[larryfla]

I don't live in Charlotte, but I plan to move there next year. Charlotte has to be the biggest unpopular city in the U.S. Not only do people throughtout the U.S. often think that Charlotte is Charleston or Charlottesville, but they often can't even tell you what state it is in. This shouldn't be. I have noticed in magazines like Southern Living that there is practically nothing advertised about Charlotte. I go to travel agencies and there are never any weekend specials or trips to Charlotte. Travel magazines carry page after page on places like Raleigh, Asheville, Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, and numerous other cities, but not Charlotte. I know for a fact that Charlotte has great restaurants and performing arts offered downtown,but it seems that someone is missing out on an opportunity by not being active in advertising for the city. Hell, the C of C should go advertise in London and German cities. They would love the low prices and the proximity to the mountains and beaches.

[Teshadoh]

Charlotte is the biggest upopular city in the US? You're spending too much time on this forum - Charlotte is easily one of the most popular cities to relocat to in the nation. Most people having visited there on business have positive reviews. The opinion varies by what standard they are comparing Charlotte to or what their standard is - but many people are intrigued by Charlotte, with it's suburban qualities & clean & compact downtown.

- keep in mind, these are the opinions of most typical Americans, not neccessarily mine - but I think the positive reviews of Charlotte are understandable.

Now, regarding your intent - that Charlotte isn't a tourist destination. Yeah, I would agree - it isn't even mentionable, ESPECIALLY compared to some of the cities you mentioned: Asheville, Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta or Memphis (Raleigh & Birmingham is debatable). Those cities have amenities that Charlotte clearly lacks, cultural, historic or natural settings that Charlotte is simply unable to grow overnight.

But - I don't see any problem to worry. Charlotte wasn't even mentionable, hardly in the southeast even, 15 years ago. Besides, I seriously lack tourism is a top priority for the chamber of commerce, perhaps in convention oriented economies like Atlanta or New Orleans, but not Charlotte at this point.

[ScreamShatter]

Yea, Charlotte has a very strong business foundation; it would be nice to see it become more tourists friendly. I think Charlotte is moving in the right direction with the Wachovia project being the most recent step (three museums and performing arts theatre). It will take time, but as more northerners move to this city, newer cultural demands will arise and something will be created to fill that demand.

[CLTNC]

The US National White Water Center will put it on the world map.

The national governing body for the sport, USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK) has also designated the Center as its new home. The USNWC hosts World Cup competitions and Olympic Trials, and serves as the home of international Olympic athletes.

http://usnwc.org/

Charlotte Center City Partners does a good job for information on uptown Charlotte.
http://www.charlottecentercity.org/home.cfm

The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
http://www.charlottechamber.org/home.cfm?CFID=1668926&CFTOKEN=79257202

[austin356]

Charlotte doesn't need tourism or advertising to get it. The status quo is going great and the city should not change coarse to try to fix something that is not broke. If Charlotte CC should do any advertising it should be to promote its business, tax/regulatory/cost of living, environment to publications like the Wall Street Journal, etc.


The perception of Charlotte in the South is already great, imo. It is seen as a upper middle class, new, modern, city that has a great future ahead of it.

[larryfla]

Charlotte is the biggest upopular city in the US? You're spending too much time on this forum - Charlotte is easily one of the most popular cities to relocat to in the nation. Most people having visited there on business have positive reviews. The opinion varies by what standard they are comparing Charlotte to or what their standard is - but many people are intrigued by Charlotte, with it's suburban qualities & clean & compact downtown.

- keep in mind, these are the opinions of most typical Americans, not neccessarily mine - but I think the positive reviews of Charlotte are understandable.

Now, regarding your intent - that Charlotte isn't a tourist destination. Yeah, I would agree - it isn't even mentionable, ESPECIALLY compared to some of the cities you mentioned: Asheville, Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta or Memphis (Raleigh & Birmingham is debatable). Those cities have amenities that Charlotte clearly lacks, cultural, historic or natural settings that Charlotte is simply unable to grow overnight.

But - I don't see any problem to worry. Charlotte wasn't even mentionable, hardly in the southeast even, 15 years ago. Besides, I seriously lack tourism is a top priority for the chamber of commerce, perhaps in convention oriented economies like Atlanta or New Orleans, but not Charlotte at this point.

I agree with all you said. I only wish that could look in Southern Living, some travel magazine, or newspaper that would advertise a weekend get away to Charlotte. I went to N.Y. last weekend on a weekender from here in Fla. It included two nights at the Park Sheraton, a play and dinner and of course air fare at a reasonable price. I was only refering to something like that. It would just be nice to see more about your city in magazines, etc. I think it is a great up and coming place and I think everyone should know.

[Style]

if i lived in another city i would NEVER consider visiting charlotte with my friends, family, or any other group of people.

NEVER.