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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“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” Benjamin Franklin
This mantra is truly meaningful for Sonoma County Tourism. Over the past five years, we’ve dealt with myriad crises and truly understand the best way to mitigate damage is to prepare. For SCT, preparation is critical for dealing with both major crises and tremendous opportunities. At present, SCT is working on a benchmark destination master plan with the goal of helping ensure we, collectively and proactively prepared for our future. The goal is to determine a pathway forward that can gain as much support and alignment as is possible. During the next couple of months, we will conduct focus groups with several industry sectors and the public. We’ll also undergo a number of independent studies to determine the destination’s capacity to become truly sustainable and resilient. At the end of this discovery period, we’ll craft a plan designed to provide actionable tactics to move Sonoma County forward in a thoughtful and strategic way. This is going to be a heavy lift. We’re going to make difficult decisions and create programming that may not appeal to everyone. But, the goal is to ensure the direction and programs are in the best interest of Sonoma County and benefit the businesses and individuals who serve the traveling public. If you haven’t yet been contacted about participating in a focus group, please reach out to me and we’ll work to find a group that’s right for you!
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Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
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Free Partner Workshop: Understanding the Value of PR
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Join Sonoma County Tourism and its associates at Fahlgren Mortine on June 13 at 12pm for a free virtual partner training on the value of public relations. Discussion topics will include new opportunities in the growing digital landscape, assessing the value of national vs regional coverage, media hosting and vetting basics, and measurement strategies including the public relations industry standard “Barcelona Principles.” |
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Good Morning Texas in Sonoma County
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Sonoma County Tourism recently partnered with Good Morning Texas, a morning news show that airs on WFAA channel 8 (the ABC affiliate station covering the Dallas–Fort Worth region). This past week, Good Morning Texas broadcast live from Vintners Resort, where host Hannah Davis interviewed the new general manager, Brian Sommer. In addition to discussing the property’s features and services, the interview focused on the resort’s commitment to sustainability, having attained an environmentalist rating from the California Green Lodging Program.
After the live broadcast, Good Morning Texas recorded segments at Jordan Winery and Jack London State Historic Park, which will air later this month.
To watch the interview from Vintners Resort, click here.
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Yelp Honors Sonoma County Hotel
Yelp, one of the world's largest crowd-sourced review publishers, recently released its annual list of the top 100 places to stay in 2022. Glen Ellen’s Olea Hotel came in at #2, with Yelp calling it “a luxe base camp for exploring California wine country.” To create its Top 100 US Hotels list, Yelp ranks lodging categories using a variety of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews between January 1, 2017 and May 16, 2022.
Sonoma County Tourism extends its congratulations to Olea Hotel for this well-deserved recognition.
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Sonoma County Tourism's Engagements and Trade Shows in June
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Sonoma County Tourism staff will be participating in a number of conferences and trade shows in the month of June: |
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THRIVE Summit
Orlando, Florida
Todd O’Leary will be speaking at Connect’s THRIVE Summit on June 5 at the Orange County Convention Center. The THRIVE Summit showcases innovative case studies and provocative panels that educate destinations, hotels and attractions to elevate and focus their LGBTQ+ marketing efforts.
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eTourism Summit
Orlando, Florida
Todd O’Leary will also be speaking at eTourism Summit on June 6 at the Orange County Convention Center. eTourism Summit, now in its 22nd year, connects destination marketing pros with vendors and agencies in an intimate setting that fosters fantastic networking and the sharing of ideas. Also happening at eTourism Summit this year: Frank Filice, SCT’s Director of Brand Marketing, will be recognized as an emerging leader in the travel marketing space.
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ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting
San Francisco, California
Kurt Shaver will have meetings and network with over 100 CD associates - hotel sourcing professionals who book thousands of meetings each year.
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Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Claudia Vecchio, Conrad Braganza, and Devin McConnell will be speaking at the 52nd annual Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference. This year’s conference will focus on the recovery efforts of the global tourism and hospitality industry, as well as increasing resilience to crises, sustaining resources, and equitable distribution of tourism benefits.
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IMEX Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany
Percy Stevens will meet with travel buyers from central Europe.
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IPW
Orlando, Florida
Jonny Westom and Percy Stevens will be taking 80 appointments with international travel buyers, with Claudia Vecchio accompanying.
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Emerging Markets Summit
Orlando, Florida
Claudia Vecchio will talk about SCT’s journey to becoming a destination stewardship organization.
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Women in Travel and Hospitality
Beverly Hills, California
Claudia Vecchio will talk about Sonoma County’s “second act.” Becoming a sustainable destination and reimagining destination marketing.
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