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OHIO TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS |
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Joint Caucus on Ohio Tourism Convenes
By: Melinda Huntley
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The Ohio tourism industry took a big step forward last week. For the first time, a joint caucus met focused on Ohio tourism. Led by Representative Cheryl Grossman and Senator Randy Gardner, the May 7 caucus meeting was attended by a dozen state representatives and senators, as well as legislative staff members, state agency officials, and state association representatives. A joint caucus is a gathering of elected officials from both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate who are supportive and interested in particular issues.
Bringing the elected officials up to speed on the economic importance of tourism ... READ MORE
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Legislative Updates:
OTA is currently tracking the development and implementation of the following legislative items.
Recently proposed legislation would make it easier for farmers to offer agritourism experiences in Ohio. SB 334 was introduced May 7 by Sen. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro and Sen. Bob Peterson, R-Sabina on May 7 and has been referred to the Civil Justice committee.
Current laws provide some parameters on zoning restrictions of agricultural land. The new bill adds agritourism activities to this list, limiting township and county authority to prohibit agritourism enterprises, such as farm markets, u-picks, tours, etc. It also adds agritourism activities to the list of activities that qualify a landowner for property tax valuation benefits... READ MORE
Tip Sharing (HB 534):
HB 534 proposes to prohibit employers from requiring employees to participate in tip sharing. Sponsored by Rep. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, this bill was introduced earlier this week. The Ohio Restaurant Association has already come out against the bill, stating ... READ MORE
Concealed Carry Weapons (SB 338):
Sen. Joe Uecker, R-Loveland, introduced Senate Bill 338, that would change several aspects of the current gun laws in Ohio. One section of that bill introduced changes that could impact the tourism industry in Ohio, particularly those venues who lease government property for operations. The bill originally made changes that would prohibit a person or entity leasing certain government property from posting signs prohibiting the carrying of firearms.
Under current law, cities cannot ban guns except for places identified in law, such as schools, police stations and administrative buildings. But those who lease state, federal or political subdivision land for events or long-term operation (such as an attraction, sports facility or conference center) are not currently restricted from posting signs banning guns. The original bill would have changed that... READ MORE
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Meeting Notes: TourismOhio Advisory Board, May 7
The TourismOhio Advisory Board met May 7. After hearing an update on the statewide economic impact study for tourism in Ohio, the board learned that county reports will be released soon. TourismOhio Chief Mary Cusick then discussed her plan for moving forward in the next year, beginning with a strategic planning session for industry leaders to help define the direction of the TourismOhio Office.
She said the planning will kick-off in June, and her goal is to better understand what the industry feels are the top things TourismOhio should be doing, as well as with identifying measures and building consensus on research. She hopes to complete the plan by early fall so that a ... READ MORE
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OTA NEWS & EVENTS |
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May 29, 2014
Greater Cleveland Aquarium & Cleveland Foundation Center
Register Online
Have you considered seeking grants to fund your big ideas? Millions of dollars are available from local, state, national and international funding sources for economic development programs and projects. Many would-be grant seekers tell us they don't know where to begin or how to access resources to help navigate the process, so they don't even try.
Join OTA on May 29 to take your first step toward moving your dream project forward. Learn where to begin, hear insider tips and receive guidance from David Holmes, Director of the Foundation Center - Cleveland, one of only 5 grant funding resource centers in the country.
June 26, 2014
The Ohio State University, Ohio Union
Register Online
Presenters:
Jane Page-Steiner, Board Source Certified Governance Trainer
Diana Thompson, Executive Director, Miami County Visitors Bureau
Save the date for these future Focus on Tourism workshops:
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
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Cincinnati
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Additional Details To Be Announced
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Wednesday, August 20, 2014
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Columbus
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Additional Details To Be Announced
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ODNR & OTA Announce "Tourism Day at 2014 Ohio State Fair"
July 31, 2014
Free Fair Admission & Parking
Register Online
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Travel Association have partnered to offer Tourism Day at the 2014 Ohio State Fair.
Join other tourism professionals and learn more about the services Ohio Department of Natural Resources performs in your communities, as we celebrate ODNR and Tourism Day at the State Fair on Thursday, July 31. Attendees receive FREE admission and parking at the Ohio State Fair and a guided tour of the ODNR Park.
Scheduled Tour Departure Times:
11am
12:30pm
2pm
3:30pm
Registration is required and space is limited. Please register through the OTA website.
Save The Date: Ohio Conference on Tourism
October 15-17, 2014
Springfield, OH
OTA Seeks Nominations For 2014 Paul Sherlock Award
Deadline for nominations: August 15, 2014
Download the Nomination Packet
The Paul Sherlock Award is the Ohio tourism industry’s highest honor, recognizing one individual each year who exemplifies excellence in travel and tourism. Each year, the recipient’s career achievement and tireless efforts toward our industry are recognized during an award presentation at the Ohio Conference on Tourism.
To make this happen, we need your help to identify qualified and deserving nominees. Please review the nomination packet on the OTA website and submit your Ohio tourism hero for consideration, no later than August 15, 2014
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MARKETING THE OHIO TOURISM EXPERIENCE |
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Social Media: Facebook's Newly Launched Behavioral Ad Targeting Includes Travel Behavior
By: Jeremy Myers
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In a recent article, AdAge reported details of Facebook's new beta advertising tool, Behavorial Ad Target, that displays relevant ads based on a users’ real-time status updates. As part of the beta-test, ads are being tested on 1% of Facebook users – approximately 6 million people. Realizing users are more likely to interact with advertising targeted to their behaviors, the goal of the new program is to display more relevant ads to increase click rates.
Higher click-through rates translate to a higher conversion rate. Facebook's current offering, "Sponsored Stories", are considered by many to perform below industry averages in interaction. As the world's largest social media platform, Facebook is positioned to be the largest online advertising platform.
Before we discuss what Facebook’s real-time ad targeting could mean to the tourism industry, let's discuss why behavioral ad targeting is important... READ MORE
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OTA PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES |
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Wild Ohio Magazine Call For Stories. Where to go Wild In Ohio
Circulation: 12,000+
Cost: Free
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources publication, Wild Ohio, is looking for stories about Ohio destinations. CVBs are encouraged to submit stories related to fish and wildlife recreation opportunities in your region.
Featured destinations can focus on widely known or little known travel tips from an insider’s perspective. Remote locations are not necessary – for example, visitors to a downtown area can experience any conservation projects the city is participating in…if they know about it .
For more information, download the "Where to go Wild in Ohio - Writer Guide" from the OTA Website.
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Trending Articles: What OTA Partners Are Reading
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Career & Internship Opportunities
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(To submit stories, offers or articles for inclusion in OTA Partner Connect, email jeremy@ohiotravel.org) |
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