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Business leaders to convene, talk tourism
[August 09, 2009]

Business leaders to convene, talk tourism


Aug 09, 2009 (The Daily Progress - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Representatives from the region's tourism businesses will convene this week to discuss what information and services should be available on the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site.



The tourism agency plans to get input from this week's focus groups and use that information in the redesign of its site, http://www.pursueCharlottesville.com.

Bryan Elliot, the chairman of the agency's board of directors, said the Internet has become a popular way for people to make their travel decisions.


"It's an opportunity to make the Web site more dynamic and interoperable so it can become the premier location for people visiting Charlottesville to make plans," he said.

The tourism agency invited about 800 community members for the focus group meetings, which will take place this week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Allie Baer, the agency's interim director of marketing, said the agency invited stakeholders from businesses that could attract tourists. The list includes restaurants, vineyards, farms, performing arts, hotels, historical sites, shop owners and the University of Virginia.

"It's going to be pretty informal and conversational," Baer said. "We just want to have conversations, ask questions and be asked questions about tourism marketing." Wayne Mogielnicki, director of communications at Monticello, said he will attend a focus group on Thursday and is looking forward to seeing the new site.

"Whether someone is looking for the Downtown Mall or Monticello or wants to get a barbecue sandwich, we hope that will be quick and easy with the new site," Mogielnicki said.

Baer said small businesses also have expressed interest in the project.

The tourism agency's redesign process started in February with a request for proposal. Baer said the organization chose simpleview, a Tucson-based Web development company, to redesign the Web site.

According to simpleview's Web site, the company is planning to offer to give the Web site a new design, a content management system, interactive marketing services and a system to integrate sales, marketing and business analysis.

The company lists the project highlights as adding banner advertising, hotel reservations, packages sales and an "itinerary builder" that will help tourists plan their stay.

After the focus groups have ended, Baer said the tourism agency will meet with simpleview's creative director to figure out what elements will be part of the new Web site. The agency is aiming to release the new version of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau site in the fall.

Elliot said the tourism agency's Web site is maintained internally, but it is possible that the organization would create a content manager position to maintain the revamped site.

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