During this holiday season, media outlets aren’t the only ones that are publishing gift guides. Tourism boards and attractions are also curating lists of recommendations for products and services reflecting what their destinations have to offer visitors.
As a marketing tool, these destination-focused holiday gift guides highlight local businesses, public attractions, outdoor spots and other places.
The Illinois Office of Tourism’s Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guideis part of the Illinois Made program and features statewide small businesses who are program membersl They are known as “Makers.”
The gift guide began in 2016. This year’s edition holds products from 19 businesses, ranging from gourmet chocolates and handmade skin care products, to coffee and candles.
“General eligibility for inclusion is based on the overall visitor experience, sourcing locally and an incredible business story that’s authentic to Illinois,” said Daniel Thomas, the tourism board’s deputy director. “We recently added 48 local small businesses to the program - the largest and most diverse class to date!”
They vary from a custom golf driver from Sub 70 in Sycamore to the experience of making a Latin-inspired candle at Warm Wick in Brookfield, to Joint & Muscle CBD topical ointment from Hempstock Pharms in Woodstock and all-natural dog treats from Bear’s Bites in Peoria.
“Our goal with the gift guide is to capture the cultural diversity and creative ingenuity found in every corner of Illinois,” noted Thomas.
Thomas added that over the years, the Makers who have been featured in gift guides have told the tourism board how much it positively impacts their business. As another success story, the Makers have formed a community of their own through collaborating, mentoring or solving small business growth challenges.
“We have so many examples of our Makers using each other’s products to help either grow their own business or enhance their experiences,” noted Thomas.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has released a toy catalog called “Tennessee Playcation” in both print and digital versions.
According to the tourism board’s Commissioner Mark Ezell, “Tennessee Playcation” was developed in partnership with the advertising agency VMLY&R. The board worked with toy manufacturer Impact Photographics to produce the catalog’s mini building kits. In turn, to develop the kits, the company collaborated directly with the attractions throughout the state.
“The catalog is loaded with creative elements, games and activities to help inspire families as they plan their Tennessee Playcation,” said the tourism board’s Commissioner Mark Ezell. “Our hope is that kids will flip through the catalog and circle where they want to go.”
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