Carson City marketing update shows 300% rise in paid ad performance and strong PR efforts

The Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding marketing efforts, public relations, and visitor statistics for the city. The meeting highlighted the ongoing success of digital marketing campaigns and the positive impact on lodging referrals.

The meeting commenced with a marketing update, revealing that despite February having fewer days, web traffic remained robust, showing a notable increase compared to the previous year. The authority reported a nearly 300% rise in paid advertisements, largely attributed to a well-funded winter campaign. This campaign has resulted in over 250 lodging referrals, marking a 5% increase from January. Engagement on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram was strong, although referrals from these channels were slightly lower as the winter season concluded.

Public relations efforts were also a focal point of the meeting. Carson City was recognized by HGTV as the most charming small town in Nevada, a distinction that garnered attention from local media outlets, including the Reno Gazette Journal and Fox 11 News. Additionally, the authority announced plans for a media event featuring two hikers embarking on a journey from Carson City to Canada, which is expected to generate significant publicity.

The meeting also covered the success of the Carson City takeover night at a Tahoe Night Monsters game, where promotional items like cowbells were introduced, creating excitement among attendees. The authority emphasized the importance of community engagement and the positive feedback received from the public regarding their marketing initiatives.

Visitor statistics for the year 2024 were presented, indicating that nearly 1.35 million trips were taken to Carson City, with an average stay of 2.6 days. The data showed that 90% of visitors were from out of state, with a peak in visitation during the summer months. The authority noted that the largest demographic for visitors came from Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with an increasing trend from Los Angeles.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the effectiveness of Carson City's marketing strategies and public relations efforts, which are contributing to a growing interest in the area. The authority plans to continue refining their campaigns and engaging with the community to further enhance tourism in Carson City.