Written by Allison Davies, RTO7 Communication Assistant
Intro and Background
During COVID, RTO7 has provided many different types of support for our industry partners. There have been several programs that have morphed into other supports like the ‘
From Home Music Series’ featuring 20 local musicians executed by Chris Scerri Presents. This series drew attention to the music side of tourism and led to Victoria Yeh’s ‘
Travel By Sound Series’ that celebrates music, music venues and their communities across the region. RTO7 continues to shine the spotlight on tourism operators from across the region whether it is music, culinary, artisans or retailers using our BruceGreySimcoe social channels.
The Campaigns
A social media campaign that started out as an avenue to shine the spotlight on
Shop Local retailers offering curbside pickups and home delivery evolved into campaigns that featured local restaurants, tourism businesses, guides, stores, attractions and accommodations.
As restrictions have changed, our approach to the programming has changed. But our goal has not changed – to highlight local tourism offerings, introduce restaurants, promote local tourism businesses, guides, retailers, attractions and accommodations to the local residents. To provide these businesses with as much coverage as possible with a responsible message that matches the current stage of recovery.
As the 2021 holidays approached, the series focused on experiences as gifts and festive events. When restaurants had to revert to takeout in the new year, we upped the series to 6 to 7 posts a week specifically focusing on
local takeout options and creative outdoor dining. This particular morphing took off and restauranteurs were lining up to be included in the schedule.
Currently on the BruceGreySimcoe Facebook and Instagram channels, we are running a Monday/Wednesday/Friday series called ExploreDreamDiscover . The posts have been running since October and have pivoted along the way culminating in today’s current format. Posts are focused on themes like outdoor guiding services, spas and breweries and feature operators from across Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties. Just what you and your neighbours need right now – distraction and celebration. The BruceGreySimcoe tourism region has all this and more.
Posts can be viewed on the
BruceGreySimcoe Facebook page as well as on the
BruceGreySimcoe Instagram feed. Engagement, shares and reach on these posts have been impressive. One Facebook/Instagram post we did recently, supported with a $50 advertising buy, received 460 reactions, comments and shares and a reach of 70,660. Not a bad return on a $50 spend.
How You Can Be Part of the Campaigns
We are always looking for new operators and unique offerings to feature. Want your business in the spotlight? Email Allison,
adavies@rto7.ca or DM her via Instagram or Facebook.
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