Saving the Best (Meeting) for Last

Ever gone on vacation and assumed everyone in the restaurants, gifts shops, etc., were trying to put the financial screws to you? I used to — until my parents moved to Springdale in the early 90’s. As they got to know the Laura Doty’s and the Shelley Coxes, the Smiths and the Youngs, I came to know them, as well, although vicariously at that time. I realized people working in “tourists towns” are just that — people. People trying to make a living in a home town others want to visit.

I wish there had been some information given in those towns I visited while going to Mount Rushmore or Williamsburg, Virginia, et al. Maybe a sign like, “your vacation, our town.” Or a little placard in a hotel room describing the town and what it has to offer outside of its Mt Rushmore. I would have been a lot less judgmental and a lot more willing to buy stuff, I must say.

Last Thursday, the Springdale Messaging Initiative group held a meeting to tell us that, basically, that’s what they are about. They are working on ways to communicate to tourists the “human-ness” of those who live and work in Springdale full time. This would naturally evolve into greater respect shown to townies by visitors.

It was a well-run meeting with a lot of ideas they had already come up with and a request for input from all of us. They encouraged us to tell them what we liked about what they had already come up with or come up with ideas of our own to replace or enhance what they had done. We should all take the time to answer their questionnaire.

I was so impressed by everything and so excited to help in anyway I can. I know I cannot do better than what they’ve done in coming up with ideas. This could be downright life enhancing, for those who host (about 600 of us), as well as those who come to be hosted (about 5 million per annum).

Rather than trying to repeat everything they said, please check out their presentation available online. Look at all the information found here: <https://www.springdaletown.com/584/Messaging-Initiative>

Take the survey. Be a part of the communication improvement. How do you think we can most effectively communicate with our 5 million visitors to let them know we are not a tourist town as much as a town who welcomes tourists? What exactly should we be communicating to enhance mutual respect?

We want to be the kind of hosts which make visitors want to come back again and again. We want tourists to be the kind of visitors we would enjoy welcoming back again and again. This Messaging Initiative is a giant step in that direction.

Check it out.