Connecticut has parted ways with its "Still Revolutionary" slogan to the relief of some residents. Now many are left wondering: How will the state move forward marketing itself to tourists?
This hour, we take an in-depth look at this question and we also hear from you. What local attractions or attributes would you like to see highlighted as part of a campaign to draw visitors to our state?
Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
GUESTS:
- David Kooris - Deputy Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development
- Bob Burns - Director of the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut
- Adam Sneed - Senior associate editor at CityLab (@atsneed)
- John Ricks - Executive Director of the Nebraska Tourism Commission
READING LIST:
Hartford Courant: Connecticut drops 'Still Revolutionary' tag line as report credits tourism for increased sales, tax revenue - "The issue of a new slogan came up several months ago when a panel on tourism established by House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz proposed, among other recommendations, a review of the state’s marketing strategy, branding and slogan."
CityLab: The Anatomy of a Disastrous State Branding Campaign - "Are place branding campaigns ever worth it? It’s hard to figure out, because campaigns are difficult to divorce from the actual city. Is that spike in jobs due to that sweet ad your commerce board put out two years ago, or because Large Company X liked the cut of your (empty office park’s) jib? Are tourists abandoning your boardwalk because your logo deeply offended their aesthetic sensibilities, or because the best funnel cake place closed last year? Still, as the state of Rhode Island points out, there’s definitely a bad way to do it."
The Washington Post:'Honestly, it's not for everyone,' says Nebraska's self-deprecating new tourism campaign - "Yes, it’s real. And no, it’s not an attempt at reverse psychology. A news release from the Nebraska Tourism Commission acknowledges that the state 'may not be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit.' But, the commission said, 'if you like experiences that are unpretentious and uncomplicated or if you enjoy escaping the big city life for moments of solitude in the open plains, creating your own fun or exploring the quirkiness the state has to offer, chances are, you will like it here.'"
Chion Wolf contributed to this show.
