Last updated 11/09
We work the web a lot, searching for sites to feature in our newsletter, on DMOU and our presentations on Technology and the Internet. For those of us that are out there a lot, we know that there are a lot of sites that simply exist without a clear purpose. Zeitgeist highlights the sites that get it.
From a great raison d'etre to cutting edge visuals and features, here are some of our current faves. And, if you've got a site that you believe qualifies for inclusion here, please e-mail us.
OTTAWA ON
Designing a complete one-stop-shop solution for meeting planners has been a dilemma for DMO pros since the internet changed the way we all do business. We've seen interesting tools here and there over the years....but nothing like Ottawa Tourism's sensational "Meetings Easy" micro-site. Through "Meetings Easy," planners can request proposals from suppliers and venues, plan and manage event details and interface with selected suppliers. Select "Click Here for an Overview" to witness the breadth of this sensational service. Kudos to Ottawa Tourism for designing the meetings section of their website not with their message in mind...but, rather, to meet the needs of the planner. And, to those that think online meeting planning doesn't work ('cause it hasn't worked for you)? Ottawa Tourism reports over 2600 registered users...and can track an average of 60,000 room nights a year from "Meetings Easy." Damn.
LAS VEGAS
Sure they've got an incredible budget. But that doesn't mean they aren't insanely smart marketers. And the Las Vegas CVA's most recent site upgrade includes the best trip planning tool we've seen. Fun and flashy, the consumer picks dates, accomodations and activities...and then connects the itinerary with friends. Very cool.
MONTREAL ON
With Broadband penetration at over 90% in America, and with YouTube being one of the most popular sites in the world, the days of saying that video would be "nice to have" in just plain naive. For the DMOs that have joined the video revolution, many of the videos we see are well produced and evocative. But, so many are so hidden that it takes a CSI investigator to find them. Not so with Tourism Montreal's sensational site...as their incredible 2-minute video is the first choice the visitor makes. Overlayed on a stunning, panoramic view of the City is a click box that reads "Montreal In 2 Minutes." And, who doesn't have two minutes in this YouTube world? If the visitor to the site knows the City or doesn't want to take the time, the nav bar beneath the photo provides all the connectivity they need. A great utilization of video...and an even greater understanding of how the mind of the consumer works.
CHARLOTTE NC
While we love the front and center-ness of Tourism Montreal's use of video, we also dig what Charlotte has done with a series of videos that feature the heart and soul of the destination. Utilizing the talents of two online tour guides, the videos examine the cuisine, culture, nightlife, accomodations and more of this spectacular destination. The site also has one of the better nightlife search functions we've seen on any destination site.
INDIANAPOLIS
Podcasts have been part of the 'net's lexicon for a few years, now. And nobody has embraced the opportunity faster and deeper than the Indianapolis CVA with weekly (yeah, weekly) video-podcasts. Produced completely in-house, the Bureau reports well over 20,000 views each month. And while that’s simply incredible, it works on a totally other level too...as CVA members love being featured. And, that builds the kind of goodwill and destinational support DMOs desperately need in these “what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” times.