TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS & RESOURCES
This partner communication exists to provide updates on Sonoma County Tourism’s programs and offerings, along with additional news and resources to support Sonoma County’s tourism and hospitality industry.
May 17, 2023

On May 9, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors proclaimed May as Travel and Tourism Month! This is in alignment with the State of California doing the same on behalf of Visit California. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate our industry! Below, you’ll see a number of initiatives SCT did to commemorate National Travel and Tourism Week, but even these descriptions don’t depict the joy felt by those who participated.

The Stars of the Industry event helps us all remember that the most important touchpoints to our visitors are our front line and heart-of-the-house employees. We herald the enormously creative businesses in Sonoma County that challenge us and broaden our perspectives. We recognize those who have given their lives and livelihoods to bettering the hospitality industry. This event reminds us why travel and tourism is the most extraordinary industry in the world. For the rest of May, as we’re all gearing up for a busy summer season, please accept the grateful thanks from Sonoma County Tourism for all you do to elevate the customer experience, amplify the brand and create lifelong memories for those who choose Sonoma County. 

Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
Arnold Drive Road Cleanup
Sonoma County Tourism is holding a roadside cleanup of a 1.1-mile section of Arnold Drive in beautiful Glen Ellen on Thursday, May 25 from 9am-11am, and we invite you to join us! We’ll be enjoying a morning of sunshine and exercise while we do our part to help keep Sonoma County pristine for visitors and residents.

Cleanup supplies will be provided by Sonoma County Tourism and Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works. Registration is required for participation. We hope to see you there!
National Travel & Tourism Week Recap
Last week, Sonoma County Tourism celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 7-13th, with an array of events highlighting the tourism and hospitality industry. The annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, spotlight the essential role of travel and tourism in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

Sonoma County Tourism kicked off National Travel & Tourism Week with the following events:

May 9 Gold Resolution
May 9 Stars of the Industry Awards
May 11 Destination Stewardship and Resiliency Master Plan Unveiling
May 12 Sonoma County Tourism Cares + Humane Society Volunteer Event
Congratulations 2023 Stars of the Industry Award Winners!
The best and brightest in Sonoma County's tourism and hospitality industry gathered at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country Tuesday night to celebrate the 2023 Sonoma County Tourism Stars of the Industry Awards. Wine Country Radio’s Natalie Wright served as host, alongside Sonoma County Tourism’s Board Chair, Edward Roe, presenting 11 awards to businesses and individuals that have excelled in, or have had a positive effect on, the Sonoma County tourism and hospitality industry.

  • Front of the House: Bryan Bergman with LO & BEHOLD
  • Heart of the House: Santos Perez De Wile from the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
  • Rising Star: Hayden Puryear of Larson Family Wines
  • Environmental Stewardship/Sustainable Practices: Ridge Vineyards
  • Customer Experience: Brewsters Beer Garden
  • Lodging Property of the Year: The Lodge at Bodega Bay
  • Community Enrichment: Transcendence Theatre Company
  • Champion of the Industry: Dustin Valette of Valette/The Matheson
  • Innovation Award: J Vineyards & Winery
  • Accredited Hospitality Professional Program Champion: Analy High School
  • Legacy Award: Don and Thera Buttaro

Photos and nominee videos from the event can be viewed and downloaded here.
Sonoma County Tourism Cares + Humane Society
As part of Sonoma County Tourism’s celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week 2023, a Sonoma County Tourism Cares event was held at the Humane Society of Sonoma County’s Santa Rosa campus. Sonoma County Tourism purchased 418 lbs. of pet food which volunteers divided into small storage bags for distribution to those in need. Additionally, volunteers revitalized the landscape of the campus’s canine play area by pulling weeds and laying down woodchips. Volunteers were then treated to a tour of the campus and left with an enhanced appreciation for the amazing work of the Humane Society of Sonoma County and its Community Action Team (C.A.T).

Sonoma County Tourism extends its thanks to everyone who came out to volunteer for this event! 
Respect Russian River
To celebrate yesterday's endorsement of an MOU for the Russian River Confluence by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Sonoma County Tourism has released a new video on the Russian River watershed and the Respect Russian River initiative.

Please watch, share, and learn more about how you can help this great project by visiting RespectRussianRiver.org.
New Leave No Trace Guide
New to order from our partner portal, the Hospitality Hub, is a 14-page full-color guide on the Sonoma County Leave No Trace Seven Principles. Each Principle provides helpful recommendations for minimizing negative impacts to parks and open spaces. The guide is both an excellent training resource for employees and effective reference material for your guests.

We encourage you to visit our Sonoma County Leave No Trace coalition toolkit page for additional resources including online training modules; links to order free LNT window clings, posters, and tent cards; and access to digital assets like photos, videos, and guides.

To receive a login or to reset your password to the Hospitality Hub, contact SCT’s Data & Systems Specialist, Emma Schmitz, at eschmitz@sonomacounty.com. You can also find guides and tutorials to the Hub at sonomacounty.com/partners/extranet.


Questions regarding the Sonoma County Leave No Trace Seven Principles and coalition can be directed to dmcconnell@sonomacounty.com.
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Sonoma County Tourism | sonomacounty.com