A Duluth Tourism Marketing working group unveiled several recommendations today.
The group assessed the current marketing strategies, pinpointed areas needing enhancement and formulated plans to boost Duluth's profile and economic benefits as a top tourist destination over six months of weekly meetings, according to a press release distributed by the City of Duluth.
The working group advised choosing a firm through a request for proposals process to deliver destination marketing services for two years, supervised by Visit Duluth. The contract will concentrate on vital aspects of sustaining and improving Duluth's attractiveness to tourists.
The two-year contract structure and emphasis will be an intermediary step from the current marketing approach to a new, advised framework derived from a strategic destination marketing plan.
Additionally, the group suggested creating a long-term destination marketing model, steered by the findings of a governance study, to align with the strategic objectives outlined in a Destination Development Plan by the successful RFP applicant. This strategic plan will be crucial in defining the future of tourism in Duluth.
The working group also proposed a decade-long operating agreement between the City of Duluth and the Destination Management Organization to ensure consistency and stability as new measures are implemented.
Tourism Marketing Group members include:
Lydia DeGrood, maurices
Haley Hedstrom, Lake Superior Zoo
Lindsay Kern, Kern & Co.
Mark Mahla, Grandma’s Restaurant
Shari Marshik, Upper Midwest Film Office
Josh Miller, Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Karen Pionk, Sheraton Duluth Hotel
Anna Tanski, independent consultant
Terese Tomanek, Duluth City Council
Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, formerly of Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra
Jason Vincent, Boat Club Restaurant and JayBee Travel
Tom Werner, Duluth International Airport
The current tourism marketing contract was issued for three years and expires on December 31, 2024.
