Marketing

North Dakota encompasses a number of important nature tourism destinations including Lake Sakakawea, Audubon Natural Wildlife Refuge, Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, Chase Lake Natural Wildlife Refuge, McKenzie Slough, and Arrowwood Natural Wildlife Refuge, among others.

In addition to the sites themselves and the communities surrounding the eco-tourism destinations, important partners in marketing include the Garrison Conservancy District, the US Bureau of Reclamation, the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, North Dakota Tourism, and the State of North Dakota.

Effective marketing will depend on a combined state, regional, and community commitment to telling North Dakota’s story to both in state travelers who have already chosen to travel in North Dakota and to remote travelers who have not yet chosen ND as a destination.

Regional web based marketing is essential, especially in the initial phase of marketing. Web-based marketing provides cost-effective, real-time information that can be tailored to the opportunities of the moment while providing ample material for repackaging into print media for pamphlets and brochures to be distributed at rest stops, visitor centers, area businesses and interpretative centers.

Web marketing materials could and should include:

-Up to date information about the various eco-tourism sites
-Interactive features such as bulletin boards
-Sample itineraries
-Detailed interesting information about various sites
-PDF guides that can be printed
-Checklists (PDF)
-Links to goods and services providers
-Weather information
-Travel conditions
-Links to ND Tourism website
-Estimated travel budgets for various itineraries
-Ability to book and purchase on line