Why do you choose Nike, Crocs or Jimmy Choo? Apple or IBM? Timex, Rolex or TAG?


You don't simply choose a brand based on a catchy tag line. You make choices to fit your lifestyle, personality and to fill a desire.


Same goes for cities. Why do you choose Charlotte, Washington, DC or Greater Raleigh?


Marketing, branding and positioning a destination is just as important as any other consumer product. The image of a city can determine whether people choose to visit, live, attend a university or locate their business there.


There is no doubt that Greater Raleigh holds a unique position in people's minds as North Carolina’s Capital City. However, how can we best emotionally connect with potential visitors? What are the experiences that visitors can take part in here which aren't available anywhere else in the region, state or even world?


The stakes for destination marketing are high - and particularly in Greater Raleigh, where visitors pump more than $1.3 billion into the local economy.


For these reasons and more, this research project is necessary for the GRCVB and its partners to best market the county and create new revenues for local businesses and residents.