VCB launches consumer promotion to ‘Bring Back Dan’
The success of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel’s recently completed Still Pristine national television advertising campaign has sparked a nine-day vacation giveaway and a drive to “Bring Back Dan,” the comical and engaging star of nine 30-second television spots filmed and aired on the same day from June 21-25 and June 28-July 1.
The groundbreaking campaign was created to address consumer misperceptions and reassure visitors that the Gulf oil spill is not affecting southwest Florida’s coastline and islands. Known as “FreshTV” in which spots are filmed and aired on the same day, the effort marks the first time a destination used the innovative approach in the face of a crisis.
Consumers can visit the destination’s homepage at www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com to vote to bring back Dan to the destination after his nine-day vacation adventure ended with the airing of the last commercial on July 1. They can also register to win one of 500 “Dantastic” t-shirts and one grand prize vacation similar to Dan’s in which they will have a chance to see for themselves the places he explored on his adventures.
After registering, they will be prompted to view and vote for their favorite “Dan” television ad. The commercials that receive the most votes will be reprised in a second round of advertising in key markets from July 19 through mid-September. More than 2,000 visitors already have voted to bring Dan back to the destination for more adventures.
The nine-day vacation prize package for two people includes a four-night stay at Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island and a four-night stay at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa on Fort Myers Beach, two of the many places Dan visited in his escapades.
Consumers who wish to “Bring Back Dan,” register to win Dan’s vacation, or view and vote for their favorite “Dan” television ad, can do so now through Oct. 31, 2010 at www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com. The grand prize vacation and runner-up prize t-shirts will be awarded in November 2010, and the vacation package will be valid through October 2011.
Travelers wishing to visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel can find the latest details regarding current conditions by clicking on “The Beaches Now” icon on the destination’s homepage at www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com.