Sixty-six percent of leisure travelers used the Internet exclusively when planning vacations in 2007, according to the Yankelovich Partners' 2007 National Leisure Travel Monitor report.
"Reno-Tahoe is in the midst of an exciting renaissance, and it is fitting that our online presence matches the vibrancy that travelers find when they are here," RSCVA President and CEO Ellen Oppenheim said.
The Internet has become a major focal point of the RSCVA's marketing campaign and the redesign of the Web site proves that point, said Michael Thomas, the RSCVA's executive director of marketing.
Since the site went live, it has seen a marked increase in visits, and a more than 50 percent increase in user time on the site, RSCVA officials said.
"The research points to that the Internet is now the dominate source of information, where travelers go to chose a destination and once they have set their sights on a destination, use the Web site to better research the type of activity that takes place there," Thomas said.
"We are really trying to create a site that stands out and speaks to the flavor and the depth that exists within Reno-Tahoe," Thomas said.
Travelers can book travel, hotel, dining and other reservations on the site and see a variety of photos that paint Reno-Tahoe as a vacation region where water is a main attraction.
"You will definitely see a design that pays attention to water, like Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, because that is something that is unique to Reno," said Robert Payne, marketing director for Twelve Horses, the Reno firm that did the overhaul.
Designers tried to create a Web site with appealing photos and videos while incorporating an organized navigation process. It was difficult because the subject of tourism in Reno-Tahoe is a vast subject, some said.
"The biggest challenge with a CVB (convention and visitors bureau) is here we have all of this information and we need to organize it appropriately so it is not overwhelming," Payne said. "I think the site does a good job of that."
The site can link visitors to the room rates through its "Best Rates" program. Users can view sample travel itineraries, learn about outdoor recreation and book a trip. Travelers can connect to the Web site via popular networking sites such as YouTube, Flickr and Facebook.
The site provides information about meeting space at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the Reno Events Center, the Reno Ballroom, the Livestock Events Center, the National Bowling Stadium and meeting facilities at local hotels. Planners can gather information about travel options and amenities and request quotes for their events.
"The meetings and conventions industry is very competitive, but Reno-Tahoe has advantages in the number of hotel rooms available, ease of access to the market and value," said Philip D'Amico, RSCVA's vice president of convention sales. "The new VisitRenoTahoe.com gives us more tools to market and sell those advantages."
