Monday, March 28, 2022

Coming off a record-breaking 2021 tourism season, the Wildwoods launch new 2022 tourism campaign


THE WILDWOODS - Millions of travelers are choosing the Wildwoods for their summer vacations, and the destination has the numbers to prove it.

Fast Facts - The Wildwoods Tourism Revenue posts record gains:

1. The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) reported that tourism revenue in the key categories of lodging and prepared food and beverage was 36 percent higher in 2021 than the 5-year average tourism revenues. The 2020 season numbers were not used in this comparison.

2. Visitor spending in the key categories of lodging and food and beverage grew better than 18 percent in 2021 over 2019; in 2018 it grew by 3 percent over 2017; and 2019 grew by 10 percent over 2018.

3. Tourism revenue growth has averaged 22 percent from 2016 to 2019. In 2017 tourism revenue grew by 8 percent over 2016; in 2018 it grew by 3 percent over 2017; and 2019 grew by 10 percent over 2018.

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) reported that the increased positive awareness and pent-up post-pandemic demand, along with its many events and festivals, spacious, clean and FREE award-winning beaches, a world famous Boardwalk and spectacular weather all contributed directly to a record $6.5 million in tourism tax revenue in the Wildwoods in 2021 - a 36 percent increase over the year's tourism budget, which was calculated off of a 5-year average (excluding 2020 numbers).

The 2021 marketing and public relations campaign was built upon the continued success of the "We Are Ready When You Are... And We're Saving You A Seat" ad campaign - launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Wildwoods were named in "2020's Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for U.S. Travelers" by Trivago in 2020, which was used in all public relations efforts throughout 2021.

The 2021 campaign was crafted in response to COVID-19 pandemic's impact on travel and tourism, focusing on the many ways to vacation safely in the Wildwoods, all while keeping visitors' safety a top priority. It focused on a specific market appeal - enticing regional vacationers who were able to visit the Wildwoods via automobile to "drive on down."

A key aspect that differentiated this from other campaigns in the marketplace is that it promoted value and multi-generational family fun in a colorful, clear and enticing way; and emphasized the destination's numerous one-of-a-kind attractions, where lifelong memories are made, and what separates this New Jersey resort town from other vacation destinations.

The campaign's success came from not only attracting millions of visitors to safely vacation in the Wildwoods, but in garnering extensive media coverage as well; with live broadcast segments in the Wildwoods throughout the year focusing on the destination's successful plans, strategies and proactive approach to responding to the crisis, and remaining one of the leaders in New Jersey tourism.

"Love Those Wildwoods Days" Theme of 2022 Campaign

The Wildwoods recently launched its new 2022 tourism ad campaign by bringing back the "Love Those Wildwood Days" theme song and highlighting that everything vacationers could ever want in a safe, fun vacation experience, is all right here on one five-mile island. Its "The Best of the Jersey Shore and A Whole Lot More." 

The campaign features an all-new video showing highlights of everything there is to do in the Wildwoods, from relaxing on the Wildwoods' spacious, clean and FREE white-sandy beaches, to exploring the 38-block world famous Boardwalk with three action-packed amusement piers featuring over 100 rides and attractions, three beachfront water parks, great shopping, fun carnival games and flashing arcades, plus unique dining and nightlight experiences.

The Wildwoods also offer a wide assortment of accommodations to meet everyone's needs and budget; from beautiful beachfront hotels and motels, to condos, townhouses and many different vacation rentals. The Wildwoods deliver one-of-a-kind value for family vacations at the New Jersey shore. With over 160 events and festivals throughout the year, and an abundance of fun things to do, visitors will find something that excites and satisfies everyone in their family in the Wildwoods. 

The campaign also offers a call-to-action by giving away two 4-day, 3-night vacation getaways for a family of four with the "Win a Family Vacation in the Wildwoods!" online contest, to help drive visitors to the www.WildwoodsNJ.com website. The giveaway features two drawings, and the lucky winners will be notified on May 27, 2022 and on October 28, 2022, giving visitors two chances to win. Each winner will receive four amusement passes, water park passes, meals, entertainment and other attractions.

More details are available by visiting www.WildwoodsNJ.com/win-a-family-vacation/.

GWTIDA will continue with its successful broadcast campaign in 2022 with thirty-second and fifteen-second video spots on network and cable TV, video-on-demand and streaming digital video throughout the northeast and Canada. The campaign will also be integrated into the Wildwoods social media plan using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts. Online digital advertising will also be a substantial portion of this year's media buy targeting females 25-54 years of age, families with children, millennials and multi-generational family vacationers. 

The Wildwoods' 2022 public relations strategy will focus on building the emotional relationships people have with the Wildwoods, and on continuing to change outdated public perceptions of the Wildwoods; as well as promoting all the FREE things to see and do, and targeting specific attractors the Wildwoods have to offer such as biking, watersports, beverage tourism, fishing, golf, shopping and more.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

No comments:

Post a Comment