Make the Most of Historic Milestones

What resorts can learn from New Orleans’s 300th-anniversary celebration.

This year marks New Orleans’s 300th anniversary. To help promote this momentous occasion, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation created a campaign website and rolled out ads around the country. Resorts in the area joined the party, and their efforts can provide a road map for other properties looking to gain exposure during a major anniversary.

“NOLA is known as a repeat traveler destination, and we couldn’t think of a better time to reengage our legacy owners to be a part of this historic event,” says Donna Brown, resort general manager at Club La Pension by Bluegreen. Brown recommends emailing owners about special events revolving around the milestone.

Resorts can let travelers know about celebrations throughout the city or even create exclusive experiences for guests that help draw bookings. “Establishing partnerships with other businesses in the area helps us to assist owners by connecting the dots to many touch points that create legendary experiences,” Brown says. Club La Pension by Bluegreen partnered with the Creole House Restaurant to host events and private tastings at the resort, giving guests the opportunity to cook and sample classic New Orleans dishes with chef Collin Kennedy.

Another way to promote your resort is by working with the tourism board. Make sure it lists your resort as a place to stay, and ask about any potential for exposure, such as hosting media or sponsoring an event. With these tips, your resort can be well on its way to making the most of a similar milestone.

Image credit: courtesy of Club La Pension by Bluegreen