POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU
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2013 ANNUAL REPORT
CARBON • MONROE • PIKE • WAYNE COUNTIES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1004 West Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 Phone: 570.421.5791 Fax: 570.476.8959 INTER
STAY IN TOUCH Our family of online and social media properties continues to grow. Stay connected with PoconoTourism here: PoconoMountains.com /PoconoTourism
/PoconoTourism /PoconoTourism
/PoconoTourism /PoconoTourism /PoconoTourism /PoconoMountainsVisitorsBureau
Executive Message ...........................................................................3 Big Stories ....................................................................................4 Big Numbers ..................................................................................5 Who We Are / What We Do / How We Do It .............................................6 Officers, Board of Directors & Past Directors ...........................................7 Winter Campaign ............................................................................8 Summer Campaign .........................................................................10 PoconoMountains.com / Mobile ..........................................................12 Live Cameras ...............................................................................13 Public Relations ............................................................................14 Social Media ................................................................................16 Meetings .....................................................................................18 International / Group Tour / Student Travel ...........................................19 Our Visitors .................................................................................20 Committees / Membership ...............................................................22 Hosted Events ..............................................................................23 Impact of Travel ............................................................................24 Advocacy ....................................................................................25 According to the Press ....................................................................26 Awards .......................................................................................26 Partnerships .................................................................................28
LIFE’S GREATER ... ... IN THE POCONO MOUNTAINS Dear Partners and Friends, Rather than attempt to recount the many successes of this past year, I would prefer to zero in on one specific effort by the PMVB that will hopefully have a positive profound impact on the Bureau, its stakeholders and the industry moving forward. On March 19, representatives of the Pocono Mountains hospitality industry met at the Chateau Resort & Conference Center to participate in a StoryJam. The focus was to entirely explore the next generation of the Pocono Mountains brand. The 30 participants were a diverse group representing PMVB staff and sales and marketing professionals from the four counties as well as two StoryJam facilitators from IDEAS, Bob Allen, Chief Storyteller and Kelly Pound, Vice President of Learning. Through the creative use of storytelling, the team members tapped into their creative talents and eloquently generated powerful stories that described what the Pocono Mountains brand looked like in all of its dynamic dimensions. These stories will serve as the springboard for improving the design and delivery of the next iteration of the Pocono Mountains brand. Over the course of the day, seven different “exercises” where conducted in small groups where we were challenged with a question such as “What’s gone well for the PMVB brand?” Then, as a group, they listed the top three things on a poster and shared with the larger group. By the end of the day, a voluminous amount of data was collected related to what we have accomplished, and what we have yet to do along with a direction and pathway to the future. There were four summary findings as evaluated by the IDEAS team, including: • The brand work begun in 2006 has borne fruit. The positioning is solid, continue to capitalize on “year-round outdoor adventure”. • Without ever compromising your commitment to your core market guest, you have growth opportunities in diversity markets, programs and branded link to destination wellness. • Beneficial to building future for the region around implementation of the following three strategies. o Expansion of the core urban market to the Boston-Washington D.C. corridor o Develop broader brand evangelism o Implement plans for gap visitation (midweek, shoulder season) • The following components constitute a catalog of actionable tactics for the Pocono Mountains brand to perform at the next level. o Leveraging brand content o Commit to destination wellness o Enhance your brand position as “natural outdoor adventure tourism capital” o Manage both the fact and perception of regional inclusivity and diversity o Support the event marketing business, particularly in off-peak times o Commit to brand management o Target big brand alliance/partnership marketing o Build a sustainable financial plan for increased funding and execute it o Develop a deeper and wider hospitality enculturation program o A major branded festival Thanks to Bob Allen and Kelly Pound for their help and assistance in working with us to develop and update our brand platform, and I specifically want to express my appreciation to all the stakeholders and staff who took time out of their schedules to help. We are currently in the process of implementing many of these recommendations. Hopefully you have heard that the PMVB is shifting the promotion of our website URL. Our main website address is remaining 800poconos.com but we are now using PoconoMountains. com in our marketing. Now is the perfect time to confirm our links on your website. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.
Carl G. Wilgus John Kiesendahl President/CEO Chairman of the Board 3
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BIG STORIES The Pocono Mountains is coming off a terrific year. Here are some of the biggest stories created and pitched to media outlets from the past year. Region Offers Wellness
Adventure Sport Races Growing
A wellness getaway awaits in the Pocono Mountains. Along with lavish spas, the region is teeming with natural beauty, exciting adventures, intriguing classes, motivating workouts, farm-to-table dining and tests of strength that will ensure the mind, body and soul experience you’re looking for in a wellness vacation.
Over 40,000 athletes and guests will enjoy pushing their bodies to the limit in Pocono Mountains’ Outdoor Adventure Sports. There will be mud-crawling, fire-leaping, extreme runs, triathlons, marathons and half-marathons. Many of the races and challenges are fundraising initiatives for local and national charities and non-profit organizations.
Challenge Yourself With Our Adventure Bucket List Bucket lists have evolved from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Wall of China to participating in professional sports and free falling through gravity. With 2,400 square miles of rolling mountains and breathtakingly beautiful landscape, the Pocono Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for thrilling escapades and heart racing adventure. It’s the destination of choice for those who want to have a great adventure to share with their friends and family; whether trying ziplining for the first time or experiencing an Olympic Luge, it’s a cross-off the bucket list affordable, adventure.
Reinvented Romance Scene The Pocono Mountains has been rejuvenated, as new, chic and stylish accommodations offering lavish amenities have brought a different perception to the original couples’ destination. Several resorts, boutique hotels and luxurious small inns cater to couples, with on-site spa facilities, activities and dining options, encouraging re-connection with one another. The Pocono Mountains have invested both financially and philosophically into providing exceptional facilities that not only focus on couples’ wellness, but also the charm and ambiance that makes the experience even more intimate, adding to the romance of the trip.
National Geographic Features Pocono Mountains National Geographic’s DestinationMaps series now includes the Pocono Mountains. The new map is ideal for touring this culturally and geographically unique region filled with unparalleled natural beauty and authentic travel experiences, from climbing the boulders at the designated historic natural landmark, Boulder Field, to hiking a unique series of eight waterfalls accessible through a network of trails and bridges around Bushkill Falls, the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”
Endless Winter Recreational Activities The Pocono Mountains has seven major ski resorts with over 1,000 instructors. The student to teacher ratio makes the region a great place to celebrate Learn To Ski Month. Ski areas have family-friendly facilities and trails ranging from beginner to expert, ensuring everyone in the family a chance to learn and build confidence as a skier and snowboarder. Pocono Mountains ski areas have been perfecting snow-making since its beginning 60 years ago, allowing skiers and riders to learn and take pleasure in snowsports even without the cooperation of Mother Nature. Whether the snow is natural or man-made, the conditions are always right for learning.
Golf As spring nears and trees begin to green, so do the more than 30 golf courses in the four-county region. Ranging from preserved Golden Age landscapes to modern layouts and mountainous challenges, there are a variety of options, meeting preferences of all golfers. Courses range from challenging championship courses designed by such notables as Robert Trent Jones, Geoffrey Cornish, A.W. Tillinghast and Jack Nicklaus to friendly nine-hole facilities. With so many golf courses throughout the Pocono Mountains, the PMVB offers the Pocono Mountains GolfA-Round Card, which offers players hundreds of dollars in savings at eight public golf clubs with a combined 171 holes. Cardholders can save nearly $200 off the regular rate by playing each course once, up to $400 playing each twice.
17 Ways To View Fall Foliage Amid radiant colors, fall offerings in the Pocono Mountains are endless. Hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, biking, visiting festivals, pumpkin picking, hayrides, haunted attractions and more, encompass fall in the region. Leaf peepers can visit the Fall Foliage Forecast before planning their scenic drive or stroll down a streetscape.
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BIG NUMBERS No question: Destination marketing is fun work, but it’s also important work. Here’s a quick and easy way to see the impact of what we do by the numbers.
25 MILLION Visitors this past year - that’s 17 million more
than in 2006 before our rebranding of the region took place total 4-county room tax collections 65% Ofis from Monroe County
9 12 Partners invested in the summer co-op campaign
Partners invested in the winter co-op campaign and
raised through the co-ops to expand
$775,095 the PMVB’s marketing efforts $2.9 MILLION In added media value from live cameras
People on @PoconoTourism’s Facebook, Twitter,
80,992 Pinterest and Instagram accounts
New social media fans & followers
28,380 added this past year $2.4 BILLION
In visitor spending
2.3 Average number of nights visitors stay
630 MILLION People reached through press clippings
$7 MILLION Saved through Public Relations efforts versus paid-for advertising
2.1 MILLION
PoconoMountains.com visits
traffic comes from 60% OftheallNewPoconoMountains.com York and Philadelphia DMA’s Average bounce rate on PoconoMountains.com vs.
31% the industry average of 48% 51% Increase in mobile traffic
4,022 Room nights booked through sales efforts 2,400 Square miles marketed each day 471Members that belong to the PMVB 5
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WHO WE ARE / WHAT WE DID / HOW WE DO IT Our Mission It’s our mission to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region and members through the promotion of tourism and the comprehensive marketing of our destination. It’s our charge at the PMVB to build the region’s economy and image through destination marketing that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the four-county area. How we market the region evolves year after year, but one thing is certain: Our marketing efforts enhance the quality of life and sense of hometown pride for residents of the Pocono Mountains.
Our Definition of The Pocono Mountains We mean Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.
Giving The Pocono Mountains A Voice While we use traditional tactics to spread the Pocono Mountain’s message and establish its voice, we’re always looking for new ways to amplify our marketing efforts. Here are some of the ways we’ve evolved to achieve our mission:
Advertising: PoconoTourism continues to find value in traditional media (TV, Digital and Out-of-Home), but we’re consistently looking to make a splash with new ideas to ensure that our messages reach potential travelers when they’re most receptive to them.
Communications: Our communications team drives earned media coverage, starting with the best content (words and pictures) and media team to promote the Pocono Mountains’ image. The Web: Our web properties—PoconoMountains.com, PoconoSki.com and PoconoMeetings.com—remain PoconoTourism’s most important calls to action and the most powerful ways in which we communicate the Pocono Mountains brand.
Regional Partnerships: PoconoTourism’s partnerships make the Pocono Mountains travel industry what it is today. Museums, restaurants, civic organizations, regional marketing groups and so many others embrace our Pocono Mountains brand and use their own resources to enforce and spread the destination’s message. Hotel Marketing: Our hotel scene boasts more options, and we market this increasingly varied inventory through special hotel packages and promotions, created by PMVB and our partners.
Fiscal Year Budget for 2012-13
$5,223,712
Social Media: We delved into social media in 2009 when we launched our Facebook account. Today we manage 7 properties and maintain relationships with nearly 100,000 fans—and counting. Sales Force: Our sales team reaches out to key travel professionals in both domestic and international arenas utilizing trade and consumer shows, as well as tour operator, travel agent and meeting planner relationships to keep visitors coming to the four-county region.
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OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pocono Mountains Tourism is overseen by a 28-member volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the Executive Committee, who also serves as part of the Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of representatives from key sectors of the tourism industry and is balanced geographically throughout our four-county region.
Executive Committee John Kiesendahl, Chairman Woodloch Resort
Additional Members of the Board of Directors
Eric Ehrhardt, Vice Chairman Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort
Lisa DeNaples Mount Airy Casino Resort
Pete Helms Davis R Chant Real Estate, Inc.
Arthur Berry III, Vice Chairman Camelback Mountain Resort
Chuck Dickinson Split Rock Resort & Golf Club
Martin Horowitz Brookview Manor Inn
Genevieve Reese, Vice Chairperson The French Manor Inn and Spa
Bob Dunlap The Crescent Lodge
Nick Igdalsky Pocono Raceway
Bridget Gelderman East Shore Lodging
Paul Schuchman Odd Lot Outlet, Inc.
Barbara Green Blue Mountain Ski Area
Don Snyder Better Homes and Gardens, Wilkins & Assoc. Real Estate
Lisa Green The Inn at Pocono Manor
John Warnagiris Chateau Resort & Conference Center
Barth Rubin, Treasurer Budget Inn and Suites Andy Worthington, Immediate Past Chair Bushkill Group, Inc. Bill Colavito Great Wolf Lodge Peter Doggett Cove Haven PropCo, LLC Tony Farda Hideaway Hills Golf Club Andrew Forte Stroudsmoor Country Inn Jeanne Genzlinger The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park Larry Greene LEG Consultants Edward Mayotte Skytop Lodge Donna Smith Bushkill Falls Doug Smith The Crossings Premium Outlets Jim Tust Shawnee Mountain
PAST CHAIRMEN 1934-1953 1953-1954 1954-1955 1955-1956 1956-1957 1957-1958 1958-1963 1963-1964 1964-1967 1967-1969 1969-1972 1972-1973 1973-1974 1974-1976
Ted Jenkins Jack Shinn Henry Arneberg Harry Ahnert Paul Asure Leroy Guccini William J. Altier Eric Schuchard Harry Kiesendahl Robert Ahnert Charles Poalillo Glenn Kissel Paul Asure Peter Ahnert
1976-1978 1978-1979 1979-1981 1981-1985 1985-1989 1989-1992 1992-1995 1995-1998 1998-2000 2000-2002 2002-2007 2007-2009 2009-2012
Joan Toms Wes Smith Bill Van Gilder Tony Farda Ron Logan Donald H. Pierson Frank Kelley Jeanne Genzlinger W. Jack Kalins Larry Greene Andrew Forte Edward Mayotte Andy Worthington
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WINTER CAMPAIGN: DECEMBER 3, 2012 - FEBRUARY 28, 2013 Media Buy = $600,000 Media Value = $1,402,830 Cooperative Investment = $300,000 Out of Home • Commuter Highway Billboards • NJ Transit • Interior Car Cards • Train Station Platform Posters • NY Penn Digital Wall • NY Train Station Display Digital Network Television • WNBC (NBC4); New York, NY • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • WCAU (NBC10); Philadelphia, PA • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • WPIX; New York, NY • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • In Programming Snipes • WCBS; New York, NY • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • Online Banners Online Banner Ads • NJ.com • Philly.com • WeatherBug.com Cooperative Marketing Partners Blue Mountain Ski Area, Camelback Mountain Resort, Fernwood Resort, Inn at Pocono Manor, The Lodge at Woodloch, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Committee, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort
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SUMMER CAMPAIGN: MAY 13, 2013 - AUGUST 31, 2013 Media Buy = $772,874 Media Value = $1,953,271 Cooperative Investment = $386,437 Out of Home • Commuter Highway Billboards, New York & Philadelphia DMAs • NJ Transit • Interior Car Cards • Train Station Platform Posters • Train Station Display Digital Network • Train Station Digital Wall • Metro Park Station Domination Television • WNBC (NBC4); New York, NY • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • WCAU (NBC10); Philadelphia, PA • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • WPIX; New York, NY • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • In Programming Snipes • WCBS; New York, NY • :15 Commercial Spots • Live Beauty Cameras • Online Banners • Bookend purchases on WABC, WNEP and WPVI for IndayCar 400 at Pocono Raceway Online Banner Ads • NJ.com • TripAdvisor Cooperative Marketing Partners Buck Hill Golf Club, Bushkill Falls, Camelbeach Waterpark/CBK Mountain Adventures, Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, Discover PikePA, Fernwood Resort, Golf Committee, Kittattiny Canoes, Inn at Pocono Manor, Lake Committee, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort 10
Greater Escape Giveaway... Choose Your Own Adventure A custom application located on the PMVB Facebook page, highlighted the four vacation themes featured in the Pocono Mountains 2013 summer commercials. Our fans had the option to enter to win prizes within the four categories. At three designated levels of fan growth, prizes were unlocked within each category and awarded at random to fans who had entered. Fans were encouraged to share the PMVB Facebook page with their friends, to help reach tiers more quickly, as prizes continued to become greater in value at each level. The PMVB page reached the desired goal of 85,000 fans in a little over two months from the launch of the giveaway.
Outdoor Adventure • 75,000 Likes = 10 Fans Win Sleeping Bags • 80,000 Likes = 5 Fans Win Camping Tents • 85,000 Likes = 1 Fan Wins 2-Night Getaway to Mountain Springs Lake Resort with Treetop Adventure Course Passes Romantic Getaway • 75,000 Likes = 10 Fans Win Plush Bathrobes • 80,000 Likes = 5 Fans Win Romantic Dinners for Two • 85,000 Likes = 1 Fan Wins 2-Night Getaway to Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts Rapid Escape • 75,000 Likes = 10 Fans Win Logo’d Beach Bags and Towels • 80,000 Likes = 5 Fans Win Water Recreation Passes & Lunch • 85,000 Likes = 1 Fan Wins 2-Night Getaway to Great Wolf Lodge Family Vacation • 75,000 Likes = 10 Fans Win Bushkill Falls Family Packages • 80,000 Likes = 5 Fans Win Costa’s Family Fun Park Packages & Lunch • 85,000 Likes = 1 Fan Wins 2-Night Getaway to Woodloch Resort Sponsors Bushkill Falls, Camelbeach, CBK Mountain Adventures, Costa’s Family Fun Park, Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Great Wolf Lodge, The Lodge at Woodloch, Mountain Springs Lake Resort, Moya, Pocono Whitewater, The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park and Woodloch Resort Results • 10,924 new fans • 9,383 views; 3,319 entries; 44,172 “People Talking About This” • Total Reach of 5,677,794 • Total Impressions: 13,054,321 • 702 YouTube Views from Application
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POCONOMOUNTAINS.COM Web Enhancements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
GetSmart Content Added Live Cameras Increased Calendar of Events Display Online Event Submission Enculturation Program on Site Tourism Achievement Awards on Site Member Deals Implemented Videos on Homepage Downtown/Destination Strategy: Jim Thorpe, Milford, Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg, Lake Wallenpaupack 10. PoconoMountains.com Strategy
Get Smart Content lets you serve the right message to the right visitor at the right time. Seasonal campaigns were created for but not limited to resorts, ski, deals, activities, vacations, romance, family-friendly and in-market. Ads with appropriate messaging were developed. PoconoMountains.com Strategy expanded branding efforts and shifted the promotion of our website URL. Our main web address remains 800poconos.com (for SEO purposes), but we have begun to use PoconoMountains.com in our marketing.
800POCONOS.MOBI • All traffic garnered an increase from the previous year. o Visits - 205,610, +50.49% o Pageviews - 911,773, +63.40% o Average Visit- 2:54, +20.95% o Bounce Rate - 31.44%, -12.28% • Total visits equaled 136,631, a 100% increase from last year. • Regular text offers were discontinued in March 2013.
Facelift Goals Achieved: 2012-13 overall web visits reached 2,100,000, an increase of 11.1% over 2011-12. Page views saw an increase of 8.5% over the previous year.
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A LIVE LOOK AT THE POCONO MOUNTAINS One of the best ways to market a destination and communicate a brand is by the use of imagery, after all, a destination is a very visual product. So what better way to tell our story of who and what we are, than by offering consumers a “live” look-in to the Pocono Mountains. The “live” cameras that were introduced in 2010’s annual report have grown in numbers and media outlets.
Highlights • 22 “live” cameras highlighting both activity and scenic beauty. • CBS New York, WNEP Scranton and WFMZ Allentown were added as television partners, making six total stations along with NBC 10 in Philadelphia, NBC 4 in New York City and WPIX in New York City. • Added media value = over $2.9 million. • Stream over the Internet and are able to be seen on PoconoMountains.com, WFMZ.com, WPIX.com and member websites along with 800Pocono.mobi. • Camera streams have been viewed 4,037,148 times equaling 19,812,153 minutes or approximately 38 years of viewing time. • Camera locations include Blue Mountain (5), Bushkill Falls, Camelback Mountain Resort (4), Costa’s Family Fun Park, Fernwood Resort, The French Manor Inn and Spa, Jim Thorpe at Flagstaff, Lake Wallenpaupack, The Lodge at Woodloch, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort (2).
Live Camera Total Unique Impressions - Shawnee Inn camera streamed Jan-Mar - Jim Thorpe camera streamed Jan-Jun
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PUBLIC RELATIONS In 2012-13, we interacted with regional, national and international media outlets for information and targeted story ideas. New this year was the ability to better track broadcast highlights of the Pocono Mountains as well as increased efforts in curating content and tailoring and delivering customized pitches for niche publications.
Results • 1,764 placements • Over 630 million impressions worldwide • Advertising dollar equivalency of nearly $7 million
We also facilitated and conducted 16 regional press familiarization tours and in-state media missions to update travel editors and journalists, as well as pitched nearly 150 publications on destination news and developments. We helped promote Jim Thorpe, while in the running for Small Town honors, as well as Hawley, while in the running for the honor to be one of 20 towns out of 100 U.S. and Canadian towns to be repainted in 2013-14 by Benjamin Moore in
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We were committed to redesigning the winter recreation pages on PoconoMountains.com to better communicate the region’s offerings, as well as curating content for various website pages, such as Bucket List and 14 Days of Love. Writing and editing copy for the Bureau’s collaterals is also an important task. Among the publications written were The Annual Report; Fall Foliage Forecasts; and Phone On-Hold Messages. In addition, dozens of radio scripts and other pieces are written and edited each year. Keeping Our Members Informed The newly reconstructured e-newsletter is created and distributed twice monthly to 600 member contacts to inform of public relations, social media and sales efforts as well as announcements and upcoming events. Open rates and click-through have increased as have responses to the newsletter. Average open rate for the last year was 29%. INSIDE
travel
SNEAK PEAKS
Volume 34 Number 1 Spring & Summer 2013 $3.50
The unexpected pleasures of vacationing in the Pocono Mountains in the off-season. nce upon a time, the Pocono Mountains were known primarily as a honeymoon destination — World War II servicemen visited in droves with their brides before leaving for active duty. Today, while still a honeymoon choice for more than 200,000 couples a year, the Poconos have more to offer than just the setting for romance.
Local Game-Changers The Post-Sandy Shore R I
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Radical Repurposing Outsider Art
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Planning a vacation? Get itinerary ideas and virtual tours of popular destinations.
TRAVEL
Sunset at Arrowhead Lake. For $40 or so, canoes, kayaks or rafts may be rented in Marshalls Creek.
NEWSDAY, SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012
V34 N1 SPRING & SUMMER 2013
newsday.com
Special to Newsday
INSIDE SPRING & SUMMER 2013
he introduction of the heart-shaped tub at Caesars Cove Haven in Lakeville in 1963 changed the history of the Poconos forever. The northeastern corner of Pennsylvania was soon redubbed the “honeymoon capital of the country” and newlyweds began arriving en masse. But the Poconos have been a summer destination since the 19th century, and vacationers have long appreciated the unspoiled wilderness of the Delaware Water Gap and the 150 lakes that dot the Poconos’ four counties. You can still bathe in a
heart-shaped tub (or in a Champagne glass tower at Cove Haven, if you prefer), but weekend visitors to the region are as likely to be found hiking and biking the region’s wooded trails or rafting down the Delaware River. GEOGRAPHY The four counties that make up the Poconos sit along Pennsylvania’s border with New York and New Jersey — it’s easy to get there from New York, a two- to three-hour drive, depending on your exact destination, though the region extends over 2,400 square miles (that’s about 1,000 square miles more than Long Island). The northern end is the most rustic; at the heart of the Poconos, between Milford and Stroudsburg, the Delaware River is the principal attraction; at the southern end,
Mountain bikers are drawn to Jim Thorpe’s miles of trails. Left, rafters on the Lehigh River. ON THE COVER: Challenging the rapids with PoconoWhitewater. The Inn at Jim Thorpe is among many buildings that illustrate the town’s 19th century mining days.
ski resorts and former mining towns dot the hills. JIM THORPE One of those mining towns, originally Mauch Chunk, had fallen on hard times in the 1950s when town fathers decided to rename it Jim Thorpe, after the Olympian and football player. (Though he was a native of Oklahoma, his remains are in a memorial in the town center.) It took a while, but the attempt to lure travelers eventually worked and, fittingly, many are athletes drawn to the miles of mountain biking trails. Blue Mountain Sports can fit you out with a bike and point you to the nearest trail, or set you up with a two-day bike/ boat package, with one day riding and one day kayaking (34 Susquehanna St., 570-325-4421, bikejim thorpe.com; bike rentals from $28 a day, kayak rentals from $49 a
800POCONOS.COM PHOTO
Adventurers T say ‘I do’ to the Poconos
BY JOHN NEWTON
AP PHOTO
AP PHOTO
Sunset at Skytop Lodge
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Chabad’s Expansion
day). Jim Thorpe River Adventures’ inflatable kayaks and easy rafting trips are recommended for families with younger kids (1 Adventure Lane, 570-325-2570, jtraft.com, daylong rafting trips from $40.95). While Pocono Whitewater’s moonlight rafting, which includes wine and goes till
midnight, is for those with later bedtimes (1519 State Rte. 903, 800-944-8392, poconowhite water.com, night rafting $89.95). After working up an appetite, Flow at the Carbon County Cultural Project takes advantage of summer’s bounty and serves up locally sourced produce and
800POCONOS.COM PHOTO
By Beth D’Addono
Medical Revolutions
GO!
Biblical Rebels
You’ll need a fishing license in Pennsylvania, and you can get one online. Fishing can be solo or chartered.
fish, accompanied by a carefully curated wine list (268 W. Broadway, 570-325-8200, thecccp.org, entrees $16 to $27). At night, the Inn at Jim Thorpe is the most atmospheric hotel in a historic district crowded with 19th century buildings from the town’s mining days. Note that the inn, like many hotels in the region, has a two-night minimum on summer weekends (24 Broadway, 800-329-2599, innjt.com, doubles from $99 midweek and from $139 weekends).
range charter trips on other lakes and the Delaware (Deer Lane, Beltzville Lake; 570-620-6620, one-day fishing charters start at $59.95). Anyone older than 15 must have a fishing license from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, but you can apply online, and your license will be sent to you within 7 to 10 days (877-707- 4085, fishandboat.com, one-day licenses for non-Pennsylvania residents are $26.70, one-year licenses are $52.70).
GONE FISHING Finding a place to cast a line in the Poconos is not unlike, well, shooting fish in a barrel. There’s an abundance of choices, from streams to stocked lakes, as well as the Delaware River. Pocono Fishing Adventures is based on Beltzville Lake, not far from Jim Thorpe, though they can ar-
DELAWARE WATER GAP Just over an hour from Jim Thorpe is the highlight of the Poconos in summer, the Delaware Water Gap. En route, you may want to make two detours. First, make a quick pit stop at Whitewater Challengers in
See POCONOS on D6
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Over 6,500 Total Print, Broadcast & Internet Placements Geographically Throughout the United States, including Weather Mentions and Live Cameras
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SOCIAL MEDIA Expanding our social media presence, this year’s social highlights included the execution of an internally-hosted Facebook giveaway, as well as an increase of over 28,000 fans. Additional strides were made in other channels including doubling followers on Instagram and a 301% increase of followers on Pinterest. Other highlights included the launch of a new blog site and a weekly Travel Tuesday program.
Pinterest as a PR Tool Pinterest boards were used as an avenue to compliment media pitches, providing a visual element to highlight specific story ideas.
Travel Tuesday Hosted on both Facebook and Twitter beginning in January 2013, this new program featured weekly offers exclusive for fans and followers. Every Tuesday, attraction and lodging members created an offer, adding value for the most loyal fans and followers who “like” the PMVB on Facebook and Twitter.
• The PMVB continued to grow its efforts to reach media. • Better communication with media interested in the region, as well as following along with media while visiting. • 3,282 followers, increase of 33%
PoconoTourism Blog
Launched in May 2013, we developed a WordPress blog to act as a channel to host giveaways promoted through Facebook and Twitter. Initial giveaways hosted included concert tickets and Meet and Greet passes for the Sherman Theater Summer Concert Series, which had a positive response. The blog allowed us to host giveaways for fans and followers without violating Facebook rules.
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14 Days of Love Facebook Giveaway During the first 14 days of February, 14 romance/activity themed giveaways were awarded to our Facebook fans, using a third-party Facebook application creator. The objective was to increase engagement, reward the PMVB’s most loyal fan base and share a message providing a new perception of the modern romance scene. Each day, a Facebook post was created, which included a simple question in relation to Valentine’s Day or romance, as well as an announcement of that day’s giveaway. In addition to the information provided on the official giveaway tab, a webpage was created on PoconoMountains.com, which included specific details on giveaway dates, prizes and contest rules.
Giveaways • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Callie’s Candy Kitchen- Box of Chocolates House of Candles- Centerpiece Cheesecake Factory- Two Mini Heart-Shaped Cheesecakes Kitchen Chemistry- Treat Box Ski Shawnee- Two Lift Tickets Happy Trails Stables- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Inn at Pocono Manor- Overnight stay for Two Cheesecake Factory- Large Cheesecake Sherman Theater $50 Gift Certificate Skytop Lodge Treetop Course Mauch Chunk Opera House $50 Gift Certificate Bushkill Falls Package for Four French Manor Dinner Cove Haven- 2-night stay
Results • 3,620 views; 1,881 total entries • 9,485 total daily people “Talking About This” [Facebook metric] • 1,001 Woobox application shares • Total Reach Throughout Giveaway: 1,834,454 • Total Impressions Throughout Giveaway: 9,432,756
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MEET IN THE POCONO MOUNTAINS The Pocono Mountains continues to forge ahead in an economy that has shown signs of a moderate rebound. Outdoor adventure sports continues to emerge as a bright spot as six new races were added to the calendar. The races totaled 20 scheduled events including Civilian Military Combine, Run for the Red, Black Bear Triathlon, Whitewater Challengers Triathlon, North American Orienteering Championships and Go Diva Dash drawing over 40,000 athletes and 80,000 guests between the months of May and November 2012. Organizations such as The National MS Society, The County Treasurers of PA, Mega International Commercial Bank, PA Amateur Wrestling Federation, PA Sate Little League and the Field Conference of PA Geologists all made their way into the Pocono Region. We confirmed 30 definite future bookings, representing 4,022 room nights, 8,954 delegates and an economic impact of $8,298,659.
•107 RFPs were sent to the Pocono Mountains comprising of 19,358 room nights and 29,904 total delegates for an economic value estimated at $27,749,549.
North American Orienteering Championship
High rollers
& history
Courtesy Poconos Mountain VB
With mountains, lakes and attractions both natural and historic, Pennsylvania has long been a hub for resorts. One of the state’s best-known areas, the Pocono Mountains, continues to see enhancements. Camelback Mountain Resort, home to the popular water park Camelbeach, recently added the 4,000-foot tandem Zip-Flyer, which lets competitors race alongside each other at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The heart-pounding attraction proves Camelback’s dedication to warm-weather options.
“It’s amazing,” said David Jackson, vice president of sales for the Poconos Mountain Visitors Bureau. “They just keep adding and adding.” Visitors will find Segways, disc golf, a treetop adventure course and a 4,500-foot gravity-fed mountain coaster that careens down the slopes sans ski or snow. August saw the reopening of the Bushkill Inn and Conference Center, formerly the Pocmont Resort, after extensive renovations that converted
WHY TAKE A GAMBLE ON YOUR NEXT MEETING?
Courtesy Poconos Mountain VB
Top, teams can race on the new tandem zip line at Camelback Mountain Resort. Above, drinks are served at the AAA Four Diamond Mount Airy Casino and Resort.
MAKE YOUR MEETING A WINNER AT THE VALLEY FORGE CASINO RESORT Whether you’re local to the area or visiting from out of town, the Valley Forge Casino Resort is the perfect destination for meetings and corporate events! We are capable of assisting you in coordinating all the details from finding the perfect meeting room, reserving overnight accommodations, break planning and coordinating audio-visual. Our convenient location gives you easy access to the area’s business centers and popular attractions. We’re just minutes away from Philadelphia International Airport and offer fast access to downtown Philadelphia and all historic attractions, fine dining and museums.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER 42 Small Market Meetings
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610.354.8118 | Fax: 610.768.0183 vfcasino.com
May 2013
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LEISURE TIME OUTDOORS
LIFE’S GREATER IN THE POCONO MOUNTAINS.
Toronto 410 miles 660 km 7 hours Boston 300 miles 483 km 5 hours
New York City 75 miles 121 km 90 mins
life’s greater in the
pocono mountains
Harrisburg Gettysburg 130 miles 165 miles 209 km 266 km 2 hours 3 hours Washington DC 200 miles 322 km 4 hours
Calendar of Events b
Philadelphia 85 miles 137 km 90 mins Baltimore 160 miles 257 km 3 1/2 hours
Pocono Garlic Festival Stroudfest Wayne County Wine & Cheese Festival COTA Jazz and Arts Festival Harvest & Heritage Days Black Bear Film Festival Fall Foliage Festivals Outdoor Adventure Races Great Brews of America Classic Beer Festival Honesdale for the Holidays
Summer
Close to major cities, but far from ordinary. The Pocono Mountains is a short drive from Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Southern New England, and Metro D.C. Six interstate highways, I-80, I-81, I-84, I-78, I-380 and I-476, • the P Pocono Mountains region quick and • Measy to reach. make L
P
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Tour and Travel Services
Refreshing!
• Online RFP submissions S • Web-based trip planning • Customized itineraries O • Coordinated FAM tours A • Digital media and collateral P
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• Site inspections R • Escort notes • Visitor services • Staff support services A • Student-friendly lodging W C
For information and reservations, contact Ann M. Pilcher at direct line 570-421-5791 ext. 3130, • 800-722-9199, S e-mail ann@poconos.org. A • S
A
NASCAR Race Fan Festival Pocono 400 NASCAR Race Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival A Delaware River• Sojourn H Lehigh River Sojourn Roots and RhythmBMusic and Arts Festival Celtic Festival G Milford Music •Festival Wildflower Music Festival H Sidewalk Sales Street Festivals and Indy Car Race Pennsylvania 400 NASCAR Race • A Festival of Wood C and Carbon, Monroe, Pike H Wayne County Fairs Wally Lake Fest
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800poconos.com/GroupTour
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800POCONOS.COM
For a group destination filled with unforgettable fun, come to the Pocono Mountains any time of the year. With 2,400 square miles of breathtaking natural beauty, exciting adventures and unique attractions, there’s something for everyone. Our four
Sample Itineraries Team Building/Outdoor Adventure
❑ Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers ❑ Adventure Center at Skytop ❑ All-Terrain Pinzgauer Tours ❑ Beltzville State Park ❑ Bushkill Falls ❑ CBK Mountain Adventures ❑ Chamberlain Canoes ❑ Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area ❑ Jim Thorpe River Adventures ❑ Landers River Trips ❑ Pocono Whitewater Adventures ❑ Pocono Whitewater Adventures – Biking ❑ Skirmish Paintball ❑ Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours ❑ Whitewater Rafting Adventures
Indoor/Outdoor Water Parks ❑ Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark ❑ Great Wolf Lodge ❑ H20ooohh! Indoor Family Waterpark ❑ Kalahari – Coming 2014
Shopping ❑ Country Junction World’s Largest General Store ❑ Country Kettle ❑ The Crossings Premium Outlets ❑ Downtown Shopping ❑ Pocono Bazaar
Winter Olde Time Christmas Christmas at Grey Towers Hawley Winterfest Holiday Shopping Events Jim Thorpe WinterFest Tobyhanna Ice Harvest Festival Winter Lights Festival Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament Crystal Cabin Fever
For a complete listing of events, visit us online at 800poconos.com.
W Count y A
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Your adventure awaits.
800Poconos.com/GroupTour
Fall
Opening of Whitewater Rafting/Golf Chili Cook-Off Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Jim Thorpe’s Birthday Celebration Annual Farm Animal Frolic Pocono Mountains Run for the Red Marathon
Life’s greater in the Pocono Mountains.
A
Your adventure awaits.
Spring
1004 WEST MAIN STREET
O W C C D STROUDSBURG, PA 18360
D distinct seasons offer activities year-round, so any time is the E perfect time to visit. Day packages and overnight itineraries with a variety of lodging options are available. Contact us and plan your group tour today.
Environmental Education
Performance Venues
❑ Carbon County Environmental Education Center ❑ Lacawac Sanctuary ❑ Monroe County Environmental Education Center at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary ■ 1 ❑ Pennsylvania State Parks ❑ Pocono Environmental Education Center ❑ PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center ❑ Tannersville Cranberry Bog
❑ Mauch Chunk Opera House ❑ Mountain Laurel Pocono Performing Arts Center ❑ Penn’s Peak ❑ Shawnee Playhouse ■ ❑ Sherman Theater
History and Heritage ❑ Dorflinger Glass Museum ❑ Grey Towers National Historic Landmark ❑ Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway ❑ No. 9 Mine & Museum ❑ Old Jail Museum ❑ Pike County Historical Society & Columns Museum – Home of the Lincoln Flag ❑ Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm ❑ Roebling Aqueduct Bridge ❑ Sculpted Ice Works Factory Tour and Natural Ice Harvest Museum ❑ Steamtown National Historic Site ❑ Water Gap Trolley ❑ Zane Grey Museum
Culinary and Food Tasting Tours ❑ Agri Tours ❑ Callie’s Candy Kitchen ❑ Callie’s Pretzel Factory ❑ Chef Alice Cooking ❑ Pocono Cheesecake Factory ❑ The Great Shawna Island Farms
Winter Snowsports ❑ Alpine Mountain ❑ Blue Mountain Ski Area ❑ Camelback Mountain Resort ❑ Dogsledding ❑ Fernwood Winter Fun Center ❑ Jack Frost Big Boulder ❑ Shawnee Mountain ❑ Ski Big Bear ❑ Snowshoeing
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OUR VISITORS We hired Longwoods International to conduct an overview of the Pocono Mountains 2012 domestic tourism business. Each quarter, Longwoods conducted a random cross-section of 500,000 panel members by sending an email invitation to participate in the survey, for a total annual outgo of two million. In 2012, the completion rate for those accessing the Travel USA® questionnaire was 85%.
Meet Our Pocono Mountains Visitor from the 2012 Study • • • • • • • • • •
Total Visitors in 2012 = 25 Million, compared to 22.6 Million in 2010 Size of Overnight Travel Party = 3.2, larger than the US Norm of 2.9 Nearly 70% used a form of social media for travel, on par with US Norm 57% of visitors are female Average Age of Visitor = 45 years old Over 65% are married with partner, compared to 25% that are single/never married About 48% do not have children under 18 Nearly 40% are college graduates 53% are working full-time, opposed to 38% that are either not employed or retired 86% are white/caucasian
HOSPITALITY SERVICES We operate four Visitors Centers at key locations throughout the region and serviced over 133,000 visitors to the region this past fiscal year. The Visitors Centers assist visitors through phone calls, emails and walk-ins.
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COMMITTEES The following committees help to augment our marketing and advertising programs. In addition to the committee marketing programs, we produce an annual Coupon Booklet. A total of 90,000 Coupon Booklets are produced and distributed each year. Committee marketing and advertising programs are as follows:
MEMBERSHIP While the number of members remains relatively unchanged in fiscal year 2012-13, we continually look to enhance the benefits received by members thereby increasing the exposure received. New for the fiscal year was the addition of videos to member listings. Additionally, a member communications section was introduced allowing for members to post their individual needs.
Attactions • Produced a new layout/design • Printed and distributed 300,000 copies
Attractions and Accommodations
Campgrounds • Printed and distributed 60,000 copies • Participated in Camping and RV Show • Radio advertising • Two page co-op ad in the PCOA Camping Directory
Lake Region • Printed and distributed 50,000 copies
#PoconoMtns
Golf • Printed and distributed 30,000 copies • Participated in Golf Shows • Produced and sold a Pocono Mountains Golf A-Round Discount Card. The cards generated over $9,300 in income, which was used to advertise “Golf” through the PMVB’s co-operative advertising program.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF
Golf With Over 600 Holes of Golf LIFE’S GREATER IN THE POCONO MOUNTAINS
Lake Region
Ski
Lake Wallenpaupack
• Printed and distributed 125,000 copies • Advertising panel in the Pocono Mountains Attractions brochure • Produced a Pocono Mountains Ski A-Round Discount Card sold exclusively to the Metropolitan NY Ski Council. The income produced from the sale of these cards totaled $18,650, up 27% from previous fiscal year. Dollars were used to advertise “Skiing” in the PMVB’s co-operative advertising program.
Life’s greater in the pocono mountains
Our staff is continually encouraged to develop their professional skills by attending workshops, webinars, seminars and conferences. In 2012-13, the staff continued their professional growth by attending events such as ambassador trips, PRSA Travel & Tourism Conference, Social Media in Tourism Conference, HSMAI conferences, DMAI conferences, PA Tourism Summitt, PATT roundtables and Adobe workshops just to name a few.
#LakeRegion
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HOSTED EVENTS Pocono Mountains Tourism Day This year’s Pocono Mountains Tourism Day, “The Power of the Brand,” was held May 15 at Bushkill Inn and Conference Center. One hundred-fifty travel industry leaders attended the program and luncheon. The agenda featured Keynote Speaker, Bob Allen of Ideas who shared The Power of the Brand and what destination branding means, along with the evolution of the Pocono Mountains Brand. Our summer commercials launched during luncheon. Sponsors included Masterminds, Mayoseitz Media, Julian James Advertising Design and Bushkill Inn and Conference Center. Other presenters included: • • •
Mark Preston, TripAdvisor, provided members with tips on how to enhance their TripAdvisor listings. Angela Keen, Smith Travel Research, provided a data driven presentation about hotel industry performances at the U.S., Mid-Atlantic and local market levels. David West, PMVB’s VP of Marketing, shared the latest Longwoods Research Report on Visitation.
Pocono Mountains Tourism Achievement Awards The annual Pocono Mountains Tourism Achievement Awards program was held during Tourism Day honoring and recognizing Pocono Mountains hospitality and tourism industry employees, along with member properties, as local tourism heroes for strides in customer service and community involvement. • • • • • • •
Brand Hero: Jennifer Fuller of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort Brand Hero: Eric Lansberry of Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year Award: Joey Ranner of Woodloch Resort Lifetime Achievement: Ruth Jones, Kittatinny Canoes Mattioli Community Service Award: Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort Green Award: Ledges Hotel Brand Champion Award: Split Rock Resort & Golf Club
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IMPACT OF TRAVEL
The U.S. Travel Association recently launched Travel Effect, a campaign dedicated to helping build awareness of the seen and sometimes unseen benefits of travel. The campaign focuses on three primary travel impacts: Effects on the Economy: Travel supports more than 14 million jobs nationwide and generates nearly $2 trillion in economic output. Effects on Business: Studies have shown that travel decreases employee burnout and absenteeism. What’s more, companies that support business travel see better earnings—even in a tough economy. Effects on Individuals: Travel isn’t all about business—it strengthens relationships, relieves stress and promotes happiness and well-being.
To learn more, visit TravelEffect.com
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ADVOCACY This past fiscal year was a very busy time for us in both the defense of our industry and our efforts to promote our cause to key policy makers. Highlights included Governor Tom Corbett’s two-day kayak trip down both the Upper and Middle sections of the Delaware River in early August. We sponsored luncheons during the two days (Inn at Lackawaxen and Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort), affording the Governor the opportunity to address those in attendance and take questions on issues related to tourism.
Post Labor Day School Opening This year the East Stroudsburg School District joined with the Pleasant Valley School District to become the latest adopters of a post Labor Day school start, making for a total of five school districts including Pocono Mountain, Stroudsburg and Wallenpaupack that will have students return to school after the Labor Day holiday. Thanks to the support of our stakeholders who assisted in this effort. We will continue to pursue this important initiative throughout the region.
On-lot Sewage Regulation A special thanks to Eric Ehrhardt for his efforts in leading the charge to get the Department of Environmental Protection to re-evaluate a new set of rules that the agency was about to implement with regards to on-lot sewage regulations. These new rules would have caused unnecessary burdens on property owners. The PMVB helped organize a public meeting held March 22 at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant that drew more the 120 participants including local and state policy makers. The educational forum served as an opportunity to discuss the issues and concerns that these proposed regulations would have in our area. As a result of the meeting and follow up effort, the Department of Environmental Protection has chose not to implement these more restrictive measures.
DCED on the Road The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) brought 30 representatives of the agency to Northeast Pennsylvania for their “DCED on the Road” program in which they traveled the region conducting various site inspections, visitations and attended local events over a three-day period in an effort to garner a better understanding of our regions unique character and develop better lines of communication between all parties. The PMVB played a leadership role in coordinating their visit and served as the lead agency for the planning of the kickoff luncheon held at Skytop Lodge for 250 business people throughout the region. Deputy Secretary of DCED, Carolyn Newhouse; Secretary of DCED, Allen Walker; and the First Lady of Pennsylvania, Susan Corbett, all addressed the audience, sharing both their personal and the administration perspective on the tourism and hospitality industry in Pennsylvania.
PA Sales Tax Could Help Tourism On May 17 Secretary of Revenue, Dan Meuser, was in the Pocono Mountains speaking at a breakfast sponsored by the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce in which he outlined Governor Corbett’s budget plan for the coming fiscal year. As part of the Q&A that followed, Carl Wilgus expressed his appreciation of the Administration’s efforts to hold the line on the budget and not increasing taxes. However, he noted that the Administration may have “thrown out the baby with the bathwater” in the way it has slashed the DCED line item budget for “Marketing to Attached Tourist” and suggested that the state look at the 6% sales tax currently paid by hotel/motels and resorts in Commonwealth which account for nearly $200 million. If the state would dedicate 1% or around $33 million and challenge the industry to match, the state of Pennsylvania could go from the 45th worst funding tourism program in the nation to the second best. In the past four years we have seen the Commonwealth go from the fourth to the seventh most visited state in the nation. This loss of market share means thousands of jobs not created and millions of tax dollar not generated. The PMVB pledges to continue to push this initiative with our policy makers in Harrisburg.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS We would like to thank our County Commissioners for their special assistance, full cooperation and for their overall support of the Pocono Mountains tourism industry. Carbon County Wayne E. Nothstein, Chairman Tom Gerhard William O’ Gurek
Pike County Richard A. Caridi, Chairman Matthew M. Osterberg Karl A. Wagner, Jr.
Monroe County John Mayer, Chairman Charles Garris Suzanne McCool
Wayne County Brian W. Smith, Chairman Jonathan A. Fritz Wendell R. Kay 25
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ACCORDING TO THE PRESS Through high-quality content, direct pitches, media events, an ever-expanding Visiting Journalist Program and strong media relationships, our media relations team places thousands of positive stories each year about Pocono Mountains Tourism in a blend of high-value print, television, websites and blogs. Here’s just a sampling of some of the accolades Pocono Mountains won this year and a look at some of the 1,700 stories our public relations team generated: Accolades •
Jim Thorpe named Top Five Most Beautiful Small Towns by Randy McNally in Best of the Road contest
•
New York Family Magazine named Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark Best for Intergenerational Adventures
•
The Lodge at Woodloch named No. 4 Destination Spa in the World in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
•
New York Family Magazine named Great Wolf Lodge Best for a Rainy Day
• •
Blue Mountain Ski Resort received the National Ski Area Association Award for Marketing and Safety
The Lodge at Woodloch recognized by Celebrated Living’s Reader’s Choice Platinum List as one of the “Top 25 Spas in the US”
• •
Camelback Mountain Resort received the National Ski Area Association Award for Best Use of Video
The Crescent Lodge & Country Inn received TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
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Skytop Lodge One of Five U.S. Lodges to consider by Newsday.
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The Lodge at Woodloch named One of the Top 100 Resort Spas in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler Readers
•
New York Daily News put Pocono Mountains on list of New York area’s Best Day Trips and Overnight Jaunts
Blue Mountain Ski Resort received the National Ski Area Association Award for Best Social Media Campaign
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Mountain Vista Campground earned “A” by National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
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Buck Hill Falls Golf Course Nest Box Project recognized by PA Game Commission
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Otter Lake Camp-Resort named to Good Sam Guide’s 53 Top Campgrounds
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TripAdvisor named Woodloch Pines One of the Best Family Resorts in the World
•
Awards Won •
2012 U.S. Travel National Council of Destination Organizations Destiny Award for Single Targeted Promotion with the Pocono Mountains’ Life’s Greater At The Top Facebook Contest.
Gothamist named Milford, PA one of the 7 Best Weekend Getaways from NYC
•
2012 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Gold Adrian Award for the Live Camera Integration in Media and News.
•
Pocono Mountains made Travel Channel’s list of Surprising Destinations for Families
•
2012 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Silver Adrian Award for the ‘Greater Maker’ Facebook campaign.
•
The Malibu Dude Ranch received Gene Kilgore’s World’s Best Ranches Award for its high quality of service and hospitality
•
2012 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Silver Adrian Award for its ‘Life’s Greater in the Pocono Mountains’ marketing campaign.
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Best Quotes Newsday “The Poconos have been a summer destination since the 19th century, and vacationers have long appreciated the unspoiled wilderness of the Delaware Water Gap and the 150 lakes that dot the Poconos’ four counties.” – July 15, 2012
INSIDE, The Jewish Lifestyle Magazine “Not a single destination, the region is made up of a series of small towns connected by both highways and country roads. If you prefer warmth to chill, tranquility to speed and the great outdoors to concrete-and-steel canyons read on. The Pocono Mountains offers plenty of diversions to keep you entertained, warm and happy.” – Spring & Summer 2013
Carolina Bride “Not Your Grandma’s Honeymoon. There’s a new vibe in the Pocono Mountains, a stunning region in northeastern Pennsylvania which offers a wealth of outdoor activities that any honeymooner on the go can enjoy. Yet today’s Pocono honeymooners can also sample high-end spas and gourmet dining.” –July/September 2012
AM New York “The Poconos area features fishing, hunting, golfing, water sports, hiking, harness racing and automobile racing in addition to the indoor sport of outlet shopping.” – May 27, 2013
CNN Travel “In the Delaware Water Gap I think we have some of the best fall foliage.” – September 22, 2012 South Jersey Magazine “Couples have longed traveled to the Poconos where the natural environment creates a feeling of intimacy – unplugging and connecting with nature and each other. Breathtaking scenery, winding rivers and picturesque hiking trails are just some of the attractions of the Poconos.” – February 2013 Group Travel Leader “The Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania is one the top areas for outdoor recreation in the United States and encompasses Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. Adventurous groups can discover the region’s more than 2,400 square miles of rivers, lakes, mountains, forests and waterfalls.” – February 2013
Greenwich Post “Lastly there’s upstate, where the breathtakingly vast mountainous surroundings provide opportunities for a swim, canoeing adventures or tubing down the Delaware River for priceless family photos. The Pocono Mountains are the perfect destination for the sporting enthusiast; with everything outdoors you can think of all on the activities menu.” – April 18, 2013 American Spa “Although most people head to the Poconos to enjoy a bit of outdoor recreation, those who visit The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort will also discover the perfect pint to top off their adventures thanks to ShawneeCraft Brewing Company. Guests don’t have to be beer enthusiasts though to enjoy the brew, as the five-treatment-room Spa Shawnee & Salon now offers several beer themed services.” – June 2013
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2012-13 CONTRACTED AGENCIES Backbone Security, Inc. Julian James Advertising Design Masterminds MayoSeitz Media Movitas PenTele Data Right Reason Technologies Simpleview, Inc. Travelocity Forrest & Sons 2012-13 PROFESSIONAL & TRADE AFFILIATIONS Alliance of National Heritage Areas American Bus Association American Hotel & Lodging Association American Society of Association Executives Center for Rural PA Destination Marketing Association International Eastern Ski Writers Association Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International Maryland Motorcoach Association Meeting Professionals International Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance National Association of Sports Commission National Tour Association, Inc. National Trust for Historic Preservation The Nature Conservancy New York Society of Association Executives North American Snowsport Journalist Association Ontario Motor Coach Association Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Pennsylvania Bus Association Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Executives Pennsylvania Downtown Center Pennsylvania Environmental Council Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association Pennsylvania Public Relations Council Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourist Association and Heritage Corporation Pennsylvania Rural Development Council Pennsylvania Society of Association Executives Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association Professional Convention Management Association Public Relations Society of America Receptive Services Assocation, Inc. Religious Conference Management Association Society for Human Resource Management
Student & Youth Travel Association U.S. Travel Association Virginia Motorcoach Association 2012-13 PARTNERS Antique Dealers Association Barrett/Paradise Business Association Better Business Bureau of Northeastern Pennsylvania Brodhead Watershed Association Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Delaware & Hudson Transportation Heritage Council Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Discover PikePA Downtown Hawley Partnership East Stroudsburg University Eastburg Community Alliance Equinunk Historical Society Greater Honesdale Partnership Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Greene-Dreher Historical Society Jacob Stroud Corporation Jim Thorpe Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Lehighton Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Mauch Chunk Historical Society Monroe County Historical Society Northampton Community College Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Palmerton Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Penn Kidder Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Pike County Chamber of Commerce Pike County Historical Society Pocono Arts Council Pocono Builders Association Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors Southern Wayne Regional Chamber of Commerce UpstatePA Wallenpaupack Historical Society, Inc. Wayne County Arts Alliance Wayne County Builders Association, Inc. Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Weatherly Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
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