$3.1 billion travelers spent in North Dakota
Message from the Executive Director Transitional markets make for razor tight expenses, and crafted sales. This is true for most all industries this past year in North Dakota. The lodging industry is no different, and while our leisure travel increased this past summer, the year-end occupancy was virtually the same as 2015, but with lower rates in 2016. The 100th celebration of the National Park Service brought travelers from across the world to Dickinson to travel to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The ND Tourism Division’s media campaign featuring Josh Duhamel, increased awareness and inquiries, resulting in more leisure travel for us. The occupancy was up 7% average for the months of June, July and August over 2015 summer travel, and continued on the positive side through the end of the year. There are movements within our community that are developing the experiences that we need for travelers. Fluffy Field Winery & Vineyard opened just east of Dickinson with local wine and themed events. The Dickinson Downtown Association continues to work on revitalization with new unique boutiques and restaurants opening downtown. First on First Summer Concerts expanded, and were filled each week downtown. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is in the beginning stages of developing community support. The Dickinson Museum Center has undergone changes this past year. New staff, along with programing and extended season, are providing travelers with a more hands on experience and new paleo finds. Stop in, it’s open all year now, and great place to bring your guests, and a great place for our residents to rediscover. Meetings and conventions bookings are returning, the work that Julie has done with the groups has resulted in a strong 2017 and 2018 agenda. Typically, this is a type of business that is two to three years out, and often relies on local support within an organization. The effects of the energy development created a difficult environment for bidding meetings, but it is looking much more positive for the upcoming years. The visitor industry is a large part of our economy. In 2015, travelers spent $3.1 billion in North Dakota. Does that include a multiplier? No. Real dollars are spent on lodging, shopping, transportation, and entertainment are collected through surveys, tax data and federal agencies. The hospitality industry is very important to Dickinson. We are looking forward to this year’s travel season and the people we are going to host in Dickinson. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Marketing 7 New Marketing Activities Familiarization Tours (FAM) 9 Online Marketing Financials 11 Visitor Services 13 Meetings, Events, Sports, Reunions, Group Travel 15 Industry Updates and Construction Hospitality Industry Revenue 17 Event Grant Program 19 Activities and Community 21 CVB Staff and Board 1
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