Thursday, June 6, 2013

Third Time Is The Charm for EatLafayette by Lafayette Travel and Fly Lafayette Club

For Immediate Release
 
 
Media Contact:
Julie Calzone
 
Lafayette Travel Contact:
Kelly Strenge
 
 
(Lafayette, La.) – It is year nine for EatLafayette™ by Lafayette Travel and year three for title sponsor Fly Lafayette Club. This year’s edition of the campaign that celebrates and markets Lafayette, Louisiana’s one-of-a-kind locally owned restaurants signed up 71 participants, a record number.
 
It was a simple concept of helping locally owned eateries attract customers that has grown to a multi-media campaign that now spans 11 weeks beginning June 17. The campaign is funded by sponsorships, registration fees, Lafayette Travel and support by local media groups.
 
Past campaigns have been touted as the reason why summer months that are typically the slowest in the restaurant business are now some of the busiest months for participants.
 
The Fly Lafayette Club is the Lafayette Regional Airport’s way of thanking travelers for using the airport for their flights. Members have the opportunity to win great rewards from sponsors. Gifts include free meals from some of the EatLafayette restaurants, merchandise, gift certificates from local merchants and more.
 
“We have thousands of Fly Lafayette Club members,” said Greg Roberts, director of aviation for the Lafayette Regional Airport. “Every year we sign up hundreds of new fans through EatLafayette events. It is a great combination of programs that have people who are passionate about all things ‘Lafayette’.”
 

 
“It is really partnership of three organizations (Lafayette Travel, Fly Lafayette Club and EatLafayette) that market the best of what Lafayette has to offer to the community and travelers.” Said Ben Berthelot, executive director for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission. “Lafayette is the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country and home to Cajun and Creole music, food and culture. Our locally owned restaurants and airport are gateways to the amazing flavors and experiences of our community. It is what sets us apart.”
 
Lafayette is known for its distinct culinary identity that is a combination of generations old restaurants and creations by new, young chefs who are creating a town of “foodies.”
 
“With raising costs and shrinking margins it becomes a challenge to bring customers in without deep discounts,” said Tim Metcalf, president of Dean-O’s Pizza. “EatLafayette is the perfect opportunity to bring in new faces without huge costs. By encouraging locals to keep their hard earned dollars local and visit Lafayette’s best restaurants it’s a cost effective marketing plan. Dean-O’s uses EatLafayette as the centerpiece of their summer ad campaign. In simple terms ‘It Works’.”
 
For more information, contact the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission at 337.232.3737 or visit the EatLafayette website at www.eatlafayette.com.
 

No comments: