Last weekend Target Travel Marketing welcomed a large delegation from Louisiana to the heart of Amsterdam. The last time our partners were in the Netherlands there was a spring storm, but this time they were welcomed with sunshine. The partners that were present: Hotel Monteleone, Lafayette Travel, Louisiana Office of Tourism, New Orleans & Co., Visit Baton Rouge, Visit Shreveport-Brossier, Visit St. Francisville – West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission. Sunday evening, March 17, there was a kick-off at the restaurant Tolhuistuin. While enjoying delicious meals, the program of the coming days was presented. Prior to dinner, the partners had already been “introduced” to the Netherlands during the This is Holland experience.
Surprising Louisiana
A large number of product managers, journalists and independent travel agents have discovered that Louisiana is a versatile state. New Orleans was familiar to most, but the smaller cities of Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and St. Francisville seemed to surprise. Through short speed dating sessions and workshops, all the latest ins and outs were shared. Several parters had great prizes to give away, including: a stay for two at Hotel Monteleone and various excursions when visiting Louisiana. In the spirit of “work hard, play harder,” a walking dinner on a salon boat was planned after all the information sessions.
One big party!
On Tuesday afternoon the meeting rooms were exchanged for the IJ-Passage at Amsterdam Central Station. There a consumer activation took place. The entire passage was filled with jazz music and Mardi Gras colors. The lit backdrop stood out. Of course, the state song “You are my sunshine”, played by the trio the Backyard Roses, could not be missed. Generously filled bags of Louisiana items were handed out to passersby, including small bottles of tabasco.
On Wednesday, the delegation traveled on to France for part two of the mission. Later in the week, they will also visit the United Kingdom. Target Travel Marketing is pleased that the Netherlands was a part of the Explore Louisiana’s Spring sales mission and looks back on a successful time.
