ITB Berlin. March 6-10, 2013 Berlin, Germany

Transcription

1 ITB Berlin March 6-10, 2013 Berlin, Rocky Mountain International Mathias Jung, Executive Director 2232 Dell Range Blvd, Ste. 101 Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009, USA Ph: (307) : (307) mjung@rmi-realamerica.com Web:

2 ITB- Berlin Executive Summary: March 6-10, 2013 Berlin, Participants: Mathias Jung Janine Wolski Maureen Droz Marlee Iverson Nancy Richardson Rita Greene Bellardo Kent Elliott Gary Schluter Marita Ross Lena Ross RMI-USA RMI- - Wiechmann Tourism Services South Dakota Department of Tourism Montana Office of Tourism Idaho Division of Tourism Wyoming Office of Tourism Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce RMHTours America 4 You America 4 You Overview: The RMI delegation joined a large U.S. contingent in the Brand USA Pavilion for ITB Along with the international representatives from state tourism departments of South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, co-exhibitors and RMI partner Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and official RMI receptive operators America 4 You and RMHTours joined the group. The booth was busy throughout the first three days of the show. 37 pre-scheduled appointments were on the docket and ranged from freelance journalists and travel publications looking to write a travel story about the region to wholesale tour operators, online marketing groups and exhibit providers looking to build or market the region product. Overall, 10 meetings were devoted to media while 27 to trade. We also accommodated many walk-up appointments throughout the week. In the end, 46 leads were produced, providing tremendous follow up potential and a successful outcome to the world s leading trade show for international travel. According to the ITB Berlin 2013 Closing Report, there were some 110,000 trade visitors, down slightly from 2012, which came to obtain information about all sectors of the international travel industry from nearly 10,100 exhibitors from 189 countries representing the entire spectrum of the international travel industry. Nearly 60,000 members of the general public came during the weekend to find out about holiday destinations and new travel ideas. Of the 46 leads produced at ITB, 11 were first-time contacts. The remaining contacts were with operators and media that have long-standing relationships with the region, offering solid amount of regional product or producing feature articles on a regular basis. It is nice to reconnect with those companies and people that continue to sell and/or write about the region. Demand was definitely high. It was notable that many German, Austrian and Swiss operators that we met with were looking to promote existing product. We received proposals covering all points on the marketing spectrum, from Newsletter and Facebook sponsorship to product content enhancement and hi-tech vacation builders. We also entertained several appointments that focused on travel agent e-learning programs. There is no shortage of opportunities to support those that sell the region to the end client. It s a matter of picking and choosing the ones that provide the best ROI and then establishing a tour operator support budget. New in 2013 and for the first time ever, ITB Berlin allowed direct sales of travel packages during consumer days. Taking advantage of this fact, we invited several tour operators who offer RMI region product to participate in our booth over the weekend. Due to the late notice, we were only able to recruit one company, Argus Reisen, who is a specialist operator for USA & Canada focusing on skiing, horseback riding and ranch vacations. Managing Director, Mr. Dirk Büttner, will be attending the RMI Roundup in April and Argus offers many ranch products ITB-Berlin

3 throughout the region. This strategy worked out extremely well as Argus staff was able to communicate with the general public, selling their offerings, while promoting our region states. I felt like the Brand USA Pavilion was less crowded and a bit slower than in years prior to 2013 when it was difficult to walk through the pavilion as the crowds were so large. Consumers were less well versed on the region as I recall from even 2012, with many knowing they would be traveling in the upcoming 6-12 months, but not entirely sure where. This presented an opportunity to capture their interest. Although crowds appeared smaller, all state and RMI materials were distributed by the end of the week. RMI and region states Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming along with the state of North Dakota and official Gateway Cities Denver, Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington hosted the annual Buckle Club Party on the Thursday of ITB. The event is a reception-style get-together at an off-site location meant for colleagues, partners and old friends throughout all RMI markets that have specifically done business with us in the past. It s a casual environment to reconnect, network, and often times create business opportunities, while showing our gratitude for those that bring visitors to the region. In 2013 we had an excellent turnout with over 45 guests in attendance. This continues to be an annual tradition that provides the region a unique way to connect with the travel industry. German Market Update: The German tourism market is heading for another good year in 2013 with stable consumer demand, according to the annual Reiseanalyse (Travel Analysis) survey. Researcher Martin Lohmann sees another good year ahead. Market researchers FUR, who conducted the survey for the Stuttgart travel fair CMT, said the results of the online survey pointed to strong demand this year. The holiday indicators are aiming for the high level of last year, commented Martin Lohmann, FUR adviser and author of the Reiseanalyse. According to the survey, 53% of Germans say they can afford to take a holiday this year and 59% say they will have the time to go away. About 24% want to travel more than last year and 28% will spend more, while only 17% will travel less and 18% will spend less. Germans are also confident about the economic conditions for 2013, with the number who expect the economy to worsen dropping to 47% from 53% last year. Only 24% expect their personal financial situation to worsen compared to 26% last year, 51% expect a stable private year and 24% believe their private situation will improve. Overall, this indicates a slight improvement, Lohmann said. In terms of destinations, no major changes are likely this year, according to the Reiseanalyse survey. itself will remain the top destination (30%) ahead of Spain, Italy, Turkey and Austria, which collectively account for two-thirds of all holidays taken by Germans. However, long-haul destinations as well as the Mediterranean and Scandinavia can hope for higher German bookings this year, the results showed. The USA still remains the number one long-haul destination. The only negative development, according to the survey, is that was probably overtaken by China as the world s largest outbound travel market last year, based on travel spending. Tour operators in are generally satisfied with summer 2013 bookings after a good January made up for a weak December. Although official figures for January will not be released until mid-february, the first month of 2013 was clearly a strong sales month for the German tourism market. After a fairly cautious booking trend in December, which was 2.1% lower than the same month of the previous year, things have now picked up in the last few weeks with good single-digit growth rates, said Dörte Nordbeck, tourism analyst at GfK, which conducts an in-depth monthly survey of travel agency sales. Since the beginning of January it s really taken off, declared Manuel Molina, head of the TSS travel agency cooperation. RTK chief Thomas Bösl said key summer destinations such as Spain and Turkey are all in strong demand. Moreover, Greece is profiting this year from the absence of negative headlines. Greece is selling much better than last year, he said. ITB-Berlin

4 According to travel agency sources, TUI s 12% summer bookings increase that it announced at the start of December has weakened while Thomas Cook s sales have picked up strongly in January after a slower start. After several years of double-digit growth, FTI and Schauinsland have lower growth rates at present, according to travel agents. FTI sales director Ralph Schiller said: Bookings are going well. We re satisfied. Schauinsland chief Gerald Kassner added: Our target for 2013 is a 7% revenue increase, like every year. But we ve also exceeded it every year. In contrast, Rewe Touristik had a poor start to the 2012/13 tourism year with a bookings slump that agents blamed on overpriced offers. Sören Hartmann, head of the package holidays operator, admitted that bookings initially dropped but stressed: We are moving upwards week by week and are now slightly ahead of last year. I m not concerned. Evaluation of ITB 2013: The significance of the German market for inbound visitation to the U.S., added to the volume of business conducted, along with the marketing opportunities presented and the networking possibilities, make ITB Berlin an imperative component of the RMI states annual marketing plan. As one of the world s largest meeting places for international tourism, this venue provides access to not only the German-speaking market, but also trade and media across all RMI target markets, making it a great use of staff time and budget allocations. Having Official RMI Receptive Operators America 4 You and RMHTours attend creates an impact for the entire region. These region specialists can book the product and drive sales and are a key factor in what ultimately brings the visitors to the region. Moreover, Official RMI Partner Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce added significant knowledge and insider expertise to one of the most popular areas in the entire region provided a good sign that tourism to the region from the German-speaking market is stable and showing signs of increase for the 2013/14 year. Plans are in motion for a completely redesigned booth with a new brand, visuals, technology, layout and functionality. It is recommended that we keep our strong presence at ITB in 2014, while exploring opportunities to partner with Brand USA. Respectfully submitted, Mathias Jung Executive Director Rocky Mountain International ITB-Berlin

5 ITB Berlin Leads Company Name Type Country Dr. Volker Mehnert Journalist Mr. Bernhard Krieger Journalist Mr. Kurt J. Ohlhoff Journalist Mr. Ulrich Pfaffenberger Journalist Ms. Susi Boxberg Journalist 100camps.com Nishesh Shivhare Other India 3rd Planet Edwin Lim Other America Journal Christoph Moeskes Journalist America Unlimited Julia Kohlenberg, Timo Kohlenberg, American Sports & Travel Information Dr. Margit Brinke, Dr. Peter Kränzle Journalist amerikareisen.at Mrs. Karin Ochenbauer, Mr. Thomas Felver Austria Argus Die Fotografen Peter Frischmuth ARGUS REISEN GmbH Mr. Dirk Büttner, Claudia Nagel AUSanders Mr. Martin Sanders Bike the Best Mrs. Michaela Fischer Travel Agency Canusa Touristik GmbH Anngret Rossol, Mr. Kolja Kassner CRD International - North America travelhouse Mrs. Nora Saar Effata' Tour Paolo Pellegrino Italy Fairservices.net Mr. Carsten Steffen Other Faszination Ski/Faszination Fernweh Carsten Duebler Finest Hotel Collection Ms. Jenifer Rajzl, marketing executivve Other-Events Flex Travel, TUI Suisse Ltd. Mrs. Karin Bachmann - Asst. Product Management USA Switzerland FTI Frosch Touristik GmbH Ulrike Grube, Mrs. Laura Hutter Fuldaer Zeitung Walter Kreuzer Journalist ITB-Berlin

6 ITB-Berlin Leads - continued Geo-Saison Magazine Karl Teuschl Journalist Guiders GmbH André Richter Hagen Alpin Tours Mr. Winfried Hagen, Owner, Mr. Mathias Fleissner, Guide, Rita Hagen Hessischer Rundfunk Mr. Marc Schmidt Media Huson International Media Michael Andrews Media USA Jan Doets America Tours Priscilla Melse, PM Netherlands Knecht Reisen Lukas Schultheiss Switzerland MasterMedia Public Relations Michael Juhran Journalist Meier s Weltreisen Mrs. Claudia Marx, Product Manager N. America Muenchner Pressebuero Dr. Rudolf Stumberger Journalist Off The Path Sebastian Canaves Journalist Oktogon TV Mr. Juergen Fritsch Media Online Travel Training Lynne Good United Kingdom Pioneer Erlebnisreisen GmbH Mr. Edgar Schubert Profi Reisen Verlag Ms. Janin Nachtweh Journalist Austria PReiner H. Nitschke Verlags GmbH Mr. Dirk Koester Journalist Road Trip Magaine Wolfgang Greiner, CEO, Editor Journalist Südwestrundfunk Studio Mannheim" Mr. Henry Barchet Media Tourismus Schiegg Harry Weiler-Luvas TouriSpo GmhH & Co. KG Rebekka Brox, PR & Marketing Online Booking Portal United Airlines - Wolfgang Manner, Mrs. Heike Gruessner Airline Vacations by Rail Todd Powell USA ITB-Berlin

7 ITB Berlin Notes Journalist Journalist Mr. Kurt J. Ohlhoff Mr. Ulrich Pfaffenberger Rosmarinweg 4 D Isernhagen Pettenkoferstraße 4 D Markt-Schwaben / mail@kurtohlhoff.de pfaffenberger@editornetwork.de travelwriter@ .de ITB13: will change. Will add articles on different states. Wants to do a northern route in motorhome to SD, WY MT and ID in Doing ebooks in own layout. ITB12: Kurt has written a book on the Rocky Mountains that was to be published. The publisher has given the contract back to him. Kurt is thinking of publishing the book online with Kindle or Amazon. He'll add links, color photos and updates. He would like to publish next year when Kindle adds color. ITB06: Met with Mr. Ohlhoff. Works with Cruise America now, so they will most likely provide a camper for his tour to our region in 2007 to update his guidebooks. Will do the entire region and include ND too. He suggests we check out ITB05: Met with Kurt J Ohlhoff, Travel writer/photographer. He is doing an article this year on Lewis and Clark. Send updates and information asap - SD,MT and ID. Buckle Club 04 ITB04 - Met with Mr. Ohlhoff. Lewis and Clark life- in SD twice, remove one listing. Doing Lewis and Clark newspaper articles and contemplating new books on the region. Talking to Guido about campers and to Pacific North West too. Send Indian info along trad. Will pack up press kits on Monday ITB03: Stopped by to say that German publisher has put all USA regional guidebook updates, inluding Ohloff's Rocky Mountain book, on hold until the war is over, but should resume publishing (with promotion) next year. And he's darned mad about it. Working on Lewis and Clark stories and wants to cover Native American angle ITB Buckle Club Participant: Kurt Ohlhoff ITB2002: Dropped by and provided new and web address which is under construction right now. Getting out of the travel guide business except for edits. Writing for magazines and newspapers. Susanne please copy him in on your newsletter s. Hoping to pitch mini guide book on the Rockies to Merian Live. Did one on Hawaii, very nice. He will be updating the Rocky Mountain book but will change titles to something including National Parks. May come out summer of May have to do it in Fall. Probably begin and end in Denver. Susanne to talk to UA or NW/KLM about reduced or comped airfare. If it works, will request a regional itin and assistance with some accommodations and attractions. No follow up required. Chuck - send guide book. ITB13: Blog: The new thing is to load jump drive or send info. electronically and they go to cloud or to drop box to pick it up. The more information we can get him, the better. Brochure is a pdf and looks like a travel guide online. Will re-write the Buffalo RU story. Magazine name is Business Forum. He'll need dates and other activities, such as art show, Crazy Horse Volksmarch, etc. for the May rewrite of the Buffalo RU that he did. Needs information on aviation museums, needs a piece in lessor known aviation museums in region. Send 2-3 pictures plus of someone he can contact for a statement. Air and Space Museum, Ellsworth AFB were mentioned. Send info. on National Missile Historic Site. Also has a blog now on interested topics so we can give info to him. Needs ongoing info. Christine please follow up. GER10/09: Informed us that the Multi Media Show he did for Meso Reisen last year was very successful. Offered us to do that show again - whenever, wherever. Needs approx. 1 month notice and costs are 600, - Euro (including travel cost etc.) Took most photos himself but also thought our contributions very helpful. The Show focuses on Lewis & Clarks route and includes most sights in the RMI States. Show is 2x 50 minutes long and very detailed. Would very much to attend the Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota in Also with his wife, since she takes the photos. Would like to include parts of Wyoming and travel from Denver on up. We suggested a round tour including Cheyenne, Casper, Thermopolis, YNP as well as Cody and Sheridan. Will stay in contact with Mr. Pfaffenberger and follow up - would like to meet during ITB 2010 and plan in detail. GER09/09: Has an assignment to write an article on the Buffalo Roundup - is now looking for good photo material. This is the client magazine for private clients of a well known German bank. Circulaton approx Sent selected motives and also requested photo of Governor Rounds with SD. Will receive article and include in Media Clippings. GER06/09: Received his feedback regarding our interest request Buffalo Roundup Has attended 2004 and is still writing articles about it - however, would need an update. Cannot attend in 2009 but would be very interested in attending next year. Then would also like to widen his trip and ITB-Berlin

8 Journalist Journalist Mr. Bernhard Krieger Dr. Volker Mehnert Hermeskeiler Str. 3 D Köln Wiesenweg 22 D Bad Soden / / kriegerrom@aol.com vmredaktion@aol.com Mehnert888@aol.com ITB13: Christine met with Mr. Bernhard Krieger who visited the RMI region in December He and his wife recently published the first article of this tour (was provided in the monthly clipping report). Bernhard informed us that he was very happy with the organization of the tour. Everything went well and he and his wife were very excited about the ski resorts in Wyoming and Montana. He also informed us that he is currently working on an online ski magazine about the USA and Canada for ski enthusiasts (Ski USA Kanada). With this, they want to increase the popularity of lesser known North American ski regions The destinations will be introduced with a very ski specific angle and less general information. It is also planned to include videos in the online magazine. Publication is planned for either fall 2013 or fall 2014, depending on several regulations and possible public funds. Bernhard will keep us posted on the development of his online ski magazine GER12/12: Followed up with Mr. Krieger regarding his planned ski trip to the RMI region in December Provided the program prior to departure. Tried to clarify all open questions. GER10/12: Followed up with Mr. Krieger regarding his planned tour to WY and MT in December Mr. Krieger was able to arrange three overnights himself in WY and requested assistance with the rest of his stay. RMI will provide a contact for Heli skiing so that Mr. Krieger can arrange things directly. He also asked for ski passes, a guide for one day in each resort, assistance with an outfitter and the possibility of snowcat skiing (dependent on the weather situation). RMI is currently working on the itinerary. WTS requested rental car rates and will reserve a carb respectively. GER09/12: Writes for dpa, His wife writes for DSV Ski Magazine and other ski magazines and works for the public service radio station of ARD. Is working on a story about the ski areas Jackson Hole and Big Sky for the dpa. Will also be sold to the DSV ski magazine. As Mr. Krieger also writes for the magazine Feinschmecker, he plans to visit the Amangani Resort (among others), to create additional stories on upscale hotels and restaurants. Flights have been booked. Travel date is December 12 22, Requested assistance with the organization, ski passes, some of the hotels and maybe a ITB13: Volker wants to come back to the region to do a 2-3 week trip with focus on Montana and maybe Idaho. Has done a winter trip previously including SLC, YNP, Big Sky and Idaho and now wants to focus on another season. Discussed airlines and maybe a September trip through Chicago. Volker will figure routing out. Another possibility is to fly into SLC. Needs to find the best fare. MSPB is another choice, but mentioned that it's difficult through MSP. Perhaps United to Denver, Denver to MT. Connect to travel through Idaho. Maybe five days in MT and five days in ID or perhaps Volker would add more days. Discussed that he could do the 1st and last two days on this own, starting in SLC, then MT, ID, SLC. Would like to focus on hiking, biking and nature. Asked what is different about MT. Mentioned HWY 89 through MT, that includes both the prairie and mountains. September is a great time to visit. Mentioned Going-to-the-Sun HWY is closing around September 22nd for construction. Will organize the trip through RMI-. Asked if we have a budget for air. Volker mentioned that he will be writing for a top-notch publication and could maybe combine this with another trip. Maybe Chicago in 2014? Will not travel to Pow Wow this year. Christine, please follow up. GER03/12: Sent state material and RMI press kit for his preparation and planning. Also offered our support for his upcoming press trip to the RMI region. Mr. Mehnert will get in contact with us again after he decided when he plans to travel and which region he wants to visit. ITB12: Met with Dr. Mehnert. He planned a trip at ITB 2011, but never happened. He would like to come to the region soon. Says his time is limited he will have a strong focus on the Capitol Region. Topics for a potential story and fam tour to our region were discussed -- outdoor adventure/activities, hiking, biking, canoeing, etc., scenic byways. Is thinking a June 2013 trip would be possible. May have ideas for the trip by PowWow Will contact Janine to discuss options, but please follow up. Send materials packets for him to research. ITB11: German journalist writing mainly for FAZ. In 2004 went to the Buffalo RU and in 2001 went to Wyoming for ski (Jackson). Looking for an activity focused fam to our region. Ideas include hiking and bicycling. We discussed the ITB-Berlin

9 Journalist Other Ms. Susi Boxberg 100camps.com Bonner Str. 21 D Köln Nishesh Shivhare India ITB13: Wrote a nice SD/ND motorcycle article in Austrian magazine in December Tried to come to Montana, but could not get international flight covered. Will ask again. Discussed Eagle Rider in Billings, Beartooth Pass and Goingto-the-Sun HWY. Will send a pdf of article to Maureen. Christine please follow up as well. 10 page article in Motorrad Magazine in Austria. The German article will be coming out in June. Vicky Engalhaupt hosted them and met them in Sturgis last summer. ITB11: Met with Susi. (Have met with her before with Klaus Daams) She is a freelance journalist writing for magazines and the emphasis on motorcycles. Is writing for Motorrad News. Will send a copy and details on publication. Is interested in a press trip to the RMI region to write about motorcycle routes and attractions in Montana. Carola explained the procedure and working through RMI- and suggested a coop with a tour operator or other publications to get the airfare covered. Gave RMI guide and MT motorcycle sheet. ITB13: Walk-up appointment. Gave him Mathias' card and referred to RMI website for itineraries through the region. Is wanting to promote region for adventure travel. Will send Mathias a presentation via camps.com is India's favorite portal for adventure travel and gear. Mathias forward to the states when you receive. ITB-Berlin

10 Edwin Lim Other 3rd Planet Geisbergstrasse 39 D Berlin Journalist America Journal Mr. Joachim Latka, Ms. Julia Latka, Editor, Sascha Hüsing, Marc (65) (0) (0) ITB13: Mathias met with Edwin Lim. This is an online marketing tool showcasing the Wonders of the World in a 3D, gaming style interactive program. All online and focused on the China market. The event is launching in Gives an interactive, 3D tour of a destination. Very cool, but costs are probably too prohibitive for RMI region to even consider. He mentioned that it would be $80,000 to cover one "wonder: ie. Mount Rushmore. Mathias referred to Brand USA as a more suitable target. info@latka.de jlatka@latka.de, jalatke@latka.de ITB13: Met with new Editor Christoph Moeskes. He started in November He is enjoying learning about the USA through the articles in the publication. Was a general gettingto-know you meeting. Updated them on what's new in the region. Each state reviewed their sheets and we received the editorial calendar for the upcoming year. GER03/12: In their March/ April issue 2012 they started with a section called Shooting Star which shows the best photo by a reader of the America Journal. The text next to the large photo said that Claudia Zinsmeister took this one while driving trough the Badlands National Park in South Dakota with her father. The photo was taken at sunset and shows the beautiful nature. Author: editorial department / Claudia Zinsmeister, Length: 1/2 page, Value $3941. They published an article called Entry to the holy land. This is a 3-page article written by the author Thomas Jeier who describes the Indian life, travel opportunities and highlights for tours and visits. After a short introduction about the most important things to consider when travelling to Native American Reservations the article tells stories about the Custer s Last Stand Reenactment festival in Montana, which shows the Native American culture and their life followed by detailed information about Pow-Wows. Photos published show a tipi of the Plains tribe in the Black Hills, Native American girls at the Gathering of Nations as well as Jerry Yellowhawk of the Lakota Sioux. At the end of the article an extensive section with background information is provided for the readers. Links to various attractions, tour examples and events and activities are listed. Length:3 pages, Ad value: 23, USD They also have a section called America Insider reader tip. This one is about a Cowgirl in Wyoming. The author Karin Maeule talks about her 2-week vacation experience at the New Haven Ranch in Wyoming. She learned all about life on a ranch and said it was fun and hard work at the same time. This short article is supported by a great photo of some ranch people riding horses practicing how to cast a lasso. Length: 1/2 page, Ad value: 3, USD ITB12: Met with Julia Latka. America Journal is set for their 2012 editorials, but interested in sending some journalists this ITB-Berlin

11 Leonhardtstr. 10 D Hannover America Unlimited Julia Kohlenberg, Timo Kohlenberg, Rainer Hillers, Ms. Marion Metzstr. 37 Postfach / D Augsburg Journalist American Sports & Travel Information Dr. Margit Brinke, Dr. Peter Kränzle Julia Same As ITB13: Met with Julia and Timo. Disucssed proposal to be presented at Boise meetings in April with Mathias and Janine. Has a new proposal for Facebook and NL. RMI region would take over the theme for America Unlimited's FB page for 1 month. Sponsored posts would be included. They currently have 37,000 fans. In addition, would be the theme for their NL that goes to 130,000 subscribers. Cost is $10,000. Provides all click-thru and booking analytics. Proposal gives great reach to clients interested in visiting the U.S. April and May or November, January or February would be best months. Proposal will be presented and offered at the 2013 meetings in Boise. GER11/12: The 2013 catalogue has been sent out November 13, So far they have received many bookings. The travel year 2013 has already a plus of 20% compared to last years booking start. He will announce the new catalogue via newsletter beginning of December together with the announcement of their new website. The catalogue hasn't changed much compared to last year. We contacted Kati to say thank you again for participating in the RMI Mega Fam She mentioned that she had a wonderful time and learned a lot. Also informed us, that the new North America brochures are ready and we will receive a copy soon. They also re-launched their homepage We sent image dvd and will stay in contact. MegaFam12: Katharina Nowroth, Chicago pre PW12: Met with Julia. Overall business is up 42%. They are the second biggest tour op on Facebook (TUI is largest), with 26,000 friends. Discussed promotion - two page co-op featuring events, powwows, etc. Also the Facebook theme promo might be better option and is good at creating awareness but is hard to track bookings. We already asked Timo to send promotion details. They work with RMHT. RMI- pls followup. ITB12: Met with Timo and Julia Kohlenberg. Pam met with them at GoWest Summit. Rita covered new flights, BW Cody opening, Heather Falk leaving the Chamber in Jackson to be with the Hampton. Maureen gave a Rapid City Plaza update, Deadwood area new hotel and new hotels in Rapid City along with Buffalo RU dates. Janine please send 200 Black Hills brochures. Nancy covered What's New in Idaho. Mathias brikrae@aol.com ITB13: Met with the "Dr's." Planning an update to travel guide, with a chapter on each state. Updates every year to 15 months. Are planning a trip to Denver, WY, MT, SD, ND and MSPB to update. Could also work for articles in Quarter Horse Journal, America Journal, ranches, etc. Will attend the Black Hills Stock Show. Very interested in the Rapid City Pow Wow while in the area -- Oct Follow up with information on the Mickelson Trail Top 10, CSP WIldlife Loop Top 10. Will stay in touch with RMI- to plan dates. In Montana, discussed Little Big Horn Battlefield with overnight in Billings. Covered pictograph caves, Pompey's Pillar to perhaps Miles City or HWY 12 through Ashland. Needs to end up in Rapid City. Christine please follow up. GER11/12: Talked with Mr. Peter Kraenzle, freelance travel book writer, regarding their upcoming projects. They will attend the Go West Summit in Fort Worth, TX next year. Additional plans for 2013 are attending Pow Wow in Las Vegas and they are thinking about traveling to the Rocky Mountain Region. Starting in Denver going to Wyoming, North and South Dakota. They are talking to their publisher about renewing the USA North West Guide. We asked if there might be a chance that they will also publish in America Journal. And Peter stated that there is always a chance for publication and most likely, but there is no assignment yet. We will stay in contact and offer our further assistance. GER09/12: Published "Der wilde Westen lebt - Wyoming" - The wild west is alive - Wyoming in Quarter Horse Journal GER05/12: American Journal with emphasis on the United States as a travel destination. Published 6 times a year with a circulation of approx. 37,500. In their May/June issue 2012 they published an article called Protected by the mountains. This is a 3-page article written by the authors Margit Brinke & Peter Kraenzle who describes the scenic Byways and Highways of the RMI region. 4 pages. Value of $86,445. Quarter Horse Magazine is published monthly with a circulation of approx. 26,000. In their May/June 2012 issue they published a long article called A vacation through the American Northwest about Indians, horses and pipes, which is written by Margit Brinke & Peter Kraenzle. Various ITB-Berlin

12 Buchberggasse 34 AT-3400 Klosterneuburg Austria amerikareisen.at Mrs. Karin Ochenbauer, Horst Wurm, Mr. Thomas Felver Peter Frischmuth Rethweg Jork Journalist Argus Die Fotografen (0) / (0) karin.ochenbauer@amerikareisen.at thomas.felver@amerikareisen.at frischmuth@argus-foto.de ITB13: Met with Karin and Thomas. Gave an update on the region, covering what's new in each state. Is not attending Roundup this year. Uses Dirk at Argus Reisen for ranch stays. Attended the BC Party. Selling more activities now along with rooms and airlines. GER11/12: We contacted Thomas to say thank you again for participating in the RMI Mega Fam He told us that it was another great trip and he had lots of fun. He also thanked us for his third participation in a Mega Fam. We sent image dvd as well as new brochure material to hand out to their clients. We will stay in contact. MegaFam12: Thomas Felver, MSPB post ITB12: Met with Karin, Horst and Thomas. Bookings increased after the flier we supported was distributed at several consumer shows. RMI region product is doing well. Is interested in a presentation/slideshow for use at shows. Janine please ask about details of what they're looking for. Gets all product from RMHTs and A4Y. Their fly/drive product is their best offerings and motorcoach is not so good. Ranches not selling very well. They usually build in time on their fly/drives for visitors to visit ranches where the ranch is booked through Argus Reisen. Gave What's New. Thomas wants to come on the Mega Fam. They were the first arrivals at the BC Party. GER11/11: Received first outline for the RMI and ND Flyer. Corrected some mistakes and gave suggestions for alternative photos. Flyer was printed with 4000 circulation and was first distributed during the Salzburg Consumer Show at the Americareisen.at booth. Karin stated that this first show was very successful. GER10/11: Discussed details about the upcoming Flyer project with Karin. Has good photos of almost all RMI highlights, however was in need of good ones of Glacier NP & Craters of the Moon National Monument. Sent requested photos as well as logos and discussed promoted highlights of each state. Flyer will not include bookable product but highlight the region and therefore attract clients to book with Karin and her widespread offers in the RMI States, North Dakota and the Gateway Cities. Also requested RMI German website to be included in the Flyer. Flyer to be printed before November 18, ITB13: Briefly stopped by booth and met with Maureen. May come to the US again, but not sure yet. Would like to come to SD. Gave him press kit CD for region. ITB-Berlin

13 Alte Dorfstrasse 44A D Bovenden ARGUS REISEN GmbH Mr. Dirk Büttner, Claudia Nagel, Manja Hattwig, Sonja Paul, Mr. Martin Sanders Wachtelweg 25 DE Rosenheim AUSanders (0) (Dirk) (0) (Claudia) ITB13: Met with Dirk and Clauda. Argus participated in ND and RMI booth on Saturday, and RMI booth on Sunday. Went really well. During meeting discussed their new flyer. Just opened a new office near Saltzberg, Austria on the border of that Claudia will be managing. Will forward all contact details, but Janine please follow up to make sure we have the right details. Will be opening a 3rd office soon as well. Has highlight options to promote product on their website Homepage. Is a $6,000 promotion and includes NL and other inclusions for long-term content building. Can start small and add additional content later. Discussed the 4D ranch TV program on German Public Programming. 1,000 minutes will be aired on the ranch. We covered what's new in each state. Janine please follow up. GER11/12: Claudia contacted us regarding the next Pferd & Jagd which will take place December 06 to They will have a large booth and offered us to send brochure material again. RMI agreed to send 800 Real America Guides. Claudia will also provide us with details of the show (number of consumers, photos etc.) afterwards. We will follow up on the results of the show. GER06/12: Claudia provided us with some details about the "Pferd und Jagd 2011": Took place from December 05 to 08, 2011 in Hannover. The largest show for horse riding, fishing and hunting in Europe. The show, which takes place more than 30 years achieved a visiting record in people came within the 4 days. Argus Reisen had a large booth, they placed brochures, had a slide show and a raffle. First prize was one week ranch vacation at the Longhorn Guest Ranch 4D in Idaho. We sent 800 Real America Guides which were well calculated, because almost all where gone by Sunday evening. Most visitors were very excited to find some brochures about the destinations as well as the Argus brochures. The focus was on ranch vacation but people also asked for fly drives or combinations of ranch vacations and fly drives. An exact analysis is difficult but they generated some numbers through the raffle. 820 persons participated in the raffle and resulted in12 bookings to the RMI region. 18 more RMI bookings which can be traced back to the "Pferd & Jagd". The ITB13: Met with Martin. Mainly a catching up meeting. The Australian market is doing well. Has WY ranches in Honeymoon Flyer. Will attend RU2013 in Boise. GER01/13: Martin sent us his new wedding brochure which also features ranch weddings in the Rocky Mountains. The Paradise Guest Ranch, the Willow Creek Ranch at The Hole in the Wall and the Lost Creek Ranch in Wyoming are presented including a great photo with cowboy theme. He also registered for the RMI Roundup 2013 in Boise. Unfortunately he has no time to go on the Post Fam this year. He is really looking forward to it. GER06/12: We talked to Martin again about the RMI Roundup in Buffalo. He told us he liked it very much, made great connections, met great people and had a wonderful time. RMI did a great job and arranged everything very well. Also the Wyoming Post Fam fulfilled his expectations, saw great Ranches and he enjoyed that tour. He also told us he plans to include the Paradise Ranch, he visited during the Wyoming Post Fam into his new brochure, which will be produced soon. RU12: Martin Sanders to attend ITB12: Met with Martin and Uli Edelmann. Uli works in conjunction with AUSanders as a tour operator and creates the brochures. Martin gave us several copies of his RMI region flier that we supported. The flier is available online for download. Looks great! 3 months after production, Martin already had requests from 10 likely visitors and has distributed 300 since printing, in addition to the distribution at the consumer shows in Nov Martin is looking forward to Roundup. We covered all What's New info. GER12/11: Followed up with Martin and he could report that he successfully received 5 bookings already since our Consumer Events to promote the RMI region. So far it was only the flights they booked (with Icelandair landing in Denver and departing from Seattle), but Martin hopes they will also book product, hotels and activity with him yet. Nevertheless, these are already pax into our region, no matter if they will book hotels etc. through Martin or not! Will stay in contact with Martin and further monitor the development of the new RMI product. Martin would very much like to attend RMI Roundup 2012 again. GER10/11: had forwarded various photos for the design and layout of the RMI Flyer. Martin now informed us he and Uli ITB-Berlin

14 Alemannenstr. 4 D Troisdorf Travel Agency Bike the Best Mrs. Michaela Fischer, Julia Nebo, Peter M. Fischer, Sarah Nebendahlstraße 16 D Hamburg Canusa Touristik GmbH Tilo Krause-Düenow, Owner; Annette Kuphal; Ms. Annika Leis; (Anngret) b.steffens@bikethebest.de m.fischer@bikethebest.de ITB13: Moved back to. That office is growing, but still has an office in Flagstaff. Is partnering with Papillion in the Grand Canyon helicopter and Harley tour. Planning more trips to Milwaukee for 110 Harley Davidson anniversary for 2013, but 2014 is good for Sturgis. Spoke to Cody ad Buffalo at Pow Wow 2012 regarding sponsorship of a motorcycle video. Never pursued this due to hectic year in Ready now, so Peter will be in contact with both ASAP. Peter needs to contact Angela Jarvis (Buffalo) and Claudia Wade (Cody) for video assets. Nancy, send Sun Valley mail book - they didn't receive it. Janine please follow up. GER06/12: We talked to Susanne again about her experience at her first RMI Roundup and the South Dakota Post Fam. She thanked us for the great organization of her trip. She had a wonderful time: nice people, new contacts, great food, awesome hotel locations, amazing nature and landscapes. She was nearly speechless. She also told that she was very impressed she got her own tour to Sturgis and visit the Harley Davidson museum, as this is an important product for bikethebest. She would love to come again to the next RMI Roundup. RU12: Susanne Fuhrmann to attend GER03/12: Followed up regarding ITB appointment. Sent different state brochures and material about National Parks in larger number and offered our support again. ITB12: Met with Michaela and Peter. They are seeing good FIT requests for the RMI region. They attend many small shows in the biker scene to promote their tours. Are sending Susanne Fuhrmann to RU 2012 and SD Post Fam. Maureen discussed her fam briefly and mentioned that Susanne could do a site tour of the Mineral Palace in Deadwood. Michaela and Peter are moving to the Arizona office permanently in the next two months. Everything will stay the same, they just need to oversee operations in AZ. They have a new 15 night tour starting in Utah and covering all four RMI states. Gave What's New sheets. Janine please follow up and send the following materials WY Road Trip, 200 German RAG, 200 SD motorcycle brochure, 200 SD Parks, Monuments and Memorials, 200 region maps, 200 Black Hills maps, 100 YNP/GNP guides (Marlee will need to send), 50 GNP maps, 100 State HWY Maps. Peter is attending the ID motorcycle ham@canusa.de anngret.rossol@canusa.de ITB13: Met with Anngret and Kolja. 60% of business is repeat. Booking numbers are up. Mentioned the vacation builder promotion. Basically a trip planning tool where we could develop content and highlights. 6 week promotion, but stays online indefinitely. Takes around 5-6 weeks to develop. Is tied to social media - 36,000 FB fans. Would do FB ads and Google ad campaign. Is marketed on the NL, which goes to 520,000 subscribers. All analysis and bookings resulting from promotion is included. Has worked with other clients very well -- Visit Florida and Deep South. Could include 40 points of interest and could include GW Cities and possibly ND to reduce costs for everyone. Normal price is 16,000, but offering to us for 10,000. Best time to do it is May/June. Also mentioned the Bonus Card program and if we can send that out to region suppliers. Promotion will be presented at 2013 Summit Meetings and shortly thereafter to all possible partners involved. GER01/13: We discussed possible flyer with product offers for the upcoming consumer shows. Canusa produced a flyer to distribute during CMT for the RMI region. PW12: Met with Anngret Rossol, Product Manager. Introduced the Vacation Builder proposal for marketing/selling the RMI region. Very impressive. Will send complete details and proposal to Janine. Quoted at 15,000, but looks pretty incredible and maybe worth the investment. The setup will be featured on the homepage for a year, but then will stay on the site forever so has long-term viability and usability. 4 RMI states could partner with North Dakota and GW Cities and/or partners and private sector to reduce costs. Janine, please follow up and send complete proposal/details to Mathias. ITB12: Met with Nicole Haarmann and Anngret Rossol. Jackson was in their November 2011 NL. Will give feedback at PowWow about who is participating in their Bonus Card Program. Can provide 'test access' to the program for new suppliers. We can announce this at RU and/or Governor's Conferences. Gave What's New sheets and covered general new highlights. Owner Tilo Krause Duenow made a skiing trip to JH in Jan Mathias spoke with him at the Canusa Party and he said it was absolutely fantastic. Canusa is now going more toward emotional aspects in their product offering. Needs state photos. Now has an introduction page for Rocky ITB-Berlin

15 Stadthausbruecke 1-3 D Hamburg CRD International - North America travelhouse Michael Merkentrup, Mrs. Nora Saar, Ms. Meike Boldt, Mr. Ralf Paolo Pellegrino Via Tre Denti, Cantalupa (To) Italy Effata' Tour mmerkentrup@crd.de mboldt@crd.de paolo.pellegrino@effata.it ITB13: Met with Nora Saar. CRD was recently in touch with RMI regarding promotional possibilities in the next FY. Offered us their marketing campaign "Mein Nordamerika" and creating special product flyer. CRD has changed their back office software. Things are improved, especially FIT/Fly Drive. 30% increase in fly/drive to the US. Uses ATI, Travalco, A4Y, Bonatel and RMHTours. Increased their bookings for our region by 10-20% YTD in Discussed flyer printing that can be distributed at consumer shows that CRD attends along with a NL promotion. "Mein Nordamerika" - "My North America" is a product promotional tool. This will be part of German market proposals for FY14. Includes 7 chapters, covering the region. Total promotion is $8,000 and best time to book promotion is September to promote summer product. Would include all analytics and booking numbers. Facebook and NL inclusions. Content would stay online for a few years. Also produces a coffee table high end book for inspiration. Needs unique product imagery to put in book. GER11/12: We met Tom at the America Days in Hamburg at the beginning of November and talked again about his participation in the RMI Mega Fam 2012 in Montana & South Dakota. He told us he had a wonderful first trip to the RMI states and he had lots of fun, it was a perfect mixed group. Afterwards we sent the image dvd as well as brochure material and thanked again for his participation. We will stay in contact. MegaFam12: Tom Sandau GER05/12: They asked for guides and maps as travel preparation for their customers. We provided them with 75 Montana, Wyoming & South Dakota Guides & Maps. ITB12: Met with Friedrich Roth. Finished 2011 with plus bookings. January/February is a good booking time. Discussed "Destination of the Month" online promotion. This includes images, 2 videos, map, insider views, destination details, several topics of interest, all of which is connected to bookable product. Looks like a good promotion and we could coop with GW Cities and Partners to reduce individual cost. Up to seven boxes (topics) available. Using Facebook, Travelzoo to send visitors to this promotion. Friedrich mentioned it was really popular with other US ITB13: Walk-up appointment. Send lead to Olga's office. Tour operator interested in our region. took a Real America Guide and SD DVD at this time. ITB-Berlin

16 Mr. Carsten Steffen Bahnhofstr Wetzlar Other Fairservices.net Wintergasse 14 D Weinheim Faszination Ski/Faszination Fernweh Mrs. Manuela Dübler, Anja Jörder, Sandra Kätsch, Carsten 6441/ / carsten.steffen@fairservices.net ITB13: Mathias met with Mr. Carsten Steffen to discuss booth design options for RMI region at WTM, ITB and TTG. Fairservices offers booth design, construction, warehousing, etc. and works on all major trade shows that we're looking at. Has 26 clients in the Brand USA pavilion at ITB Including New England, Seattle, Illinois and Baltimore. RMI would be assigned one project manager for each show that would handle all parts of the booth. All project managers are onsite for the construction and booth set up for first two days of show. After that, 8 of the staff will be on throughout the show who can assist with any problems. Carsten will follow up to begin the discussion and to ask questions, send ballpark costs and designs to Mathias. Can negotiate space and location with B-For. RMI would by "space only" and fairservices would design based on total sqm. Mathias walked around the pavilion and pointed out all booth designs that would work for RMI region. Should have a proposal and designs in place for all three major shows to be presented at meetings in Boise, ID in April. faszinationski@t-online.de info@faszinationski.de ITB13: Met with Carsten. Is really happy with business. Has a new booking program whereby the customer can customize and adjust any itinerary on their website. Is doing more SEO with Google. Putting together marketing proposals for our region. Needs new images. Specifically requested JH images both for summer and winter. Also interested in video clips of WY for website. Took DVDs and images. Has two itineraries featuring Wyoming: Grand NW Tour - FIT/FlyDrive for the summer and Highlights of the West - FIT/FlyDrive. Janine please follow up. GER10/12: They requested photo material of Old Faithful Inn for their new brochure. We sent some pictures and referred to Xanterra Park & Resorts. GER09/12: They requested photo material of Jackson Hole. They are in contact with a journalist who will write a book about our region and therefore needs great pictures. We sent several ski photos and will follow up. GER04/12: Requested a video about Wyoming featuring nature, rafting and animal themes. We provided them with two different Wyoming videos. GER11/11: Requested larger amount of information material for their fall event, where Sandra will hold a presentation about her fam trip to Oregon, Washington and the RMI region (including Yellowstone NP and Idaho). Event will take place November 23, 2011 with approx. 150 clients, partners and interested visitors. We sent large amount of RMI Real America Guide GER09/11: Offered to attend their Faszination Ski/Fernweh client event on November 23, 2011, which they will organize in a location near their office. During this event they will present their 2012 summer product and also have space for booths, where destinations can present themselves to the visitors. Expect approx. 80 people. They offered RMI to be present and also hold short presentation about the RMI States and distribute material. Cost: approx. 500 USD plus travel cost of approx. 200 USD. We declined due to the fact that our office is very busy during that time (VUSA Media Events in Munich and Hamburg, vacation etc.) and we are not able to send someone. Also recommended to send information about such ITB-Berlin