On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m thrilled to dive into an inspiring conversation that perfectly embodies our brand promise—”impact through connection, community, and collaboration.” We’re exploring the transformative power of strategic planning and emotional connections in the travel and tourism industry with Colleen Onuffer, the Director of Public Relations for Travel Alliance Partnership.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why we rebranded to Travel Alliance Partnership
• How we create impact through connection, community, and collaboration
• More about Colleen’s presentation at the New York State Tourism Industry Association annual meeting
• How TAP collaborated in creating a fam tour exploring Harriet Tubman’s legacy in Cayuga County
• The concept of “cathedral thinking” for long-term projects
• Impact of emotional resonance on event success and strategic planning

A Collaboration Case Study

Colleen Onuffer, Director of Public Relations for Travel Alliance Partnership, shares a Travel Alliance Partnership case study on creating emotionally resonant, memorable experiences for travelers. She shares how TAP lives their value to create impact through connection, community, and collaboration when working with destinations. By focusing on emotional resonance, authentic community engagement, and long-term strategic planning, tourism professionals can create memorable experiences that leave lasting impacts.

When planning media trips, Colleen emphasizes the importance of creating experiences that resonate on a personal level rather than strictly adhering to historical facts. This approach aims to make the stories more meaningful and relatable. Media members were encouraged to find personal connections to Harriet Tubman’s legacy at an event honoring International Underground Railroad Month in Cayuga County. This strategy profoundly impacted attendees, fostering a deeper appreciation of the site’s historical significance.

Key Strategies for Planning Memorable Events

Organizing an event that leaves a lasting impression requires careful consideration of multiple factors. The event in Cayuga County, focusing on Harriet Tubman’s legacy, was a perfect example. Attendees experienced a driving tour of Underground Railroad stops, met with Tubman’s descendants, and engaged with local black-owned businesses. Such thoughtful planning ensured that participants learned about history and felt its emotional weight and relevance today.

Community engagement was a cornerstone of the Cayuga County event. The involvement of local leaders, business owners, and Tubman’s relatives forged a genuine connection between the media members and the community. This collaborative spirit enriched the event and promoted future media relationships, ensuring that Tubman’s legacy continues to be celebrated and preserved.

Feedback and Its Role in Shaping Future Strategies

Event attendees’ feedback highlighted the Cayuga County trip’s emotional resonance and transformative impact. Testimonials revealed some amazingly memorable experiences and how people connected to African American history. This invaluable feedback guided future event planning, emphasizing the significance of emotional ties and engaging storytelling in conveying a destination’s essence and personality.

We also discussed the concept of “cathedral thinking,” which involves planning long-term projects designed to create lasting impacts. Just as medieval cathedrals were built to outlast their creators, the initiatives led by Travel Alliance Partnership aim to transform destinations sustainably rather than being a flash in the pan.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.tapintotravel.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemahoney/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MahoneyNicole

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