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Appalachian Triangle of Kentucky
Mission Brief
Appalachian Triangle of KY (ATKY) is a new tourism industry working to transform Southeastern Kentucky from an overlooked region into a premiere adventure tourism destination. RedTag worked with ATKY to launch this new initiative with branding, website, and ad campaigns. This project aimed beyond conventional tourism. Instead, it focuses on the area’s unique potential for outdoor adventure and authentic cultural experiences.
Client Name
Appalachian Triangle of KentuckyServices
Branding, Digital Marketing, Website Development, Content Strategy, Community Engagement, Media BuyingIndustry
TourismPlatforms
Web, Social Media, OTT, Broadcast TV, Print Media
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At A Glance
200%
150%
30%
The Challenge
Southeastern Kentucky, despite its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, had long been overlooked as a tourism destination. Grappling with economic challenges and negative stereotypes, the region needed an image refresh. Our challenge was not only to attract tourists, but to position the area as a hub for adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.
How RedTag Helped
Immersive Brand Development
- Created the "Appalachian Triangle" brand identity, drawing inspiration from the region's topography and cultural tapestry
- Developed the evocative tagline "Wander Yonder," inviting exploration and adventure
- Conducted extensive research, including community interviews and landscape surveys, to ensure the brand authentically represented the region
Comprehensive Digital Presence
- Designed and launched an immersive website showcasing the region's adventure opportunities, from hiking and rock climbing to whitewater rafting and spelunking
- Implemented targeted social media strategies to engage potential visitors, focusing on adventure travel communities and outdoor enthusiasts
- Utilized OTT platforms to reach cord-cutters with compelling video content about the region
Storytelling and Content Creation
- Produced a series of high-quality visual content and filmed on site in the region, including capturing drone footage of scenic vistas
- Developed storytelling narratives that interwove adventure opportunities with local culture and history
- Created an interactive digital map highlighting adventure trails, cultural sites, and local attractions
Community Engagement and Economic Development
- Collaborated with local businesses to develop adventure tourism packages and experiences
- Conducted workshops with community members to ensure the brand resonated with local values and aspirations
- Partnered with local schools to create educational programs about sustainable tourism and environmental conservation
The Appalachian Triangle campaign did more than just reposition Southeastern Kentucky in the tourism market. It ignited a spark of hope and possibility in a region long overshadowed by economic challenges. By highlighting the area's unique adventure potential and rich cultural tapestry, RedTag's campaign laid the groundwork for sustainable tourism growth and meaningful economic development.
The success of this initiative went beyond mere statistics. It breathed new life into local communities, inspiring young people to stay and contribute to their hometowns. Small businesses that had struggled for years found new customers eager for authentic Appalachian experiences. The campaign not only attracted visitors but also instilled a sense of pride and possibility in the local population.
RedTag's deep dive into the heart of Appalachian culture, combined with its expertise in adventure tourism marketing, resulted in a brand that resonated both with thrill-seekers and those yearning for genuine cultural encounters. The Appalachian Triangle is no longer just a place on the map. It’s becoming a symbol of resilience, natural beauty, and the untamed spirit of adventure.
This transformative project demonstrates the power of thoughtful branding and strategic marketing to not just change perceptions, but to catalyze real economic and social change. The Appalachian Triangle stands as a testament to the potential of overlooked regions and the impact of visionary marketing in unlocking that potential.
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