connecting with tour operators and travel writers
The Go West Summit is always one of my favorite tradeshows to attend. This tradeshow targets international tour operators interested in developing and/or expanding travel products in the Western United States, so I get to promote Pierce County to people from all over the world. It's exciting to see the interest and enthusiasm on their faces when they hear about what our destination has to offer. I can see the wheels turn as they start thinking about how they can incorporate our destination in their travel packages.
This year I met with more than 30 tour operators and travel writers in one-on-one ?speed dating? meetings and at networking events. Since the tradeshow, our team has followed up with our new contacts and it is proving successful. We're currently in the process of coordinating at least three familiarization tours and working with our new connections to develop product for 2012 and beyond.
