The Haunted History Trail of New York was recognized at the 2018 Rochester PRism Awards on Thursday, Jun. 14. The statewide tourism trail earned two recognitions for excellence in marketing and public relations – one first-place PRism Award and one Award of Excellence.
The PRism was awarded for the Trail’s “Spooky” Social Media. In 2017, they hired Break the Ice Media (BTI), to create and execute a strategy around Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Channels, with a goal to increase reach, tap into new audiences and increase overnight visitation. Social channels saw growth across the board – nearly 40% page growth on Facebook, 22% on Twitter, and 90.4% engagement growth on Instagram - with events selling out and new visitors traveling the trail.
The Trail was recognized with an award of excellence for their 2018 Visitors Guide. Created in conjunction with Amity Photos as photographer, The Quackenstein Graphic Design Co. as designer, and Break the Ice Media as content creator, the Trail reimagined their visitors guide in a way that would help reach new audiences and drive overnight visitation. The end result was a beautiful 36-page guide that moved away from a listing style piece to a travel magazine style, focused on niche storytelling and visual content that grabbed the attention of readers, and gave visitors ideas and inspiration on how to travel the trail.
“We couldn’t be more pleased by the tremendous growth and success of The Haunted History Trail since it was started in 2013,” said Eric Szucs, Wyoming County Chamber and Tourism director of tourism and marketing. “We are so proud to have received these recognitions and see it as a true testament to the impact this tourism program has for all the partners and small local businesses.”
The PRism Awards are an annual award show put on by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Rochester Chapter, celebrating the best public relations work - both elements and campaigns - from the previous year.
Those who dare to dine with the spirits, stay the night at a spooky hotel, or take a tour at the many unique and strange stops offered along the Haunted History Trail of New York State, can request a guide online at: https://hauntedhistorytrail.com/request-brochure. Additional information, videos, and offerings can be found at: www.hauntedhistorytrail.com.
About the Haunted History Trail of New York State
From the great spirits invoked by early Native American tribes, to the first Dutch settlers who carefully avoided haunted places, New York has harbored centuries of spooky events that simply can’t be explained. Interest in the eerie has steadily increased with television and movies exploring the ghosts, UFOs, and things beyond the realm of human understanding. All of this awaits you on the Haunted History Trail of New York State as it takes you to the places where human forms come out of the mist and strange lights wink from the dark.
The Haunted History Trail of New York State features attractions from almost every region of New York State. Haunted dining, tours, and overnights are available on the trail, with many of the attractions tying back to New York’s local history.
For more information, visit: www.hauntedhistorytrail.com.
Wyoming County features the Genesee Falls Inn and Heaven Sent Bed & Breakfast/Anastassia’s Events in Portageville, NY.
"Haunted History Trail of New York State Wins 2018 PRism Award"