifting Content
Audiences are spending record amounts of time online, leading to faster content consumption. People are craving inspirational, aspirational, and uplifting content. Create authentic experiences that resonate with people, encouraging them to share these experiences with others.
Utilize Video
Online video is currently the most consumed type of content. It comes in many forms and doesn’t have to be highly produced to be effective. From Instagram Stories, TikTok, and YouTube to Facebook video covers and live streams, there are endless opportunities to engage viewers through this immersive medium.
Boost Your Content
For businesses, platforms like Facebook and Instagram are more effective when content is boosted. Boosting propels your content beyond your existing network and, when combined with targeting, can effectively reach new consumers.
Engage with the Connecticut Office of Tourism (COT) and the Eastern Regional Tourism District (ERTD)
Under Connecticut legislation, the state has established three state-funded tourism districts: Western, Central, and Eastern. The Eastern Regional Tourism District serves and promotes the 41 towns in Eastern CT. ERTD offers specific promotional opportunities to businesses in Eastern CT. To contact ERTD, reach out to Andrea Manning at visiteasternct@gmail.com.
Create an Account on CTvisit.com
- List your business
- Add your events to allow the Office of Tourism to promote them on various media platforms.
- By adding your business, you are more likely to be featured in articles and content.
- Contribute article ideas to Rachel.Lenda@ct.gov.
Read a Complete Guide to Utilizing CT Visit
Social Media
Collaborate on content and share event links by tagging the Office of Tourism:
- Tag: @ctvisit, @visiteasternct
- Hashtags: #Ctvisit, #Connecticut, #MakeItHere
Experiential Opportunities
- Welcome Centers have been revamped to promote tourism throughout the state, featuring print and digital options. For showcasing your printed material, contact Alfred Strong, Visitor Services & Drive Market Associate, at Alfred.Strong@ct.gov.
- At The Big E, the Connecticut house has been reimagined for 2024. Participate as an on-site vendor, share print materials, or become part of the experiential hub. To get your promotional materials to The Big E, contact ERTD at visiteasternct@gmail.com.
- Invite COT and ERTD to events for more publicity through their social channels.
Read a Complete Guide to Engaging with the CT Office of Tourism
The overall message of the luncheon was positive, with both Anthony Anthony and Rachel Lenda emphasizing that Connecticut is a drive-to state, not a drive-through state. From hiking and world-class college athletics to having the best pizza in the country, CT has much to offer. For more information on regional tourism, contact Andrea Manning at visiteasternct@gmail.com or reach out to Rachel Lenda at Rachel.Lenda@ct.gov or (860) 771-0271.