NOVEMBER 12, 2009 ISSUE
Local Tourism Agencies Brighten Their Internet Window on the World
High Country Host, Blowing Rock TDA Unveil New Websites
In an attempt to further attract visitors to the High Country through top-tier, far-reaching promotions, High Country Host and the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority unveiled new websites this week, which showcase the best of the High Country and aim to more effectively promote its many tourism opportunities.
The New MountainsofNC.com
The new MountainsofNC.com contains information on lodging, attractions, festivals, shopping, restaurants, heritage events and outdoors activities. There is also a blog, calendar of events, a section for specials and deals, High Country maps and a downloadable vacation planner.Tourists interested in the High Country have a dynamic new resource for visitor info thanks to a redesign and upgrade of High Country Host’s website, www.MountainsofNC.com.
The new site contains information on lodging, attractions, festivals, shopping, restaurants, heritage events and outdoors activities. There is also a blog, calendar of events, a section for specials and deals, High Country maps and a downloadable vacation planner.
“This new site pulls together all the key information visitors need to plan a trip to the High Country,” said Millie Barbee, executive director of High Country Host. “And, it is user-friendly. There are multiple ways of navigation to quickly find what you’re looking for.”
Big Boom Design of Asheville created the site using a Joomla platform. It incorporates the latest in web technology with an emphasis on search engine optimization.
“Our desire was to build a site that’s easy to navigate and brings as much information to the surface as possible,” said Boomer Sassmann of Big Boom Design. “This is a well organized second-generation website that also incorporates social media aspects such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.”
The look and feel of the website will change quarterly to match the four distinct seasons that draw visitors to the High Country.
“If this were a traditional website, we wouldn’t be able to do that,” Sassmann said, “but because of this platform, it is easy to change the look without altering the content.”
To view the new site, click to www.MountainsofNC.com.
The New BlowingRock.com
The new BlowingRock.com is an integral part of the Blowing Rock TDA’s new marketing and media plan, according to TDA Executive Director Tracy Brown, who said that the changes and improvements are part of an ongoing effort to keep the website fresh and effective.The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (TDA) recently completed a makeover of its website, www.blowingrock.com. The new website is an integral part of the TDA’s new marketing and media plan, according to TDA Executive Director Tracy Brown, who said that the changes and improvements are part of an ongoing effort to keep the website fresh and effective.
“The new, sophisticated look of the website compliments our strong logo and brand identity without being haughty. It matches and reinforces all the collateral pieces and ads we’re producing,” Brown said.
Brown was especially enthusiastic about the Bob Timberlake endorsement video on the site. “Bob and his work are known nationally, and his video interview is real and genuine. He loves Blowing Rock and it shows,” Brown said.
The new website incorporates some of the recommendations made by the recent Hyett Palma Retail Study along with new technology surrounding social media. The site is currently shared by nearly 200 social and member sites, and visitors will soon be able to upload their own “signature experience” in Blowing Rock via video or photos.
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