Travel and Tourism looks at promotional video options

During the Hot Springs Travel and Tourism meeting, the board visited with guest Durward Jones regarding a 30-second commercial spot and a three- to five-minute video to promote Thermopolis. At the last meeting, the board agreed to enter a contract, not to exceed $4,500, with Jones for the project.

Jones attended the meeting to get an idea of the board’s desired vision for the project. At the previous meeting, there was some discussion about filming various events through the year. Jones said the filming could take at least a year, with hours of footage. He was open to setting up an online page for various footage, then shrink it down into a video that will get people to “pump the brakes” when they’re coming through town.

Jones further added the more creative the video the better results it will get, and he’s willing to be as creative as the board wants. He also cautioned the video would be much like the news, showing only a glimpse of the full picture of what Thermopolis is about. While the video can show a lot of things, he’s not sure it would make people stop on their way through.

Rather than having a video full of footage from events, Director Amanda Moeller said the direction they’ve gone with other videos is to show more of the outdoor activities available here.

Board president Kevin Skates noted Thermopolis has plenty of draws, and tourism stays relatively consistent. He was for promoting things already here rather than individual events. Jones said he could focus on those things, and use the video as a tool to make people aware of them. He added it would be good to focus on what makes Thermopolis unique.

Moeller said the video should focus on seniors and those with families. Jones said to that end it should be almost cartoony and attractive to small children, as they will likely tell their parents and grandparents they want to come to Thermopolis to see the sites.

Secretary Angie Guyon suggested making multiple commercials and putting them in rotation, as it wouldn’t cost any more and the information doesn’t have to come as quickly so viewers absorb it easier. Vice president Rick Tudor suggested having seasonal-based videos.

Jones said, in the end, he’s shooting for something that people are proud to show and have a “warm and fuzzy” feeling about. The next step, he said, is to get together a solid list of events they definitely want him to cover. He plans to go out and shoot some general footage.

Also during the meeting, the board discussed the 2017 solar eclipse. Skates noted there have been meetings regarding the event to get people ready for the population influx expected and prepare emergency management plans. He questioned whether those who open their space for people and charge for it have to charge a lodging tax. Moeller said those people should charge a lodging tax, but that is something they would have to set up through the state. Reservations at hotels and campgrounds are already coming in.

Also with regard to the eclipse, Skates said people have been told the best place to see it would be the canyon, so it could become a dangerous high-traffic area. There has been some discussion about lowering the speed limit through the canyon.

Moeller reported the Keys to the City campaign is underway. There was some delay in getting the key chains here, meaning the promotion started later than expected but will go until March 19. Visitors who stay at local hotels can get the key chains, which allow them discounts at local businesses.

Moeller noted she has heard no negative feedback on the key chains being late, or the event being pushed back into March. Keys to the City, she said is an opportunity to self- and cross-promotion, as those giving them out can also direct people to the participating businesses.