Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force

11 tasks assigned by Harlingen 100

• Significant progress to date, thanks to CVB Exec Director and others

• Tourism has declined less in Harlingen then neighboring communities

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force• Certified Retirement Community Status

obtained – “icon” on CVB website; separate CRC committee working to attract retirees.

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force• Hospitality Training Program – up and

running for over a year.

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force• Website – dynamic, interactive, with new

logos – www.visitharlingentexas.com - try it out!

Website Services

• Hotel reservations

• Rental car reservations

• Movie ticket sales

• Provides map of area

• Souvenir sales

• Provides information on local restaurants

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force

• Develop an effective “ brand” for Harlingen – Dutch Name, Texas Heart – on brochures, website, and billboard

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force

• “Targeting” groups – several efforts ongoing, including increasing birders, sports groups and retirees

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force

• Develop visitor’s package – many new publications, several on display here.

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force

• Tracking Models – have contracted to obtain quarterly reports on hotel reservations and bookings, and economic impact

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force• Strategic Partnerships w/groups – working

with birding groups, HAHM, and others to encourage tourism

Jalapeno 100The CVB worked with this committee specifically on marketing and promotion. This past February participation increased by 20% In addition the CVB provides meeting space and helps welcome participants. For the first time this year, the CVB organized a bicycle safety workshop the week before the event.

RGV Birding Festival

The CVB works very closely with this committee in the marketing and promotion efforts including the participation in several trade shows around the country. The CVB also assists with the hospitality booth providing visitors with information on services and attractions in Harlingen.

Cinesol

The Harlingen CVB works closely with this committee providing assistance in the marketing and promotion of this event as well as the 36 Hour Run. The CVB also assists with the hospitality services for out of town guests.

Harlingen Heritage Festival

The CVB partners with this group to provide assistance in the marketing and promotion efforts. This year the festival increased participation by 80% and is already working with the CVB planning a two day event for next year. It will be a one of a kind event in the Rio Grande Valley

Taste of Harlingen

This very successful event planned by the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum Association has partnered with the Harlingen CVB and will introduce the first annual Food Festival named “Sabor del Campo Fest” this coming October. The CVB has supported this event in the marketing and promotion efforts.

Alliance for Hispanic Arts & Culture

The newest division of the Harlingen CVB and soon to be an independent 501c3 organization, the AHAC has produced a cultural calendar of cultural events to be held at Gutierrez Park this coming Fall and Winter. A successful clean up day was organized thanks to the downtown office and Harlingen Proud committee.

Blues on the HillFor the first time this year, the CVB was involved with this committee in providing support with the marketing and promotional efforts. It is a great partnership and is currently working on extending concert dates and music genres.

Arroyo Youth Soccer League

The CVB was part of this great effort put together by the Parks & recreation team and the Arroyo Youth Soccer Club by providing assistance with hospitality and housing coordination ensuring that our visitors enjoy a wonderful stay.

PONY National Tournament

The PONY organizers has a tremendous event this past July and the CVB was happy to help coordinate the hospitality services. For the first time this year, the CVB offered the “Dougout” a place where players could cool down and rest between games and an ideal place to conduct a survey to see how visitors rated Harlingen’s services.

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force• Viral Marketing – continuing effort to

“spread the word” Harlingen is featured through several social networks like Tweeter, You Tube and Facebook.

Harlingen 100 – Tourism Task Force• Remaining tasks (sign plan; hotel) off the

table