It’s West coast meets East coast in a new collaboration between the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative as the two destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are launching a cross promotion between Marina del Rey, CA and Delray Beach, FL.
From Marina del Rey to Delray Beach, the “Beach Buddies” initiative will showcase activities, attractions, dining and hotels in each destination while highlighting parallels between the two.
The latest connection between the two coastal towns is American Airline’s new direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to West Palm Beach International (PBI), with both airports approximately a 15-minute ride to their respective destinations. Additionally, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) offers nonstop flights to LAX daily.
Inspired by the shared “del Rey” name and the chic small town resort vibe of both communities, the idea to collaborate was an easy one.
With ocean views, trendy waterfront eateries, on-the-water attractions, beachside activities, and modern hotels just steps from the water’s edge, travelers flock to the contemporary communities for similar coastal experiences while locals have a fun “stay and play” perspective.
What’s more, is the destinations also have opposite shoulder seasons and will use this collaboration to encourage “Beach Breaks” to one another when the wave of travelers is expected to slow down.
“We’re excited to partner with Delray Beach on this unique cross-promotion. Although our coastal communities are on opposite ends of the continent, we share many unique characteristics and also offer a variety of new experiences for our ‘Beach Buddies’ exchange program,” said Janet Zaldua, Executive Director of the Marina del Rey CVB.
‘When it cools down in Marina del Rey, Delray Beach will be ready to heat things up for our west coast visitors,” added Stephanie Immelman, Executive Director of the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative.
Social media will take the lead in generating awareness with Instagram photo contests, videos, blogs, custom hashtags, and Facebook updates.
The official destination mascots will also get in on the fun by “visiting” their “Beach Buddies” and providing regular updates with Marty the Pelican giving a “bird’s eye view” of Delray Beach while Swinton the Turtle “comes out of his shell” in Marina del Rey.
“It’s been incredibly fun to watch our mascot, Marty the Pelican, spread his wings and experience a new territory. The friendship between him and Swinton the Turtle from Delray Beach is heartwarming,” said Zaldua. “Marty shares his birds-eye view from up high and Swinton gives the low-down from down low. What’s even more exciting, they are sharing their travel stories with the world through social media.”
For more information, go to http://www.visitmarinadelrey.
