Dear Source:
While scanning the St. Thomas Source, I read a letter in the Open Forum section titled, "She Has Yet to See Tim Touting Tourism on TV". It appears that the Boston author has not seen the tourism ads, and questions if they are even airing in the Northeast. I'd like to provide the facts to clear up any misunderstanding:
During December 61 spots aired in Boston. These spots aired either Monday-Friday early morning or Sunday early evening/night-time. The buy was loaded with news programming as well as many perennial weekly favorites including "Good Morning America," "The Travel Channel," "Sports Extra, " and "The X-Files." The stations included: WBZ, WCVB, WFXT, WHDH, WLVI, NEW, TTC and ATT.
During January – March, 117 spots will air in Boston. These spots will follow the above format with these additional television programs: "ER, " "Simpsons, " "The Today Show" and "Friends. " The stations will include: WBZ, WCVB, WFXT, WHDH and WLVI.
A similar, albeit slightly lighter schedule aired in the New York City area.
The schedule was divided among four spots: The Tim Duncan Snorkeling spot on sports related programming, and the equal rotation of the three island-specific ads on all other programs.
We realize the importance of marketing our islands to the offshore community. We have a television and/or radio schedule airing in 17 markets and a national trade and consumer print plan throughout the year. This marketing plan has resulted in double-digit increases of tourists to our islands over the past six months!
Monique Sibilly-Hodge
Acting Commissioner of Tourism
