Chevy Chase, MD| TIG Global, the leading interactive marketing company for hospitality and travel, recently launched a cutting-edge website for the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.VisitRichmondVa.com). The new website and accompanying online marketing plan were specifically developed to engage users and inform them of the Destination's vast array of attractions and activities, while creating a user-friendly, comprehensive solution for travelers, meeting planners and travel professionals alike.

Prior to designing the website, the TIG Global creative team visited the Richmond area and experienced the Destination first-hand. The team then mapped out a website to meet the unique business needs of the Richmond Metropolitan CVB and reflect the interests of the Destination's target audiences. TIG Global built in separate, user-friendly sections on the site for each of the niche traveler groups, equipped with detailed, printable sample itineraries.

To further enable users in finding activities unique to the Richmond area, TIG Global built a custom vacation matching tool within the website. The vacation matcher tool allows users to create a virtual family, or any combination of travelers, input their interests and receive instant matches to activities in the Richmond area that appeal to both the individual and group. The interactive element of the tool engages visitors on a personal level and encourages users to return to the website and share it with others. The website also features a built-in booking engine, making it a one-stop-shop for users to research, plan, and book their entire trip to the Richmond area. Additional booking capabilities will be added in the coming months that will allow users to purchase packages with multiple travel elements.

The new Richmond Metropolitan CVB website also serves the needs of meeting planners and travel professionals with online planning tools, sample itineraries, meetings facilities information, RFP forms, and group-friendly accommodations and dining information.

Additionally, some of the latest Web 2.0 technologies were incorporated into the site to allow for a constant flow of new, organic content. The Destination's homepage features a live feed from the popular user-generated content website RichmondInsideOut.com, serving up travel reviews, and videos from local residents about the latest and greatest restaurants, things to do, concerts, and events. In addition, TIG Global incorporated an "Add this" button to every page within the website, giving users the ability to bookmark and share their favorite Richmond CVB pages to post on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. This interactivity allows the CVB to connect with users while providing the Destination with additional exposure online.

"At a time where users desire on-demand access to information about where they are traveling, TIG Global was able to design a travel site that not only truly works for the consumer, but also meets our needs," said Jennifer Carnam, vice president of Marketing at the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It is a comfort knowing that we can rely on TIG Global to utilize the latest technologies to attract travelers and form the customer relationships that will help us grow during these challenging economic times."

The new website was built on a user-friendly content management system, allowing the Richmond Metropolitan CVB to access and make real-time updates to the website 24/7. TIG Global also deployed a full service online marketing strategy to support the new website, including search engine optimization, pay-per-click marketing, strategic linking, display advertising, and segmented email marketing.

"The Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau has so much to offer individual leisure travelers and groups alike," said Trip Schneck, president and co-founder of TIG Global. "We were inspired by the Destination's versatility and created several custom, interactive applications that will not only give the Destination a leg-up on its competition, but increase time spent on the site and repeat visits. The accompanying online marketing program will also serve to attract new visitors that may not have previously thought to place the Richmond Region in their consideration set."

About TIG Global

TIG Global, headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, is dedicated to assisting the travel industry with exceeding their online marketing goals and specializes in hotel Internet marketing and destination Internet marketing. Serving an extensive portfolio of clients worldwide, TIG Global combines its industry knowledge and e-business expertise to help clients maximize the online channel. TIG Global offers multi-language websites, a vast network of internationally based strategic linking partners, email and pay-per-click marketing campaigns tailored to all international markets, custom social media solutions, and websites optimized for major search engines around the world.

Molly Israel
301-841-4762