Courtesy Washington County Economic Development
“See. Taste. Explore” is the new brand behind an effort designed to position Washington County as one of eastern New York’s most exciting destinations for those seeking to enhance their historical knowledge, take in arts and cultural sights, and find good food.
The marketing campaign began this summer. Officials hope it serves as a driving force for Washington County to become a key player in the New York and New England tourism markets.
“Washington County has always been home to notable historic sites, celebrated arts venues, and critical agricultural operations. Recent economic development initiatives have encouraged not only ongoing preservation of our past but also growth of new industries that naturally evolved out of the county’s legacy strengths,” said Laura Oswald of Washington County Economic Development. “The addition of multiple artisanal agricultural sites and Washington County’s increasing role in eastern New York’s creative economy are prime examples of new flagship tourism opportunities that exist throughout our region.”
The new tourism brand initiative also is designed to position Washington County in the competitive and changing tourism landscape.
“Today’s regional visitors bring a new set of goals and expectations to their explorations,” said Sara Mannix of Mannix Marketing “Millennials and other adventurers are seeking experiences that are original, authentic and off-the-beaten path. Washington County is perfectly aligned to meet those goals, with attractions and activities that can’t be duplicated anywhere else.”
A primary feature of the new Washington County tourism website is a directory of local arts, history, and agricultural sites.
The new tourism brand and its “See. Taste. Explore” tagline was the result of a strategic economic development initiative that included input from stakeholders across Washington County.
“As we designed the creative identity of the brand, we wanted to make sure that we effectively captured the diverse and unique characteristics that our own residents, businesses, and visitors identified as Washington County’s true selling points,” said Andrew Meader of 8 of Eight Strategies, which is leading the marketing initiative in partnership with visual branding partner black dog DESIGNS and social and digital media partner Mannix Marketing.
“A key component of our approach is developing and offering education and resources that empower local businesses to promote their own place in the ‘See. Taste. Explore’ identity,” said Mannix.
Mannix Marketing will provide guidance to businesses seeking to improve marketing strategies throughout the remainder of 2018.
The first public marketing launch was a new website: www.washingtoncounty.fun
The site is designed to be a core resource for visitors seeking to map out their Washington County adventure.
“Our intent is that visitors will be able to easily identify the type of events or attractions that interest them, whether it’s timeless historical attractions, arts, dining, agritourism, local bed and breakfasts, or outdoor activities,” said Jesse Tyree, principal of black dog DESIGNS. “During their time on the new website, we also hope future visitors will discover new ideas, events, and destinations to enhance their time in Washington County.”