Columbia’s “Famously Hot” Initiative Recognized with Prestigious Award at S.C. Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel
February 3, 2010
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – February 3, 2010 – Columbia‘s Famously Hot marketing initiative was recognized with the prestigious Governor’s Cup award as the state’s top travel and tourism honors were presented at the 45th annual S.C. Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel.
The Governor’s Cup is awarded each year to honor a tourism partner whose event or organization has had a significant impact on the economy and quality of life for its community as well as for the entire state. It is considered the top tourism award in the state.
This is much more than a win for a brand and marketing campaign – it is a win for our region, said Ric Luber, President and CEO of the Midlands Authority for Conventions Sports & Tourism. The Authority, whose mission it is to market and sell the Columbia area to leisure and business travelers and meeting planners, led the effort to develop a destination brand in 2008.
This honor would not be possible without the participation and support of all of our partners who worked so hard to develop and promote the brand and campaign, Luber said. We’re proud of our partners. We’re proud of our community, and we’re excited for the future of Famously Hot Columbia.
(L to R) Back: Bill Ellen, Lora Prill, Chad Prosser, John Durst, Libby Gober, Miriam Atria; Front: Douglas OFlaherty, Mandi Engram, Kelly Barbrey, Ric Luber, Tommy Stringfellow
The branding and advertising campaign is entering its third year, having generated more than a million unique visitors to the Authority’s web sites and more than 750,000 video views on YouTube, along with more than 15,000 fans on Facebook and 8,500 followers on Twitter. In addition, more than 50 businesses and organizations have incorporated the new brand into their marketing campaigns and communications.
To develop the campaign the Authority partnered with industry and community leaders, individuals who market the area, and ADCO, a local strategic, creative and interactive agency, to work through a brand identity process. Famously Hot rose to the surface as being unique, differentiating and attention grabbing, after the team of more than 40 individuals defined the essence of the Columbia area as The New Southern Hot Spot.
Tourism is a $1 billion industry for the Columbia region and supports 12,000 area jobs that provide services, products and amenities for visitors, saving tax-paying households an estimated $675 a year due to the economic impact of tourism in the state.
The awards luncheon included remarks from Roger Dow, president of the U.S. Travel Association and director Chad Prosser of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
This year’s Governor’s Conference was held at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. A range of experts in the tourism business presented during the three-day gathering, which also included the debut of the state’s South Carolina: Made for Vacation marketing brand.
About the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism:
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling Columbia, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.
About ADCO
ADCO is a full-service marketing, design and interactive media firm in Columbia, SC. Founded in 1990 as The AD Company, the firm is committed to excellence in creativity while harnessing the power of ideas to deliver maximum impact. Learn more at http://adcoideas.com.
