Released on: October 15, 2008, 7:34 pm

Press Release Author: Magnifi Online

Industry: Transportation & Logistics

Press Release Summary: Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau Revamps Its Website


Press Release Body: SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2008) - Santa Monica Convention &
Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) and advertising agency Rabuck | Stranger announced today the
launch of a completely redesigned Website, (www.santamonica.com
), the community's greatest resource for information on
dining, accommodations, shopping, things to do, meetings & convention spaces,
community involvement and more. After going through the RFP process, SMCVB
ultimately hired Rabuck | Stranger to revamp the site because of their expertise in
design and strategy and their understanding of what makes Santa Monica unique. The
new santamonica.com has an entirely new look and feel, incorporating innovative
design and updated content into the existing module.

Rabuck | Stranger's first step was an in-depth competitive review known as Key Site
Attribute Analysis. SMCVB board members and staff along with Rabuck | Stranger staff
were given 10 destination or travel-related Websites to evaluate according to brand
presence, ease of use, site content, etc. The biggest finding from the Key Site
Attribute Analysis was that captivating photography was the most important feature
on the Websites that were favored. With this knowledge Rabuck | Stranger hired
photographer Sondra Stocker to spend about three months photographing Santa Monica.
The concept of a local's point-of-view set the tone for the photography and includes
local Santa Monicans in front of the city's best backdrops, whether it is the Beach,
Edgemar Center for the Arts, the bike path or Main Street.

"A fresh approach, and bold, colorful photography, sets the site apart and the
user-friendly interface makes Santa Monica information accessible to potential
visitors everywhere," said Rick Rabuck, Creative Director at Rabuck | Stranger, "Now
the world's finest destination is only a click away."

SMCVB's new Website welcomes everyone from visitors and community members to meeting
professionals and media alike to take an interactive approach to everything that the
destination has to offer. Visitors can easily research where to stay in Santa Monica
by filtering their search with various attributes like "hip and trendy",
"beachfront" and "budget". Maps, weather, sample itineraries and other key aspects
for the perfect trip are all available on the site. There's also a "What to do" link
for travelers staying and playing in Santa Monica that features shopping, arts &
culture, attractions, nightlife and insider tips.

Locals can use the site to find information about upcoming events in town and how to
take advantage of SMCVB's programs for locals. Santa Monica residents might also
greatly appreciate the apartment rental links, a new feature available now.

Meeting planners will find all the tools they need for planning the perfect event in
Santa Monica from transportation, catering, rentals, sample itineraries, promoting
your meeting and more. Journalists interested in covering Santa Monica as a featured
destination story will find the downloadable press kit and story ideas very useful.
Other helpful features for the media include a media visit RFP, photo library,
recent articles on Santa Monica and news releases by SMCVB.

"The new website is a strong reflection of the Santa Monica brand - the innovative
culture, the relaxed attitude and the abundance of activities. We hope that everyone
who visits the site leaves with a feeling that we live the good life in Santa
Monica, and we welcome visitors to do the same", said Kim Baker, SMCVB Director of
Marketing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) is a non-member, non-profit
organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local
employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a premier travel
destination. For travel and accommodation information please call (800) 544-5319 or
(310) 319-6263; or email info@santamonica.com; or write Santa Monica Visitor Center,
1920 Main Street Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Official Santa Monica Maps,
Visitor Guides, Corporate Guides, Art Trek, Design District, Big Blue Bus and
Historical Landmark Maps are available at all Santa Monica visitor service locations
and can be mailed upon request. To reduce our environmental footprint, some of these
materials can also be downloaded or ordered from our website at www.santamonica.com
.

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Web Site: http://www.santamonica.com

Contact Details: 1920 Main St. Ste B
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-319-6263
800-544-5319
info@santamonica.com