City of Duluth announces Tourism Marketing working group recommendations

The working group advised choosing a firm through a request for proposals process to deliver destination marketing services for two years, supervised by Visit Duluth.

City of Duluth announces Tourism Marketing working group recommendations
Howie / HowieHanson.com

A Duluth Tourism Marketing working group unveiled several recommendations today.

The group assessed the current marketing strategies, pinpointed areas needing enhancement and formulated plans to boost Duluth's profile and economic benefits as a top tourist destination over six months of weekly meetings, according to a press release distributed by the City of Duluth.

The working group advised choosing a firm through a request for proposals process to deliver destination marketing services for two years, supervised by Visit Duluth. The contract will concentrate on vital aspects of sustaining and improving Duluth's attractiveness to tourists.

The two-year contract structure and emphasis will be an intermediary step from the current marketing approach to a new, advised framework derived from a strategic destination marketing plan.

Additionally, the group suggested creating a long-term destination marketing model, steered by the findings of a governance study, to align with the strategic objectives outlined in a Destination Development Plan by the successful RFP applicant. This strategic plan will be crucial in defining the future of tourism in Duluth.

The working group also proposed a decade-long operating agreement between the City of Duluth and the Destination Management Organization to ensure consistency and stability as new measures are implemented.

Tourism Marketing Group members include:

Lydia DeGrood, maurices

Haley Hedstrom, Lake Superior Zoo

Lindsay Kern, Kern & Co.

Mark Mahla, Grandma’s Restaurant

Shari Marshik, Upper Midwest Film Office

Josh Miller, Lake Superior Railroad Museum

Karen Pionk, Sheraton Duluth Hotel

Anna Tanski, independent consultant

Terese Tomanek, Duluth City Council

Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, formerly of Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra

Jason Vincent, Boat Club Restaurant and JayBee Travel

Tom Werner, Duluth International Airport

The current tourism marketing contract was issued for three years and expires on December 31, 2024.