"Attention will be fixed on Charlotte and North Carolina," said Assistant Secretary for Tourism, Marketing and Global Branding Lynn Minges in the department's e-newsletter. "We want people to see beyond the headlines, appreciate the unique travel experiences the state offers, and showcase North Carolina as a special setting where visitors, residents and businesses thrive."

 

The state's effort began long before the delegates and media arrived this week. But as convention week began, the plan ramped up substantially. Arriving passengers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport  were greeted with a welcome video featuring Gov. Beverly Perdue and many of the state's unique sights and sounds. 

 

"We know that the news media will be largely focused on the action at the convention during the DNC, but our proactive media outreach is already broadening awareness and understanding of North Carolina as a place of uncommon scenic beauty and diverse appeal for leisure and group travel," Minges said. 

 

Specifics of the marketing effort include:

 

- Distributing 25,000 copies of the 2012 Official North Carolina Travel Guide with a custom cover featuring the Charlotte skyline to welcome convention delegates. 

 

- Distributing information on business relocation opportunities and meeting with corporate executives during their time in the state. 

 

- Creating a temporary visitor center in partnership with Visit Charlotte. The center creates a physical presence for promoting both travel and business at Visit Charlotte's Uptown Visitor Center and the information desk at the Charlotte airport. The Division has staff present at the Uptown location to assist travelers during the Convention. 

 

- Promoting business and tourism in US Airways Magazine's September special section on North Carolina and the Charlotte region.