I realize there were many faults in last year’s MTVu program, and the staff and new marketing committee addressed a lot of those concerns. But the tax collections indicated that Spring Break 08 was a success, and the general consensus at the recent marketing committee meeting was that ‘08 was one of the best Spring Breaks in years.

Therefore, looking for any kind of victory in 2008’s advertising and special events spending, MTVu would have to be considered the best investment. Plus, the plan this year includes new data-capturing features, which makes it much more appealing.

As long as the TDC is going to spend Spring Break money, a big college brand is a good coattail to ride on.

I hope that you and other collectors closely monitor 2009’s program, hold the CVB staff to unprecedented measurement and data collection (as promised), and immediately begin working with the CVB for Spring Break ‘10 in March ‘09. We simply cannot keep arguing this issue in October and November.

All the other comments on this issue are appreciated as well. Nikki, you make great points for promoting Spring Break. Lori, I believe you will discover, as I did, that no one, no way, will end Spring Break in PCB. The TDC wouldn’t have to invest a penny, and Spring Break would still thrive in PCB. It’s simply part of our brand.

I believe in PCB will hold its own, and that folks from all walks of life will keep our tourism dollars, and jobs, quite healthy. Spring break is approximately 6 weeks, while 46 weeks can pretty much hold its own, when we think outside the box.

Any coastal town that puts all its eggs in the spring break basket is asking for trouble…but that’s just my opinion. That ride can come to an abrupt hault by one catastrophic weather event, continued bad reputation from illegal underage activities, or worse. Look what happened for example, in Aruba, after Natalee Holloway went missing. That whole island suffered from the damaged publicity and is just now regaining its appeal. God forbid anything like that would happen here. I’m not trying to be negative or a doomsdayer, but I just think if we can diversify our appeal, and bring in other industries that are non-dependent on the seasons, it would ensure a better economy. Not to mention bring in more jobs, permanent ones.

I know this is long, so sorry. But I was watching the Weather Channel tonite and they interviewed a guy that ran a resort store in “snow country”. He was ringing his hands about the increase in temps in winters, and how much less snow there was, shortened ski seasons, etc. He wondered, “…what do we do when our winter tourists’ seasons are cut short…” In other words, where would they compensate for lost tourism dollars due to climate change? My thoughts went like this. Time to start thinking of other ways to keep those guests coming, and adding new ones while you’re at it. Why depend only on the ski tourists? Why not add some zip-line parks, archery/nature trail cabin packages, upcountry wildlife parks? Bring in the artisans, B&Bs and throw in an ice rink park. But you can’t wait until it’s too late. You have to think ahead and get the wheels in motion before the bubble bursts.

I am really looking forward to watching this city become the beautiful butterfly it was meant to be.

I understand where you are coming from and I share your desire for PCB to evolve into a popular family destination. However, Spring Break provides much needed revenue after a long off season, particularly for workers in the service and tourist industries.

While I agree with you that most Florida hotspots are going to be safer than sending our college kids to Cancun, I still don’t think it’s MTV that brings them here. Is it just me or would it be safe to assume that places like Destin and Navarre fill just as many rooms with families as PCB does with 20-somethings in March and April? Why can’t we aspire to attract a different customer base than we’ve been getting. Our family is coming here now because we’ve recently discovered how nice the beaches, shopping and all the other offerings PCB has to offer. Not because we, or our parents ever set foot on PCB. MTV didn’t bring us here, the beautiful beach did. I really hate to think of dealing with a winter crowd of students and dealing with them in the spring too. That would drive off our winter guests for sure. I think!

Are you kidding me? Remember I use to sit beside you. We both know what a joke MTVU is and I think we all made that clear on our one on one meeting. The only place it benefited was Student City and The Board Walk. Which I’m sure it will do again. Until we loose Y partenership we will never move forward in a direction that benefits ALL.
Remember, They also said the White Sale was a HUGE success.
That was a load of poop also!!!