Take Pity on Me!

Campaign uses text messaging, street teams to promote Scottsdale as winter haven

    http://www.PleasePityMe.com

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 16 /-USNewswire/ -- The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau's annual "Take Pity on Me!" promotion targets residents from cold-weather cities, specifically Chicago and New York. This unique campaign is part of the latest marketing strategies the bureau is using to entice potential visitors to choose Scottsdale as a winter getaway.

    "The interactive 'Take Pity on Me!' contest draws visitors to our website to explore what Scottsdale has to offer, ultimately increasing our visitation," said Lauren Simons, vice president of marketing for the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This year's campaign includes not only the promotional contest and more traditional media such as cable TV, outdoor and print ads, but also the use of newer technology such as text messaging."

    Wall scapes and column wraps in New York's Times Square subway station and an outdoor building ad scape in downtown Chicago incorporate a text messaging component to utilize current technology, reach a younger audience and encourage additional contest entries.

    Interacting with potential visitors are street teams, who will pass out Scottsdale-branded promotional items in high-trafficked areas of New York and Chicago, as well as at the Chicago Polar Bear Club's annual dip in Lake Michigan.

    "Even though travelers are increasingly using online technology to plan vacations, we feel the ability to interact personally with Scottsdale is important to our potential visitors," said Simons. "This campaign provides both a high-tech and high-touch approach."

    The bureau's ads juxtapose the winter lifestyle of those living in New York and Chicago to that of Scottsdale, and encourage winter sufferers to share their tales of woe by submitting a photo or video to the bureau at http://www.PleasePityMe.com. Entries for the "Take Pity on Me!" contest will be accepted through Feb. 29. Online voting for the top 10 photos and videos will take place March 3-14. A winner for each medium will be chosen March 17, and winners will receive a three-night getaway to Scottsdale.

    Last year's contest generated nearly 65,000 page views for the bureau's website along with 167 photo and video entries. The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is responsible for marketing Scottsdale as a premier travel destination to national and international target audiences, including meeting and incentive planners, travel agents, tour operators and individual tourists.