OTRD Training Camp to be held August 11

Spaces are available for our latest OTRD Training Camp coming up August 11.

This full-day session will provide the chance to meet and interact with OTRD staff to learn about programs and get assistance with specific areas of focus or concern. Participants will meet in our Oklahoma City office and get to know who we are and what we do.

Then, you will have access to our staff for individual appointments in the areas of public relations, sustainable travel, electronic marketing, group, and international travel. Learn how you can work with the Oklahoma Film & Music Office and what special requirements are needed for this industry. You will also have an opportunity to pitch your story to our public relations staff, Oklahoma Today magazine, and Discover Oklahoma television show.

For more information about this exciting, interactive program, please contact Deb Shumate at (405) 230-8402 or Deb@travelok.com. Space is limited, and all registrants will be added on a first come first served basis, so don’t delay!

FY2012 Travel Show Program: Reservations Open May 10

Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department’s 2012 FY Travel Show Program is NOW available! Click here to find descriptions of the program and the application/contract.

Opening date is May 10, 2011 at 8:00 am to claim your spot. This allows everyone some time to look over the program and make some decisions. Because booth space and/or sponsorship participation is limited at some shows, the program is on a first-come-basis.

The last three pages are the forms you need to return, which you can do by faxing to 405-230-8600.

Or send to:
Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
Attn: Charlie Wallar
210 N Robinson, Suite 600
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

(It is recommended to fax the forms in on opening day to ensure acceptance due to limited space at some shows.)

The program is offered to all Oklahoma tourism industry partners. We hope you are able to join us in promoting our state to thousands of potential visitors!

Call Charlie Wallar, Consumer Travel Coordinator, 405-230-8417 with any questions.

Spring Webinar Discusses the Green Traveler

On May 3, our next ECO webinar will discuss a growing demographic in the hospitality industry. The number of travelers who use sustainability as a guide for their vacation is increasing, and we want to help you connect with them.

Speakers will discuss sustainable travel trends on a national level and how you can use this information to grow your business. Topics will include current and future trends, case studies and communication tips.

Date: May 3, 2011
Time: 2 PM - 3 PM CDT
Speaker: Pat Maher, American Hotel and Lodging Association
Alison Presley, Travelocity

Sign up here for this installment in our spring ECO webinar series. And, as always, it is completely free!

2012 Travel Publication Ad Rates Now Available

As you plan your budget for the coming year, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Dept. wants to make you aware of the advertising opportunities available in the state’s official travel publications for 2012. We plan to produce the Oklahoma Travel Guide, Discover Oklahoma Destination Dining Guide and the Oklahoma Outdoor Recreation Guide which each have advertising space available on a first come first served basis.

Despite the strength of our online and social media resources, our print publications remain popular with travelers. Brochure requests are up by more than 52 percent so far in 2011.

For information on rates and space availability, please view our 2012 rate card here. If you have questions or to reserve advertising space, please contact Kerry Barrick at 405-230-8408 or Kerry@TravelOK.com. The 2012 Travel Guide and Destination Dining Guide space reservation deadlines are coming up April 1, 2011.

As always, we look forward to partnering with you as we promote Oklahoma and showcase our many unique destinations around the state.