Mike Maloney told City Advertising and Promotion commissioners during his director’s report last week that he is very interested in joining with the state in working with Miles Partnership of Denver, a strategic marketing company focusing strictly on travel and tourism. He said tourism cities working with Miles will be able to have access to a back end portal which he contended would allow staff more direct influence on the message and when it gets out.
“We’ll have more control of our destiny,” Maloney said, adding that he’ll participate in a webinar in June to learn more.
The change will require a shift in budget, and Maloney said he would watch analytics and other indicators to evaluate whether the change paid off. Commissioner Terry McClung commented the way to know if it worked would be if motels were full regularly.
Maloney said he has placed a kiosk displaying the Eureka Springs app at the Branson airport, which now has two airlines.
Conversations are ongoing between the CAPC and the Chamber of Commerce about the Visitor Guide contract, and Maloney, Events Coordinator Andy Green and Jon Walker, independent event promoter, spoke about promoting Walker’s upcoming Northwest Arkansas Quidditch Cup competition Sept. 14 at the Farm.
Maloney also announced the May 23 workshop will occur at the Inn of the Ozarks. His staff will set up the booth they use at shows so tax collectors can see it and offer comments. Commissioner Susan Harman pointed out the event will be a chance for staff to interface with collectors, and the workshop would be a positive step in transparency and outreach to stakeholders.
Maloney reported the recent Springtime in the Ozarks event drew more than 2000 registrants which had a significant impact on the local economy. “It’s a big event for Eureka Springs,” he said.
Also, the CAPC entertained and fed 18 tour writers recently who were “stunned by Eureka Springs.”
Twelve Auditorium ushers took the six-hour CPR course and Green is taking a crowd management course. He said there would be four people trained in crowd management strategies available for Auditorium events.
Maloney finished with saying tickets are on sale for Blues Weekend shows June 15 – 17.
Financial report
Finance Director Rick Bright reported the total tax collections for the first three months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 are 2.7 percent ahead. McClung noted, “Restaurants are carrying the day. It’s is not heads in beds. Revenue is up a little, but we’re still short of the mark.”