Adventure Travel with Mark Everton - Explore Seattle Southside

Mark Everton
CEO
Explore Seattle Southside

Mark spent 35+ years managing hotels for Four Seasons, Marriott, Hilton and Joie de Vivre on the west coast and Hawaii. In 2016 Visit Oakland (California) was searching for a new leader. Mark chose to make the leap from hotel to destination leadership.
 
In the midst of Covid and the shut down of travel, the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority began a search for a replacement for the retiring founder of the organization. The area surrounding the SeTac airport was an interesting opportunity and Mark was fortunate to be selected as the organization's CEO.  After a rebrand and a re-imaging of the region and the organization, things are going wonderfully. The organization continues to receive awards and accolades for its novel approach to marketing a destination that has 52 million visitors annually but lacks name recognition.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Mark Everton, CEO of Explore Seattle Southside. They discuss the role of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) in promoting tourism, the unique marketing strategies employed by Explore Seattle Southside, and the importance of creating engaging experiences for travelers. Mark shares insights on how to effectively communicate with potential visitors, the innovative projects like the UFO Trail and Bubble Tea Trail, and his personal journey in the hospitality industry. The conversation emphasizes the value of collaboration between DMOs and local businesses to enhance tourism and create memorable experiences for visitors.

takeaways

• Explore Seattle Southside is a unique DMO focused on the Seattle-Tacoma area.
• DMOs can be funded through various sources, including hotel assessments and public funds.
• Effective marketing strategies can help local attractions reach potential visitors.
• Engaging with travelers before and after their trips can enhance their experience.
• Creating themed trails, like the UFO Trail, can attract interest and tourism.
• Collaboration with local businesses is essential for successful tourism marketing.
• Mark's journey in hospitality began at a young age, leading to his current role.
• Understanding numbers and financials is crucial for effective DMO management.
• Creativity in marketing can lead to unique and engaging experiences for visitors.
• Leveraging DMOs can provide free marketing resources for local businesses.

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