The New URL www.DiscoverJacksonNC.com Appeals to Tourists and Residents.

JACKSON COUNTY, NC (November 16, 2016) – Updated photo galleries, hiking trails and maps, a blog, tourism video and an event calendar are just a few helpful resources included on the new Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s website, www.DiscoverJacksonNC.com. The website, launched today (Nov. 16), aims to be a one-stop-shop on all things Jackson County and creates a comprehensive platform where visitors can plan a multi-day getaway or a single night on the town.

The new website is a major component of the new Jackson County marketing campaign theme, “Your Great Escape,” and ties into the destination’s ongoing PR and social media efforts. The theme, which is carried through the new website, blog, digital and print ad campaigns and tourism video, was inspired by the authentic experiences created by the people and places in Jackson County, NC.

“We realized people are looking for a quick escape from their everyday lives. An experience that’s real. Away from the known, tired vacation spots. And Jackson County is the perfect getaway,” said Patrick Rhyne, Creative Director at the JCTDA’s new integrated brand and ad agency, Rawle Murdy.

Components of the new Jackson County website are interest-driven and allow visitors to quickly and easily see connections between things to do and places to see, eat and stay.

“The new DiscoverJacksonNC.com website tells the story of Jackson County in an authentic and beautiful way,” said Nick Breedlove, Jackson County Tourism Director. “This cohesive and comprehensive platform will provide tourists with all the resources they need to plan a trip from start to finish to Jackson County.”

An improvement in content management allows for easy updating and more efficient collection and publishing of location information including profiles of each restaurant, accommodation, and attraction. The website also added content on the history of Jackson County’s eight towns, arts and culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities including new sections on waterfalls, hiking trails, golfing, rafting and cycling.

The website has a stronger focus on content that engages visitors, including social media channel integration, a more detailed events calendar, interactive elements such as maps to river put-ins, GPS directions to lake recreation areas and waterfalls, and topographical maps for hiking trails.

One of the key new additions to the website is the Jackson County blog, which features articles highlighting the great assets in the area. The blog will benefit visitors and residents, with stories about local businesses and activities that are unique to Jackson County such as the “Top Ten Hikes,” or the “Best Places to Cast a Line.”

To complement “Your Great Escape” campaign, a three-day photo/video shoot was conducted at 12 locations around the county for updated photography of the people and places of Jackson County. The new images are featured throughout the website, along with a comprehensive tourism video to inspire visitors to experience the destination.

“The new photography and video bring human emotion into the communication,” said Patrick Rhyne, Creative Director for Rawle Murdy.” Sure, the website will provide an improved online presentation, but the pictures and video say more than headlines ever could.”

The mission of the TDA is to promote tourism resulting in overnight stays, and these effects have already benefitted Jackson County, with a 13.77-percent increase in occupancy tax collections in FY 2015-16. Occupancy tax collections and positive trends continue this fiscal year – with an increase in the current fiscal year, which started in July, by 11.49-percent. The new website, blog, tourism video and ad campaign are all resources that will enhance these increases.

“Regardless of what experience you are looking for in Jackson County—food, outdoors, shopping, lodging, etc., you can find it in a few clicks on the new website,” said Breedlove.

Jackson County Tourism Video URL: https://youtu.be/6Ea8W0Du8BE

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About Jackson County, NC:
Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire are the distinct locales that make up Western North Carolina’s Jackson County. Each of these Blue Ridge Mountain towns provide natural beauty that invites visitors to experience the North Carolina Mountains. Jackson County is also home to the nation’s first and only fly fishing trail, The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. The majestic mountains harbor miles of hiking trails and waterfalls while charming downtowns are known for shopping, dining, culture, and hometown atmosphere. For more information visit, www.DiscoverJacksonNC.com.

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