Mobile CVB wants to create a brand for tourism (and looking to spend $148k to figure it out). What they don't realize is there's nothing here for tourists. That should come first. Not random museums, not little open air markets. Not more shopping centers. Not skate parks.
Ok, we have a battleship. I went and visited it (out of necessity) today for the first time since I was a kid (I'm 39 now). They're repainting it. That's great. The wood decking has more patches than a convention of people trying to quit smoking. Our 1 'attraction' can't even be maintained to standard. I know it's supposed to be self-sufficent and all, but hey if you're going to throw around $148k to thinktank a city brand (which has worked well in the past) ...
While there I saw many out of state tags which was awesome (there was about 50-75 cars around noon~). Save for a couple of kids I was by far the youngest person not working there.
I like Bellingrath, but I've made that trek twice in the last 5 years (and only once did I drive myself - and it, like today, was for a purpose). I don't see it anywhere as a tourist draw, though I'm sure people might "stop in" if in the general area and know about it.
Mobile is in one of the best locations for this region. Hub of 2 major interstates, no major cities for miles in either direction (and I mean New Orleans type cities), but the most of what Mobile is known for is Mardi Gras (2nd best at that), a leprechaun and a bad tunnel.
Until something is built here to define this city, you can't define this city. It doesn't have to be unique, just something that is a must see (amusement park, world class aquarium, something that makes money for the city as well, not just rely on money from the city). Anything to do around here, is not in Mobile. Casinos, beaches, etc.
They need to quit trying to come up with witty brands to draw people here, they need to come up with something to draw people here. Then you don't need to brainstorm fancy brand ideas.
Every time I go to New Orleans, I have several things that I do nearly without fail (Riverwalk, Audubon ... hell even Jax). I rarely even go to our mall. But there's nothing to it. Riverwalk is even just a nice location. Or I drive 6-7 hours to Tennessee (with plenty to do). Or 7 hours to Disney World (yeah that's kind of different). Or just 3 hours to Panama City.
I can never think of anything to do here. I've had a vehicle at my disposal since Thursday (my truck's broke down). I've been 2 places, Walmart and then BMP today. And if I didn't need pictures of BMP for something I'm working on, it would've just been Walmart.
Side note: running around a submarine as a kid is quite different (and easier) than doing so as a 6'5" 39 year old. I left a few dents in the ole Drum, and a couple of new aches in my back.
Sorry for the long post/rant.
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Shawn Kerr
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