MARKETING
Supplemental Co-Op Advertising Program:
As an extension of the annual co-op program, the Walton County Tourism Department is offering the opportunity to purchase digital paid media programs throughout the year. Partners, both Bed Tax Collectors and Non-Bed Tax Collectors can select one-month flights on Facebook/Instagram, TripAdvisor, or Programmatic Display, and three-month flights on Hulu. Meetings-eligible partners will be able to select one-month flights on Programmatic Display, Dedicated Emails, and LinkedIn.
Campaigns will begin 5 weeks after the purchase date. This offers partners the opportunity to anticipate a need for additional promotion and purchase it, providing more flexibility. As with the annual program, the Walton County Tourism Department covers at least half the cost of each placement.
This program is currently available through the online signup system used for the annual program. Within this system, partners can see all opportunities to purchase as-needed and upload the needed assets with ease. This turn-key solution provides a one-stop-shop for digital media purchases.
Please visit https://coop.visitsouthwalton.com/ to sign up or sign in, explore the opportunities and purchase today!
If you have questions about this program, please contact Director of Marketing Kelli Carter at Kelli@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 267-1216 or Katie Campbell at our agency of record at vswpartners@z-comm.com or (504) 558-7778.
Leisure Shows:
The marketing team continues to make leisure shows a focus in 2022. During March and the first part of April, the marketing team participated in two Travel and Adventure Shows, one in Dallas and the other in New York. While in those markets, the team spoke with potential visitors discussing all the Beyond the Beach activities available in Walton County in addition to the beach.
In Franklin, TN through a partnership with I *HEART* Media, Walton County was the only Destination at the festival and Chef Nikhil Abuvala participated and served Oyster Mushroom Ceviche, much to everyone’s delight. It was one of the most popular tents having a line most of the night. While Chef served food the team encouraged potential visitors to take a photo in the photo booth and discussed all the wonderful activities to be found at the beach and beyond.
Walton County Mural Project:
The Tourist Development Council recently approved the creation of a Walton County Mural Project. This project will showcase Walton County as a destination for the arts through creative placemaking. Public Art drives tourism, stimulates the economy, and injects a sense of place and community. Creating a series of murals and public art will contribute to the beauty and culture of Walton County as well as the economic vibrancy.
These efforts will enrich our aesthetics and environment by introducing cultural tourism through public art that is easily accessible and interactive for locals and visitors to enjoy. Through the development of these displays, we will promote self-guided tours and social media sharing through hashtags, QR codes, or interactive apps. However, the benefits exceed social media presence. This program will instill a sense of civic pride, safety, boost economic growth, inspire investment in the community and so many more benefits.
For more information about the program, contact Kelli Carter, director of marketing, at Kelli@visitsouthwalton.com or call (850) 267-1216.
Book>Direct Accommodations Search Engine:
Visit South Walton has partnered with Book>Direct to provide accommodation partners with the ability to display real-time rates and availability on visitsouthwalton.com. If you would like to add or update a rental property listing, please email Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com.
Year-to-date, the Book>Direct portion of the website has received more than 35,000 visits. With Google ads, VRBO ads, and promotion on social media, more potential visitors are being funneled to book directly with our accommodations partners. Yearly visits to the Book>Direct page on VisitSouthWalton.com have increased by 231%.
To view the Book>Direct user interface and its functionality, please visit the STAY page of our website. If you need more information about Book>Direct or signing up as a South Walton partner, contact Lisa Foster, industry relations specialist, at Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 333-2728.
March Website Stats:
Social in South Walton:
Through our targeted approach, we are able to share the destination’s story and network to specifically targeted markets, while providing informational and inspirational content to motivate future visitation.
Check out some of the March highlights from our channels:
Don’t forget to tag us (#SouthWalton and @SouthWalton) in all social media posts! Not only does this improve engagement, but also allows our social team to stay connected to you and your business's news.
Beach Safety Toolkit and Promotional Items:
The safety of South Walton's beachgoers is a priority. In addition to funding the South Walton Fire District's beach lifeguards, the Walton County Tourism Department shares beach safety information in a variety of ways, including beach flags at our beach access points, printed materials (like our beach guides and maps, specialty travel guides/magazines, coasters at local restaurants and beach flag magnets and window clings), beach condition text messages, radio ads, and in-person interactions with beachgoers through our Beach Ambassador and Volunteer Beach Ambassador programs.
We've also created a Beach Safety Toolkit page on our website, where partners and local businesses can download a variety of useful information related to beach safety, or schedule a delivery or pickup of promo items.
If you'd like any printed materials to share with your guests or customers, please contact Lisa Foster, industry relations specialist, at Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 333-2728. We can make arrangements for you to pick them up at the Visitor Center, which is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
*South Walton Beach Conditions: Message and Data Rates May Apply. Periodic Messaging. For help, text HELP, text STOP to end.
Print Publications:
Visit South Walton is proud to offer a family of publications including VISIT, PERFECT, FOREVER, EXPLORE and SAVOR. CLICK HERE to see online versions of each guide.
We'd love for you to share these free guides with your guests. Please contact Industry Relations Specialist Lisa Foster at Lisa@visitsouthwalton.com or (850) 333-2728 to place an order and make arrangements for either pick up at the Visitor Center or delivery to your office or vacation rental.
CONTACT US |
Visit South Walton 25777 US Hwy 331 S | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 VisitSouthWalton.com | (850) 267-1216 |