TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS & RESOURCES |
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This partner communication exists to provide timely information on Sonoma County’s tourism and hospitality industry, along with resources to help partners navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. |
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As you are reading this, I have the privilege of being part of the Visit California CEO Mission to Mexico City. This is a benchmark event that continues to set the state on a pathway back into the international travel arena. It’s exciting to not only have the chance to promote Sonoma County to top media outlets and discuss business development opportunities with airlines and tour operators, but to join destinations from across the state in rolling out the welcome mat to this important international market. Sonoma County Tourism is moving forward with determining how we best enter the international market and reenergize our travel trade efforts. In a significant leap forward, SCT just hired Percy Stevens as our new Director of Travel Trade. We are thrilled to have a professional of his caliber on our team and helping us reenter the domestic and international travel trade space. While we certainly will face headwinds with inflation and gas prices, we are expecting a robust summer. We are very hopeful we’ll begin to see international travelers back in the market this spring as a sign of our return to some level of normalcy.
Myriad programs and activities are happening at SCT right now! We welcome your participation in the events and activities listed below.
Thank you for your support of Sonoma County Tourism.
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Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
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National Travel & Tourism Week 2022
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As in years past, Sonoma County Tourism is planning a number of initiatives in recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW), which takes place May 1-7 with the theme “The Future of Travel.” Established in 1983 by President Reagan, National Travel and Tourism Week is the annual salute to travel in America. During the first full week in May, communities nationwide unite to showcase travel’s contributions to the economy. Read below for a sneak-peek at some of our plans, along with details on how you can get involved. |
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Lighting Pinot Purple for NTTW
For the third consecutive year, Sonoma County Tourism is encouraging businesses to cast its properties in purple light (the official color of hospitality) the nights of May 1-7. If your property has outdoor lighting, but you require purple gels, SCT can provide you with those at no cost. Participating businesses will be featured on our website and may be included in our NTTW press outreach.
To request purple gels, or to let us know of your involvement, please fill out this form. Questions can be directed to Kira Butz at kbutz@sonomacounty.com.
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Live Like a Visitor Experience
In recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week (May 1-7), Sonoma County Tourism will be inviting residents to “Live Like a Visitor” and experience Sonoma County as visitors do, by enjoying the sights, sips, bites, and culture of Sonoma County — learning about the value of tourism and getting a prize for their efforts.
Utilizing Sonoma County Tourism’s soon-to-launch VisitWidget app, residents will be asked to visit/patronize a minimum of five businesses, attractions, or activities listed in the application between May 1-7. These residents will ask participating businesses for a special code they will enter into the app to verify their visit. With National Travel and Tourism Week existing to educate the public about travel’s contributions to the economy, every time a participant enters a code into the app, they will be exposed to a fact about the value of tourism and its important role within the Sonoma County economy. Residents that manage to visit at least five spots between May 1-7 will get a special prize.
There is no cost for businesses to participate, and the only requirement is that businesses be willing to issue a secret code during National Travel & Tourism Week to any who ask for it. If your business is interested in being featured in this “Live Like a Visitor” initiative, please email communityengagement@sonomacounty.com for consideration.
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Stars of the Industry 2022
Sonoma County Tourism is delighted to announce the 2022 Stars of the Industry Awards will take place Tuesday, May 3 at 5pm at the Flamingo Resort & Spa.
The inaugural Stars of the Industry Awards occurred last year as part of Sonoma County Tourism’s annual meeting, honoring two businesses and two individuals for excellence in the hospitality industry. The Stars of the Industry Awards proved so successful, the decision was made to spin it off to a standalone celebration corresponding with National Travel & Tourism Week.
This year's Awards is seeking nominations in eight categories, with four honoring businesses, and four recognizing individuals. In recognition of this year’s NTTW theme “The Future of Travel,” one of the new award categories will be the “Innovation Award” honoring a hospitality business that has pioneered forward-thinking initiatives that represent the future of the industry.
Nominations are now open, and we encourage you to submit your business and staff for consideration. To view the list of awards categories, and to submit a nomination, click here.
Nominations are due March 25 at 5 p.m. Late entries cannot be accepted.
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Petaluma Hospitality Mixer
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Sonoma County Tourism invites you to attend a business mixer in the Hampton Inn Petaluma’s Dye House on Thursday, March 24 from 5-6:30pm. Join us for an afternoon of drinks, appetizers, and gaiety as we reconnect after a prolonged period of virtual gatherings.
Sonoma County Tourism extends its thanks to Hampton Inn Petaluma and Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance for sponsoring this mixer.
Although you are free to forward this invite to your direct colleagues, please do not share this invitation outside of your business/organization. RSVP here!
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Spring Campaign Toolkit + Webinar
Sonoma County Tourism has been in-market with our Spring Campaign since January. To fully leverage the spirit and power of the campaign, SCT has developed a Spring Campaign Communications Toolkit for our hospitality partners. The toolkit contains marketing tools and shareable assets for your website, social media, and e-mail marketing – empowering you to spread the word about Life Opening Up in Sonoma County.
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Sonoma County Street Cleanups
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Sonoma County Tourism extends its thanks to everyone who signed up for one of our recent roadside cleanup events. They have been fun opportunities to get sunshine and exercise while helping to keep Sonoma County pristine for visitors and residents.
We're still seeking additional volunteers for our Glen Ellen cleanup on March 23 from 9-11am on Arnold Drive.
Cleanup supplies will be provided by Sonoma County Tourism and Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works. Volunteers will be given a highly fashionable Sonoma County Tourism Cares t-shirt.
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