CVBAnnualReport2016

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
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