Manic Monday - April 18, 2016

CONTENT - Is it a new thing or one that has really just come of age for the Tourism industry?

In January 1996, Bill Gates wrote an essay entitled “Content is King” published on the Microsoft website. He began by saying:

“Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the Internet, just as it was in broadcasting.” He goes on in his essay to say “One of the exciting things about the Internet is that anyone with a PC and a modem can publish whatever content they can create.”

Today, 20 years later, we know how accurate his words truly were with the Internet being driven by social networks comprised of user generated content and search engines like Google providing platforms where audiences, ever hungry for more and more content, can easily explore and discover.

But what makes for good, even great content? What raises the bar and actually drives audiences to want to become engaged? Can interesting, authentic content be created by industry or does it all have to come from our guests experiences?

You will be hearing a lot from TOTA in the weeks and months to come on how our industry can take an active role in producing and promoting interesting and unique tourism content that can build audiences and elevate our regional story.

This spring and summer our team will be visiting the communities around the region working with stakeholders to uncover stories of the history and culture that has shaped the area. We will also be looking to find those unique characters and individuals working in the tourism industry that truly bring it to life through their passion for delivering guest service and enhancing enjoyment for our visitors.

Do you have that perfect piece of content or character...let us know at info@totabc.com.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO