February usually sets the pace for the year ahead on Galveston, and if the success of Mardi Gras has any correlation, 2010 should be a wonderful year.

Mardi Gras Galveston 2010 kept with the tradition of past celebrations and turned out to be a big success. Many people even said the crowds were the largest they had seen in years. The CVB worked extremely hard to promote the event this year. Competing with the Saints Super Bowl win and New Orleans’ Mardi Gras comeback, I’d say we did pretty good. Our website traffic to mardigrasgalveston.com was up over 65% and hotel rooms nearly sold out the first weekend and the second Saturday was booked solid.

Starting as early as King’s Day we worked with media to promote the event. Sending over 25 kings cakes to TV stations and newspapers led to immediate Mardi Gras coverage. KTRH broadcasted a report the very next day on king cake traditions and Mardi Gras Galveston. All Houston stations began planning coverage of various krewe events and attended parades and festivities with live broadcasts. The Austin Chronicle, San Antonio Express, Fort Worth Star Telegram, Outsmart Magazine, H-Texas, Gulfscapes and the Houston Press all included coverage of Mardi Gras Galveston.

Additionally we placed paid advertising in the Houston Press, Texas Journeys and the Houston Chronicle, where over 108,000 Mardi Gras event flyers were distributed. Mardi Gras themed billboards were purchased around Houston and various commercials aired on Cumulus Radio stations. With over 200 news clips total and the wide variety of advertising placed, we received a great amount of coverage and visibility for the event.

Now that we are past the excitement and fun of Mardi Gras Galveston, we will have to start planning its 100th anniversary next year. However, before that undertaking begins, the CVB has to get ready for the return of spring and summer tourists.

As spring returns, Galveston welcomes back favorite annual events to entice the tourists and awaken the Island. The CVB will be spreading the news of these events and our wonderful destination through a spring campaign of public relations as well as TV and radio commercials.

If you have family and friends coming it town be sure to check out the many specials hotels are offering. The Hotel Galvez now has free bike rentals with hotel reservations and the San Luis is offering a $75 gift card when you book three nights.

So when the good spring weather returns, plan one of these activities into your vacation itinerary.
• Break out your lawn chair and a blanket for the return of the Free Movie Night on the Strand, showing the `80s classic Back to the Future, March 6.
• Galveston’s Art Center hosts Artwalk in the Historic Downtown on Saturday, March 6.
• Enjoy live entertainment on The Strand the second Saturday of each month.
• The new Market on The Strand, artisan market will be held the third Saturday every month.
• GCVA Volleyball tournaments are held March 7 and 20 at Stewart Beach.
• Beach and Surf Exploration day at The Galveston Island State Park is March 20.
Also remember to mark your calendars for the Island’s upcoming special events in April and May including FeatherFest, the inaugural Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival, Grand Kid’s Festival, Galveston Island Beach Revue and the Historic Homes Tour.

For more information on Galveston Island, please contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, toll-free at 1-888-GAL-ISLE (425-4753), stop by the Galveston Visitors Center located 2328 Broadway, inside Ashton Villa, or visit our website at www.galveston.com. Also be on the look out as the Galveston Island CVB joining the social media craze. If you have not already, fan us at: www.facebook.com/galvestonisland and follow us on www.twitter.com/galvestonisland. .