National
Council of Destination Organizations acclaims Lee Island Coast VCB with award
August
29, 2002
LEE ISLAND COAST, FL – The Lee Island Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) in southwest Florida has received a top award for its marketing achievements at the 2002 National Council of Destination Organizations (NCDO) Destiny Awards competition presented Aug. 27 in Portland, OR.
NCDO is comprised of employees of state tourism offices and urban and regional destination marketing organizations. The group is organized under the umbrella of the Travel Industry Association of America, whose mission is to represent the entire U.S. travel industry and promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the U.S.
The competition attracted over 200 entries in such categories as marketing and advertising campaigns, tourism awareness and community service projects, information center programs, and special events. The VCB’s “180 Degrees from Orlando” advertising campaign was selected as the top entry in the marketing programs category.
The campaign included a variety of ads – large and small, cooperative, and more – that ran in major consumer publications and Internet outlets, 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.
“With nearly all 50 states, one or two U.S. territories, and approximately 100 urban and regional communities represented at this competition, the VCB is honored that its advertising efforts were recognized,” said VCB Executive Director D.T. Minich, CDME.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Lee Island Coast is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida and includes Sanibel/Captiva/Pine islands, Fort Myers Beach, historic Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Estero, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, and Lehigh Acres. For more information, visit our Web site at www.LeeIslandCoast.com . NOTE NEW AREA CODE EFFECTIVE MARCH 2002: 239.