The dust is finally settling around the Panhandle, bringing with it the need to do a little image enhancing.
During the oil spill, misinformation regarding the impact the spill had on our beaches prompted many to choose other destinations for their vacations. Thankfully, our beaches were spared and the brunt of the spill never touched the snow-white sands of our shores.
The main concept being promoted is basic, focused on showing our beaches clear, our seafood safe and our businesses open – a concept that the Florida League Of Cities is planning on spreading by launching a statewide advertising campaign dubbed “Fall in Love with Northwest Florida.”
The campaign is currently focused on residents living in Florida. The reasoning behind utilizing a geo-targeted campaign is a simple one, more of a reminder that many hotels, resorts and restaurants are affordable, easy to get to and oil free.
For now, the campaign is slated to run statewide for about six months.
My vote went towards the Hug-A-Floridian-Today campaign, obviously that campaign didn’t go over so well.
Here is the full press release.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–As part of an effort to help Florida’s Panhandle communities recover from the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida League of Cities today unveiled a new Fall in Love With Northwest Florida advertising campaign. The campaign will encourage Floridians to plan mini-vacations to the beaches of the Florida Panhandle.
“We all need to support our fellow Floridians and fight any perception that the Panhandle beaches are tainted by the oil spill.”
Mayors of cities located in Northwest Florida participated in the Florida League of Cities’ advertising campaign to reinvigorate the economy and tourism in the area.
Mayor Gale Oberst of Panama City Beach, Mayor Mike Anderson of Ft. Walton Beach and Mayor Sam Seevers of Destin appear in the commercial to reassure potential visitors that the beaches are beautiful and rid of any symptoms from this past summer’s oil spill disaster.
“Northwest Florida is open for business,” said Mike Anderson, mayor of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. “We invite visitors from across the state of Florida and from all over the nation to come and enjoy our pristine beaches.”
In the aftermath of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill, Northwest Florida’s tourism revenue fell. In fact, in July alone, at the height of its tourism season, there was a 21 percent decrease in the bed tax from July of last year.
The 30-second and 60-second spots feature picturesque views of sandy white dunes, family-friendly spots, sprawling piers, shopping venues and bustling seafood restaurants.
“Stunning white beaches, challenging golf and world-famous fishing await you on the Emerald Coast,” said Sam Seevers, mayor of Destin, Fla. “Hotels, restaurants and attractions across Northwest Florida are currently offering great specials, so now is better than ever for a getaway.”
The Florida League of Cities produced the spots with a goal of encouraging Floridians to support their neighbors that are currently struggling. One weekend vacation could help boost the economy of the Sunshine State.
“We encourage Floridians across the state to visit their neighbors in Northwest Florida,” said Rebecca O’Hara, legislative director of the Florida League of Cities. “We all need to support our fellow Floridians and fight any perception that the Panhandle beaches are tainted by the oil spill.”
The Florida League of Cities worked in collaboration with the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association to broadcast the commercials across the state of Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys. Expect to see the commercials now through mid-2011.
“Even if you can’t make a trip to the Panhandle now, we hope to see you in the near future,” said Janice Caluda, executive vice president of the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association. “The Florida Cable Telecommunications Association hopes our work with the Florida League of Cities will boost vacations in Northwest Florida.”
The commercials are also available for viewing on the Fall in Love with Northwest Florida YouTube channel at YouTube.com/FallinLoveWithNWFL.
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