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DiscoverOhio.com Targets German Travelers with Translation
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, in preparation for participation in the Governor's Trade Mission to Europe and its own tourism promotion event in Hanover, Germany, has translated into German the consumer portion of its tourism Web site, DiscoverOhio.com.
The site is accessible from the home page of DiscoverOhio.com by clicking on "Deutsch," accompanied by the German Flag icon. All of the static text that promotes Ohio to consumers has been translated into German, while the search results and frequently updated text remain in English. In addition to consumers, the site also seeks to promote Ohio to travel trade professionals such as tour operators.
"The ancestry of many Ohio settlements and urban pockets can be traced back to Germany," said Claudia Vecchio, state tourism director. "The new Web site translation will further enhance Ohio's appeal to visitors from German-speaking countries and result in increased visitation from international travelers."
According to the Department of Commerce, travel to the Ohio region from Germany has increased more than seven percent in the past year. While many Germans are fluent in English, having the translation will make Ohio more welcoming through this customized communication.
The Division of Travel and Tourism is a partner in the Great Lakes of North America international marketing consortium. This group works with Travel Marketing Romberg, a public relations and marketing firm based in Düsseldorf, Germany, which completed the translation of the site.
Through this partnership, the Division participates in a number of activities designed to promote a six-state region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio) within two, key international markets: the United Kingdom and Germany. International marketing efforts include participation in the Travel Industry Association of America's annual POW WOW trade show attended by more than 500 international travel agents, tour operators and media; advertisements in America Journal (Germany) and Essentially America (U.K.); Great Lakes supplements; and, hosting of international press trips.
The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism is housed within the State of Ohio Department of Development. The Division's mission is to market Ohio's numerous and varied travel sites, destinations and attractions to potential travelers under the brand, "Ohio...So much to Discover!"
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