"Explore Altoona" Tourism Promotion
By: Kevin Flanigan
Updated: October 5, 2012
LAKEMONT, BLAIR COUNTY - The organization responsible for supporting the tourism industry in Blair County is changing its name. After an extensive study, the determination was made that the former name, "Allegheny Mountains, Convention and Visitor's Bureau" did not deliver a clear message to the public in the area of tourism promotion. That why the Blair County organization is adopting a new name.
During the annual awards ceremony held at the Lakemont Casino, the people in charge of the Blair County based tourism promotion agency announced they are taking on a new identity in an effort to better market area attractions.
AMCVB Executive Director Mark Ickes says the organization's new name "Explore Altoona" is very clear and direct. He says it tells the perspective visitor audience where we are and what we want them to do.
Changing the name of the tourism promotion group follows a developing state trend in which specific location names are used to draw visitor to a region. The success of local tourism promotion efforts depends on getting the word out about local attractions.
As far as marketing local attractions to visitors from outside the region, the former convention and visitor's bureau leaders are convinced "Explore Altoona" is a step in the right direction. The people behind "Explore Altoona" say this tourism promotion effort is designed to be a regional marketing tool that can boost the area and provide a significant return on any marketing dollars spent on the campaign.
During the annual awards ceremony held at the Lakemont Casino, the people in charge of the Blair County based tourism promotion agency announced they are taking on a new identity in an effort to better market area attractions.
AMCVB Executive Director Mark Ickes says the organization's new name "Explore Altoona" is very clear and direct. He says it tells the perspective visitor audience where we are and what we want them to do.
Changing the name of the tourism promotion group follows a developing state trend in which specific location names are used to draw visitor to a region. The success of local tourism promotion efforts depends on getting the word out about local attractions.
As far as marketing local attractions to visitors from outside the region, the former convention and visitor's bureau leaders are convinced "Explore Altoona" is a step in the right direction. The people behind "Explore Altoona" say this tourism promotion effort is designed to be a regional marketing tool that can boost the area and provide a significant return on any marketing dollars spent on the campaign.
