BLOG
For years, the Z-News was Bill’s way to share big concepts and the headlines of the Destination Marketing world. And, that world can, from time to time, move faster than the publication schedule of the Z-News. That’s where the blog (Bill Geist’s Zeitgeist) came into play. From chronicling and criticizing DMO meltdowns to celebrating our wins in communities around the world, the blog has often been more news than the Z-news. On this page, you’ll find recent posts that are specific to Destination Marketing and Leadership.
Thank the Lord for the Night Time
In China, daytime temperatures in some regions have become so stifling that consumers are driving a significant boon in evening tourism and visitor spending.
Riding Free in ABQ
The lack of affordable transportation is one of the primary reasons that capable workers don't bother to apply for the jobs that are so desperately needed in the service industry.
Colorado…Again
While most States posted nice gains, Colorado Tourism rose only 0.3% last year. Was it another self-inflicted wound?
We’re Smarter
I was going through old journals over the weekend, attempting to declutter my office, and came upon this gem from a conference I attended in 2018.
Pizza Wars
Connecticut Tourism has recently launched a campaign suggesting that their pizza is superior to New York City’s.
Lurch Fest
You're charged with promoting a small town with limited assets. You have to identify (or create) a hook that resonates.
A Cool Twist
The Southeast Tourism Society has just unveiled a smart twist to the 30 Under 30 formula called 40 for the Future.
Blast From the Past
It’s the same Rick Meehan that starred in one of my favorite tourism commercials of all time...and, let's be clear, I am not a fan of elected officials appearing in tourism ads.
Canada Street
Burlington, VT has renamed their iconic Church Street Canada Street to signal to Canadian consumers that they still love them.
The Future
If you are a Destination Leader, the latest version of the Destinations International Future Study demands your attention.
The Grand Rapids LipDub
It was the largest LipDub ever with 5,000 Rapidians featured (including Experience Grand Rapids CEO Doug Small at the 6-minute mark).
That’s Not What the Voters Want
The truly troubling saga of the Florida Legislature putting a target on the backs of their State's Destination Marketing is assuredly not over.
A Breathtaking Shift
It's a news release that is completely AI...or written by someone who is desperately auditioning to work for the Trump Administration.
It’s Not About the Deficit
The latest estimates indicate that the new Administration's rhetoric has so incensed potential foreign visitors that American businesses are set to forfeit up to $29 billion in lost tourism sales this year.
Visit Dublin Nails It
A lot of Destination Leadership Organizations produce videos to explain and reinforce the vital role they play in their communities. The latest "movie trailer" from Visit Dublin Ohio is masterful, mixing an over-the-top voice over and a superhero vibe that features the staff around town.
Well…They Did It
In the end, at a time when international travel to the United States is cratering, the Senate votes to slash international tourism marketing. Simply unfathomable...because they are forfeiting billions of non-resident tax dollars in the name of reducing the deficit.
That’s Not How This Works
As I read the online account of how the Newport OR City Council agonized over the decision to yank the contract for Destination Marketing from their Chamber and award it to an out-of-town ad agency, I couldn't help but remember that great ad from esurance about unfriending people on Facebook.
A Canadian View
Author and international raconteur Rick Antonson is one of our favorite people. The former CEO of Tourism Vancouver and Chair of Destinations International, he understands the world of Destination Marketing like few others.
Time to Start Paying Attention
This is gonna be one hell of a great summer for America's lesser-traveled destinations. And that means visitor levels never before seen in many of our communities. But, how will your residents feel about it?