NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release
Contact: Laurie McConnell
Idaho Tourism
208.287.0781
laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov
Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism Convenes in Coeur d’Alene October 17-19
BOISE, Idaho–Tuesday, October 3, 2017–The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism (ICORT) will be held at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn in Coeur d’Alene from October 17-19, 2017. Organizers expect more than 100 Idaho lodging property owners and managers, outfitters and guides, tourism industry professionals and recreation providers to attend the conference to share ideas and learn about new opportunities and methods to market themselves. Anyone interested in Idaho’s tourism industry is invited to attend.
The ICORT agenda and registration information can be found here.
“This is going to be a very exciting year for ICORT. It will be the first year that the conference will be held in October, at the end of the busy travel season rather than the beginning, to allow more partners the opportunity to attend and take advantage of the great educational sessions and networking,” said Diane Norton, tourism manager for Idaho Tourism.
On Tuesday afternoon, ICORT attendees may choose to participate in a variety of local activities, including biking, zip lining, hiking, or a bed and breakfast tour. Presentation of the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement in Recreation and Tourism award will highlight the evening’s all-Idaho reception which will feature Idaho sourced proteins, vegetables, fruits, grains, beer, and wine.
On Wednesday, conference highlights include keynote presentations by destination marketing expert Roger Brooks and culinary tourism development specialist Rebecca Mackenzie. Breakout sessions will focus on working with photography and photographers, storytelling, proactive recruitment, and digital marketing best practices.
On Thursday morning, the ICORT Learning Lab topic is culinary tourism, presented by Rebecca Mackenzie. Attendees will learn how to make sure their taste of place is market-ready by helping farmers, artisan food producers, farmers markets, accommodations, attractions, wineries, breweries, festivals and anyone involved with the culinary tourism chain understand the culinary tourists’ expectations for a delicious experience.
Prior to the conference, the Idaho Travel Council will meet at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn on Monday, October 16, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Council meeting agenda includes program, agency and grant updates. The public is welcome to attend.
Recipients of Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grants and those interested in the grant program will attend a grant summit on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn.
Click here for the Idaho Travel Council meeting agenda and grant summit schedule.
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Idaho Tourism
Idaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 18 ski resorts and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.