As I watch the rain turn to snow ere in windy and increasingly cold Toronto, I notice a couple of interesting moves by North American tourism boards.
North of the border, Quebec City is pleading with the creators of the “White Lotus” TV show to film in one of North America’s oldest (and most romantic) cities.
The Toronto Star and Canadian Press report that Destination Quebec City and its advertising agency have created a presentation promoting te city and its biggest assets as an ideal filming spot. Part of their pitch, of course, is the fairy tale-like Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel.
The first season of the smash hit series was filmed in Hawai’i (Maui) and the second in Sicily.
Canada has become very popular as a filming site for TV shows and movies. The staggering Canadian dollar probably helps Quebec City with their pitch.
Myrtle Beach has great deals for Canadians as part of their Can-Am Days program. – JIM BYERS PHOTO
MYRTLE BEACH SIGNS UP COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO BOOST VISITS
Here’s an odd one. U.S. college athletes are now able to collect money from something called the “Name, Image and Likeness” program (NIL).
Visit Myrtle Beach says it has secured two first-of-a-kind, teamwide NIL deals with the Marshall University Thundering Herd (West Virginia) and the University of Connecticut Huskies football teams to showcase visitor experiences at The Beach. As part of the agreements, participating student-athletes will have the opportunity to share their experiences while enjoying the Grand Strand this December.
The groundbreaking deals are being coordinated with each rostered player on both teams to create visibility for both the student-athletes and Myrtle Beach. As part of the agreement, the student-athletes will showcase their experience in the destination on a variety of personal social media channels.
“Visit Myrtle Beach and our partners along the Grand Strand are excited to welcome both Marshall and UConn teams and fans. This unique NIL agreement is a great way for us to support all the student-athletes and celebrate their achievements this season while also sharing their Myrtle Beach experiences with social media audiences,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “By offering a NIL agreement that is inclusive of all visiting student-athletes on both teams, we’re further supporting our efforts welcoming everyone to enjoy The Beach. We’re looking forward to getting a glimpse into each player’s trip.”
All social media content will include the hashtag #TheBeach. Fans are invited to follow along as the players explore The Beach during their off time.
It’s an interesting approach that could work quite well. If so, you can bet other destinations will follow suit. And other colleges and universities.
