NEWS
 
 


Sept. 25, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Anna Plantz

304-558-2288, ext. 325

aplantz@wvtourism.com

 

 

Internet Marketing Committee recommendations approved by the

Tourism Commission during Sept. 20 meeting

 

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – During the Sept. 20 Tourism Commission meeting, the commission approved the following recommendations of the Internet Marketing Committee for inclusion of the Internet in the Matching Advertising Partnership Program (MAPProgram):

 

 

INTERNET MEDIA:

 

  • Internet media will be allowed in the MAPProgram with the requirement of using the Wild and Wonderful logo as specified in the Logo Standards.

 

  • Pay-per-click will be allowed under Internet Media for use by statewide tourism associations only.  This was extensively discussed by the committee, and it was felt that this form of advertising should be allowed for state associations only (i.e., Ski Areas Association, Rail Association, Mountain State Association of B&B’s).  The committee felt that use of pay-per-click by individual tourism businesses could encourage unnecessary internal competition among West Virginia entities, creating a drain on the fund.  This particular form of advertising will not require the logo on the initial ads, as it cannot be utilized in the pay-per-click format, but logo use will be required on the page consumers are directed to as a result of the ad.

 

·         The following applies to all advertising in the Internet Media category: 

 

o        Upon approval, applicant is required to have a visible reciprocal link to the West Virginia Division of Tourism’s home page (www.wvtourism.com). Consumers must be able to reach the Division’s Web site with one click from the page where they are first directed by the advertising.  The West Virginia Wild and Wonderful logo must appear as specified in the Logo Standards.

 

o        The Tourism Commission/Division of Tourism reserves the right to determine the acceptability and value of all written, graphic and visual material as to its content and appropriateness for the general public and for the state’s effort to promote tourism.

 

    • Internet Media will be eligible for Production Expenses as currently allowed – 15 percent per media category with a $22,500 cap.

 

WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN/UPGRADES:

 

Web site development/design/upgrades will be allowed in the program with a $22,500 category cap.  The following also applies:

 

·         Applicant must attach an outline of information and images to be placed on Web site and where they will fit into the current Web site if applicable.  The Tourism Commission/Division of Tourism reserves the right to determine the acceptability and value of all written, graphic and visual material as to its content and appropriateness for the general public and for the state’s effort to promote tourism.

 

·         Upon approval applicant is required to have a visible reciprocal link to the West Virginia Division of Tourism’s home page (www.wvtourism.com). Consumers must be able to reach the Division’s Web site with one click.  The West Virginia Wild and Wonderful logo must appear as specified in the Logo Standards Guide.

 

·         Expenses may not include monthly or annual server/host and maintenance fees.

 

·         Applicant may be required to electronically display proposed site changes at approval meeting.

 

·         All retail price-point or real estate advertising must be pro-rated.

 

 

New forms incorporating the above changes have been posted on the Division of Tourism’s Web site www.wvtourism.com and are available for immediate use.  Reminder - the next deadline for $10,000 + MAPP applications is Monday, Oct. 1 by 5 p.m.  These applications will be reviewed at the December Tourism Commission meeting. 

 

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