Competing with the 'Big Boy's of Tourism' and a long-time street festival goes back to it roots

In the studio to talk tourism this week were Rozeta Mahboubi,
Ron Hart, Amber Ducote and show host Gary Guertin.

This week’s show was a reconnect with the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau to learn what tourism promotional efforts are currently on going in Talkin’ Tourism’s hometown of Stuart, Florida. Featured guest Rozeta Mahboubi, the executive director of the Martin County, Florida Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), gave listeners an overview of the strategies and tactics this small county is using to attract its share of visitors.

Yes, smaller destinations can compete with the 'big boys' and often times, having a major destination in your backyard can actually help!  Rozeta’s strategies and thoughts do make sense. With a successful four year track record to its credit, the Martin County Tourism Development Committee (TDC) (which oversees the distribution of bed tax funds), recently and enthusiastically gave its continued support to the Martin County CVB.  In a time when competition for funding is always keen, it was great to hear that Rozeta and her CVB staff were recognized for their efforts. Rozeta also shared what new successes the CVB achieved through the TDC’s support.

So who is the self-appointed Cultural Ambassador to Downtown Stuart?  Why none other than Ron Hart, vice-president of the Downtown Business Association.  Ron and Tara Biek Creative account executive Amber Ducote were on hand to share the excitement of the upcoming Dancin’ in the Streets.  A Stuart tradition for nearly 25 years, this event has gone back to its roots. What exactly does that mean? Well, those who listened in last week heard the run down. If you missed the show, you can still find out! Just download the August 19 show!  This group is also already working on the funding for next year’s Fourth of July festivities. Talkin’ Tourism host Gary Guertin also posed the question of whether or not these local events helped the off-season tourism effort. Ron and Amber both responded with some pretty strong positive feedback.

Other topics of conversation circled around the airline that will be increasing airlift to the Out Islands of the Bahamas in the near future, and a 'fish story' ending in The Bahamas, which involved the recent catch of a 927 pound marlin in Bermuda. Trying to connect those dots? Check out last week's Talkin' Tourism and all will make perfect sense!

Thanks for listening to us live or checking us out on this blog…we love talking tourism!