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State Tourism Marketing Organization Honors Lee Island Coast VCB With Esteemed Awards

LEE ISLAND COAST, FL – The Lee Island Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) in southwest Florida has earned four top awards and was a finalist in a fifth category at the 35^th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism Flagler Awards Competition presented Aug. 12 and 13 in Kissimmee.

Sponsored by Visit Florida, the official marketing organization for Florida tourism, and the Florida Commission on Tourism, the Flagler Awards program is designed to acknowledge the outstanding marketing achievements of the state’s tourism-related businesses, destinations, attractions, and other entities.  Five out-of-state tourism marketing authorities judged the competition’s 120 entries in 13 categories. 

·       Resource/Promotional Material - Consumer category, the VCB was honored with the “Henry Award” for its Visitor’s Guide.  Created in the image of an upscale travel magazine, the principal feature that distinguishes the Lee Island Coast Visitor’s Guide from those of other destinations is the editorial - full-length articles revealing the objective opinions and personal, first-hand experiences of professional travel and photo journalists who have visited the area.

·        Web Success category for the VCB’s updated site, www.LeeIslandCoast.com ,  which allows easy and instant access of detailed information about accommodations, attractions, travel reservations, and discount opportunities.  The site allows consumers the advantage of customizing and personalizing their vacation plans.  With over 300 accommodations and attractions from which to choose, visitors can create, download, and even e-mail custom itineraries, while a Reservation Services section offers links to book airline travel and car rentals.  The site also features video clip viewing, special events and activities listings, and electronic postcard delivery.

·        Internet Advertising category, the VCB was recognized with the top award for its “Lee Island Coast Sweepstakes Campaign.”  The multi-level online advertising program included search engine optimization techniques; banner ads on various, top travel- and weather-oriented sites; opt-in newsletters; and a prize package featuring a Lee Island Coast trip, air transportation, $1,000 shopping spree, and more.

·        Print Advertising – Magazine category, the VCB’s “180 Degrees from Orlando” campaign won tops honors.  Four-color, two-page spread ads ran in major consumer publications, covering the Lee Island Coast’s top domestic tourist feeder markets.  The tag line “180 Degrees from Orlando” positioned the destination as an authentic, unspoiled tropical island paradise that is very different from other (typical) Florida destinations. 

·        Creative Partnering category, the VCB was honored with a finalist award for its cooperative advertising program.  The comprehensive, multi-medium marketing campaign provided cost-effective opportunities for area hotels and attractions to advertise in top domestic and international markets.

“It’s great recognition for the VCB’s efforts to be honored by Visit Florida and the Florida Commission on Tourism,” said VCB Executive Director D.T. Minich, CDME.  “Our Advertising Director, Alis Jordan, and the VCB’s advertising agency, BVK of Cape Coral, are to be congratulated for achieving such prestigious awards.” 

EDITOR’S NOTE: New area code: 239.