In the U.S., more than 5,000 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and regional tourism associations drive the travel business. These groups don\u2019t just promote places; they power local economies and act as primary tourism marketing engines for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry. For example, New York City Tourism + Conventions<\/a> reported an estimated $79 billion total economic impact in 2024: more than U.S. steel output and comparable to the entire video game industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, destination marketing goes beyond ads. It\u2019s about immersing travelers in an experience before they book<\/strong>. That\u2019s why Visit Bentonville, the destination marketing organization for Bentonville, Arkansas, curates a lifestyle through cinematic visuals and authentic local voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Episode Five of the Business Video Playbook<\/a>, we spoke with Kalene Griffith<\/strong>, who has led Visit Bentonville since 2005. Under her leadership, Bentonville has evolved from a Walmart company town into a nationally recognized hub for cycling, art, food, and hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Griffith explained how video storytelling<\/strong> connects with travelers, elevates local businesses, and reinforces Bentonville\u2019s vision as a lifestyle destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Our job is to collaborate with everyone. We sit down with our partners and define shared goals for a video within five key pillars: cycling, arts, culinary, outdoor recreation, and medical and wellness tourism.”<\/p>\u2014Kalene Griffith, CEO, Visit Bentonville<\/font><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n To discover Griffith’s formula to grow tourism in Bentonville, watch our full interview now<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\nA Conversation with Kalene Griffith, CEO of Visit Bentonville<\/h2>\n\n\n\n