IN THIS ISSUE: Outlook on Tourism News & Initiatives Convention Sales Seattle Tourism SCVB Member Events Member Opportunities New SCVB Members SCVB In the Community

NEW MARKET INFORMATION CENTER IS A HIT

SCVB's new Market Information Center opened for business on June 15 at the entrance to the Pike Place Market at 1st and Pike. During the month of July, the center attracted 11,508 patrons requesting brochures, maps and other information, as well as booking tours and making restaurant reservations.

James Weaver serves as Concierge at the new Market Information Center.

The opening of the center is a collaboration between SCVB and the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority. The intent is to offer a first-class visitor information facility that serves the needs of Seattle visitors and locals, as well as the Pike Place Market neighborhood and SCVB member businesses.

"The new Market Information Center brings a new dimension to locals and Seattle visitors with up-to-the-moment information on market events and vendors, along with our wealth of Seattle expertise," said Ann Peavey, Senior Manager of SCVB Seattle Visitor Center & Concierge Services. "Our membership should be thrilled with having an additional location to share their information with the public!"

The Market Information Center is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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SCVB LAUNCHES FACEBOOK AND TWITTER INITIATIVES

This summer, Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau delved into the world of social media, engaging visitors and locals and providing yet greater SCVB member marketing opportunities.

Launched in early July, SCVB's Facebook page has already attracted more than 65,000 "fans" from more than 20 countries. The site fills a previously unmet need for Seattle information and networking. Click here to visit SCVB on Facebook and become a fan.

On Twitter, follow the SeattleMaven (@seattlemaven), SCVB's official tweeter and 24/7 source of tips and tactics for Seattle trip planners and locals alike. No one knows Seattle like the SeattleMaven, who has attracted more than 1,500 followers in just six weeks. Click here to visit SCVB's Twitter page.

Editor's Note: Are you interested in learning more about social media as tourism marketing tools? Plan to attend the SCVB membership luncheon on September 15: Social Media – and you! To learn more or to register, visit SCVB's Member Events page.

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ARTISTS' GUIDE UPDATE

The newly expanded and updated second version of The Artists' Guide to Seattle is now available online and in person at SCVB's two visitor centers. The guide, which features Seattle from the perspective of 22 local artists, has proven popular with both visitors and locals since its inauguration last year.

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WOODSTOCK AT 40, BUMBERSHOOT AT 39

Four decades after Woodstock launched the era of modern festivals, Bumbershoot stages its 39th annual music and arts festival at Seattle Center this Labor Day weekend. Now North America’s largest urban arts festival, Bumbershoot is garnering media attention for its legacy of success on the mega-festival circuit. Click here to read recent coverage.

Bumbershoot draws music and arts lovers from around the world. Historically, 42 percent of its audiences come from outside King County, and when surveyed, 98 percent of these patrons said they came to Seattle specifically for the festival. Advance ticket sales through August 21 save nearly 30 percent; three-day, single-day, gold and platinum tickets are still available.

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION
Issue 9: August 2009

Also available online: visitseattle.org/news

Seattle Metronatural News is a quarterly tourism industry newsletter that is edited and published by Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau.