Strategies for 2021:

• Target drivable regional markets (1-5-hour drive time) including Indianapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Grand Rapids and other markers based on testing
• Amplify the message that Detroit is a sophisticated, authentic and safe city that is a perfect weekend getaway destination
• Focus messaging on audiences most likely to visit Detroit (despite COVID-19) – Trendy Travelers and Friends and Family

 

 

ADVERTISING

• Heavy lower-funnel digital ads focused tightly on key audiences and markets
• Expedia/Hotels.com, extended to 12-month continuous program
• ADARA, enhance from three-month campaign to 2019 to 6-month campaign for 2020
• SOJERN, new vendor delivering traveler path-to-purchase digital marketing campaign targeting travelers through prospect, smart and contextual targeting
• Digital DTOX/DStress program (following up on successful 2020 program)
• Paid social utilizing platforms such as: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter targeting personas, geography, and timing
• Paid search which is a continuation of 2020 program in alignment with SEO efforts
• LGBT marketing maintain and update presence on website and in relevant collateral. Pitch stories/itineraries to LGBT publications
• Partnership with Nomadness Travel Tribe and Evita Robinson for targeted marketing to communities of color

Print Advertising

• Maintain Detroit brand awareness in Chicago magazine (print and digital executions)

Special Initiatives

• Launch Great Lakes Passport, a collaboration with other Midwest CVB’s to offer discounts for key attractions to travelers in the form of a passport to encourage visitors from outside the area to consider regional road trips
• Create Hometown Tourist Program to encourage the return of locals and regional travelers to the Metro Detroit region by offering discounts and deals to key attractions during a one-day trade show event

 

INTEGRATED

Focus on Easy to Plan Experiences

• “Ready to Go” itineraries (leverage events, evergreen destinations, and suburbs).
• Virtual destination reviews
• Shift content mix to 50 percent photo and video and 50 percent short-form text.
• Publish an exclusive photo essay each quarter

Partner Support

• Allocate 20% of social posts to promoting partner activities with a focus on suburb properties (Facebook)

Social Platforms

• Heavy promotion of “Ready to Go” itineraries (Facebook)
• Share The Love-Ongoing photo contest featuring visitor photos (Instagram).
• Expand Tik-Tok audience by partnering with local influencers

 

 

 

PRINT AND DIGITAL PUBLISHING

Website

• Use integrated marketing content to complement existing website content
• Continue to streamline and reorganize content to make it easier for visitors to plan their next trip

Magazine

• Convert magazine to “Detroit Vacation Planning Guide” that will feature members and offer an easy to navigate member listing directory integrated with themed itineraries and event
• Utilize traveler data and other analytics to guide content development for additional content on visitdetroit.com and Detroit Vacation Planning guide