R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
A new marketing campaign encourages visitors to respect Anna Maria Island like they live on AMI.
The campaign from the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau encouraging area visitors to “Love it Like a Local” rolled out April 22, Earth Day.
At the new website, www.loveitlikelocals.com, the campaign uses a combination of interactive tools to educate tourists about how they can responsibly visit.
From reminders to clean up trash — including discarded and tangled fishing line — to what to do if one comes upon an unmarked turtle nest, the campaign seeks to “get the point across while being playful,” BACVB marketing and communications director Kelly Clark said April 19 at a media event unveiling the new marketing plan.
For years, Manatee County residents — especially those who live on Anna Maria Island — have requested the BACVB encourage tourists to behave while visiting, executive director Elliott Falcione said at the media event.
The BACVB team worked with local mayors and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he is pleased they used his suggestion to inform visitors about the appropriate uses of golf carts.
Among other inclusions in the website’s “quick tips” to being a good visitor are reminders about noise ordinances and that the area is more than an ideal vacation spot, as many people live and work here.
When visitors to the website have clicked through all the pages, they will be prompted to complete a 10-question “final exam” reiterating key tips to be responsible visitors.
Two questions on the exam:
- “After enjoying a family lunch at one of our pristine sugar-white sand beaches, what is the best way to dispose of the trash?
- a) Dig a hole in the sand and bury it.
- b) Toss it into the ocean when no one is looking. Turtles love plastic straws.
- c) Place it in a bag, take it back to your room to sort for recycling and/or dispose of it in a nearby trash can when you leave.”
- “It’s 10 p.m. and those not on vacation have to work tomorrow. What should you do?
- a) Move the party inside, turn down your music and keep your voices low to respect the noise ordinance.
- b) Parade through the streets while banging pots and pans to celebrate another great day in the Bradenton area.
- c) Break out the speakers for some karaoke in the front yard. Use that melodious voice to lull the neighbors to sleep.”
At the end of the exam, a certificate of completion can be printed and exchanged for a prize at the BACVB at 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, or the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce office, 5313 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Also, there is an opportunity to enter a drawing for a free vacation rental from AMI Locals Realty in Anna Maria.
Chamber president Terri Kinder said April 21 that her office is “working hand-in-hand with the BACVB” to put information at island kiosks, on trolleys and in subscriber e-blasts.
News of the campaign also will be included in the chamber’s quarterly newsletter next published in June and sent to more than 19,000 subscribers, Kinder added.
The marketing campaign is designed to be ongoing, with the initial phase running through the summer, Clark said.
As such, organizers hope to partner with other businesses for prizes.
“People respond to incentives,” Murphy said, adding that the website and prize incentives show a “well thought out” campaign.