How Destination Marketers can Inspire Emotion Through Storytelling; the Science Behind a Good Narrative

Author: Meagan McGuire, CDME – Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority

How many times have you been intrigued by a place based purely on a book or a movie? Anthropologists, along with Ira Glass himself, offer some insights into what makes storytelling so powerful. … Continue reading >How Destination Marketers can Inspire Emotion Through Storytelling; the Science Behind a Good Narrative

Cultivating a Destination’s Band of Brothers

Author: Meagan McGuire, CDME – Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority

How does a destination marketing organization cultivate community advocates who will stand with us during times like these? I argue in this essay that, when it comes to the hospitality business community, this essential support is something that must be built up over time through an attentive focus on partner services. … Continue reading >Cultivating a Destination’s Band of Brothers

How Louisiana’s Cultural Tradition has Transcended the Pandemic

Author: Meagan McGuire, CDME – Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority

Louisiana has a rich tradition of gathering. Festivals are important in educating locals and tourists alike on the region’s unique cultural traditions. When it became clear that these gatherings were helping to spread COVID-19, festival organizers and cultural groups reimagined how they could share their culture with the world. … Continue reading >How Louisiana’s Cultural Tradition has Transcended the Pandemic

A Change to Tourism as We Know It; a Review of Skift’s SEE Conference 2020 Keynote Address

Author: Meagan McGuire, CDME – Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority

Skift Founder and CEO, Dan Holowack, argues in his keynote address at Skift’s SEE Conference 2020, that we must use our power as destination management professionals to change tourism as we know it. … Continue reading >A Change to Tourism as We Know It; a Review of Skift’s SEE Conference 2020 Keynote Address

Collaboration & the “Other”

Author: Meagan McGuire, CDME – Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority

Many Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) recognize the importance of local leadership groups working together for a stronger, more coordinated economic development strategy. However, some DMOs might find the current COVID-19 crisis has made collaboration more difficult. Despite the best outward intentions, innate human behavior might be getting in the way. … Continue reading >Collaboration & the “Other”