(Aug. 13, 2026) Special thanks to Tonja Marshall, Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Canton for welcoming us into her space and presenting “Tourism Advertising: Branding a Destination.”
We learned so much about how Visit Canton brings in visitors. Here are just a few highlights from this eye-opening presentation:
• YOU are part of the destination. Residents are part of the brand.
• Visitors don’t just visit cities, they EXPERIENCE a destination.
• A destination brand has three jobs:
– create desire (I want to visit)
– create distinction (this is different from all the other places)
– create permission (there is enough to justify my trip)
The best message is not universal. It is relevant, timely and compelling to a specific audience.
Visit Canton works to market and develop the community through exciting cultural partnerships and grants.
Check out the event photos.
