24: Is Your DMO More Than a Marketing Agency? (Heath Dillard)

In this episode of Destination Discourse, Stuart and Adam welcome Heath Dillard from Visit Greenville, SC, to explore how destination marketing organizations can move beyond surface-level metrics and become true stewards of community prosperity. The conversation dives deep into community alignment, the impact of branded entertainment like Carson City’s mini Hallmark film, and how resident sentiment can become a key performance indicator. Heath shares innovative campaigns like the “Home Alone 2” travel package and “Yes Day” experiences, plus bold takes on the role of DMO as a community convener, not just a marketing agency. 💡 Want to know what happens when you market for people, not just to them? 📈 Curious how to shift from counting clicks to cultivating community pride? 🎄 And yes—we talk about Hallmark movies and local influencers dressed as sarcastic elves. Don’t miss this one—it’s part masterclass, part therapy session, and all love letter to the tourism industry. 👉 Leave a review and you might just hear it read out loud on a future episode!

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