From LatviansOnline.com – The Riga Monopoly Challenge
February 18, 2008
Since this is my very first LatviansOnline.com post, I’d like to add some information gathered since becoming immersed in this worldwide contest on February 6th, when Riga was (only) at #35. What a difference 12 days make.
My original shock on that fateful Wednesday was that Riga was even included at all. What a pleasant surprise. Then it was a faraway dream that we would make it into the Top 20 – and therefore be “on the board.” I’d like to thank Ojars for being the unofficial Point Man in marshalling this forum to propel Riga to #3 – where we have been battling Capetown, South Africa all weekend for the coveted green Pennsylvania Avenue ($350) space.
Other Top 20 locations have had interesting press in their respective countries:
Slumping Queenstown, New Zealand, currently #24 was voted as high as #17. “Their” LatviansOnline recognizes the importance of this contest to their tourism industry: Queenstown tackles the world to win a place in global Monopoly
“…the challenge now is to ensure Queenstown makes the cut to become one of the 20, particularly as the resort is not as famous as others on the list. We’re a tiny village in a far flung location compared to every other contender on the list. To get on that board, we need to make a special effort to motivate New Zealand and our international friends to get behind our bid and vote.”
And Montreal, #1 since at least last week has this analysis by an educational tour company in Go, Canada! and mentions a tale of two cities – perhaps on the opposite but converging poles of worldwide fame – Paris and Riga. “…Montreal has surged ahead of Paris for the top spot on the new Monopoly board. Montreal (4.8 percent) is easily outpacing Paris (3.5 percent), which may have to settle for the Park Place spot.
But it’s Canada that is monopolizing the Monopoly voting, thanks to coordinated online efforts like this.”
(This is the equivalent of our HelpRiga.lv).
And finally “There could be some other surprises on the board, including Riga, Latvia (11th) and Belgrade, Serbia (12th).”
Finally Capetown understands the importance of blending “Top travel destination” and “Civic pride” in Have you voted for Cape Town?
Top travel destination: “I am confident that with the support of the media, Capetonians, the tourism industry and friends of Cape Town globally, we can feature on the board game. It will definitely contribute to Cape Town’s destination ranking and create further international awareness of Cape Town’s appeal as a hot travel and business destination… It is an opportunity not to be missed and Cape Town Tourism appeals to the public and members of the tourism industry to go on-line and vote for Cape Town.
Civic pride: “…it would be a great honour for Cape Town to be listed as one of the 22 international cities. It will build civic pride and confidence in our destination, locally and internationally.”
Please visit HelpRiga.lv and vote daily (once per unique e-mail address!). Persuade your friends to do likewise.
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