Virtually all aspects improved to attract visitors
by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“The only two things the new Web site has in common with the previous one is Visit and Jacksonville,” was how Lyndsay Rossman, Visit Jacksonville director of corporate communications described the new site that was officially launched Tuesday at noon.
“We have to capture potential visitors’ hearts and minds and this new Web site is a powerful tool,” said Visit Jacksonville President and CEO John Reyes.
Rossman said the new Web site was inspired by a need to change the way people, potential visitors and residents alike, perceive the area. Technical improvements to take advantage of the latest trends and technology were also part of the new design.
“We’re really excited about what the new Web site will do for us. It has more images of Jacksonville than ever before including a photo tour,” she said.
Visitors to the site can now book their airline tickets, hotel reservations, ground transportation and tickets to attractions through a partnership between Visit Jacksonville and Travelocity.
“With more than 80 percent of travelers turning to the Internet to plan a trip and book travel, it’s important to have a web site that gives the increasingly technology-savvy consumer what they expect. The new site is visually spectacular and interactive. It allows visitors who are thinking about Jacksonville to become familiar with the destination through the use of comprehensive information, videos and photo tours.
“We’re still changing the mind-set from Jacksonville being just a place to live to Jacksonville as a place to visit,” said Reyes.
Another addition that Visit Jacksonville expects to have a positive impact on efforts to attract corporate and civic groups is the new section of the Web site devoted to the needs of meeting planners and other travel professionals.
Constantly updated information on the area’s many venues and spaces available plus the ability to submit a request for a proposal on-line will make the process of considering Jacksonville as a destination more convenient for planners.
The improvements unveiled Tuesday are what Rossman called “Phase One.” She said Phase Two, including blogging and podcasting, will debut the last week of April.
To check out the new web site for yourself, go to www.visitjacksonville.com.