Add “Island” to name; tourists will come

Earlier this year, the City of Galveston hired outside marketing firm North Star Destination Strategies to help build a campaign that would attract more tourists and residents to the island. After months and months of research, the firm has now delivered campaign ideas and a suggestion to the city: change “Galveston” to “Galveston Island.” Man, that’s going to make singing Glen Campbell’s old hit a lot tougher.

Along with the name change (something Missouri City is contemplating, also), the proposal also calls to focus more on Galveston’s abundant history and to add a pirate-theme to campaigns (include Galveston Island pirate ring tones – oh, how 2005!). Actually, focusing on the history of Galveston is a good move. There’s a lot of history on the island – some good, some bad.

Even though the final report stated “Your beaches and island are not dirty, they are colored with stories, history and culture” (which is equal to “Is she good-looking? Well, she has a great personality”), we think it’s a good idea to focus on something other than the beaches. The island has some beautiful old architecture, the new Schlitterbahn, and a great downtown area with lots to offer.

The city still has to approve the name change and other campaign proposals, including the new tag line "Galveston Island, The Legend Continues."

Photo: flickr user jeffbalke.