Travel writers inspired by Burnet County media tour
Tourism journalists bring locations, experiences, and tastes to life with their words, attracting visitors to follow in their footsteps. That’s why Burnet County Tourism and Marketing Director Blair Manning coordinated a media tour of the area for writers from across the state of Texas and the United States.
“The reaction from the journalists was excellent,” Manning said. “I was so surprised how many are right here in Texas and had never been to our area. They loved all we had to offer.”
Manning worked with Debbie Geiger, president of Geiger & Associates Public Relations, to plan the tour and invite just the right writers. The tour included airfare, lodging, meals, spirits, and adventures for a dozen travel journalists. They were given the opportunities to visit Longhorn Caverns, go on a Vanishing Texas River Cruise, ride the chairlift at Spider Mountain Bike Park, and kayak on Inks Lake.
In the afternoons, the county’s special guests were treated to beer and wine tastings at Perissos Vineyard and Winery, Save the World Brewing Co., Spicewood Vineyards, and Torr Na Lochs Vineyard and Winery.
Every night, they lodged at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park and Resort, where they could view Hill Country skies from the Eagle Eye Observatory.
Blue Bonnet Cafe, Opie’s Barbecue, River City Grille, The Overlook Restaurant, and Templeton’s Tavern served the journalists’ meals with Burnet County charm.
“The media tour is a great avenue for Burnet County to work with several different journalists, all writing in their area of expertise, to showcase all that we have to offer,” Manning said.
Travel blogger Alley Leto has already posted about her trip to Burnet County. Articles by other writers are in the works, Manning said.
“Alisha and Josh McDarris discussed that they’ll be creating a vlog (video blog) on how to spend a weekend in Burnet County,” Manning continued. “And Bill Newcott is already planning a visit back to Burnet County in 2024 for the monumental solar eclipse, where Burnet will be an area with the best totality!”
The benefit of having the journalists travel through Burnet County is that their words work far better in promoting the area than a paid advertisement. Besides the cost of placing such an ad, the true-life experiences of someone who had an enjoyable time speaks volumes.
Encouraging visitors to spend their vacation days in Burnet County means more tax dollars in local government coffers. That money can be used to improve roads, parks, and other amenities for Burnet County residents.
“Seeing Burnet County through the eyes of these talented journalists and their writings shows everyone all the different things we have to create your perfect adventure,” Manning said.
