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. |
|
At the close of 2022, SCT worked to gain additional funds through extending the Business Improvement Area (BIA) to vacation rentals. While we communicated with many in this sector, it became clear that SCT needed to create a more robust communications channel between the short-term rental community and SCT.
One of the initiatives we promised was to create a committee dedicated to this industry segment. If you are an owner/operator or manager of a vacation rental property and meet the criteria noted below, please complete the application through the link provided. We will gather the initial group together in February. Thank you for your interest in helping SCT better communicate with the vacation rental industry segment.
We will all be stronger if we work together for the good of Sonoma County.
|
|
|
|
Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
|
|
Vacation Rental Committee
|
|
SCT is organizing a Vacation Rental Committee to create a robust communications channel between the short-term rental community and Sonoma County Tourism. As a channel for insights, SCT will invite members of the vacation rental community to share information, including:
- General understanding about Sonoma County Tourism and benefits available
- Marketing opportunities through SCT’s paid, earned and owned channels
- Collective industry messaging
- Community engagement opportunities
- Connectivity with the Sonoma County Hospitality Association – policy and legal implications
Participation is open to owners/operators or property managers in unincorporated Sonoma County – the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) paid by the property is part of the county-wide fund for which SCT receives a portion.
In keeping with board policy, any interested persons should apply via the SonomaCounty.com Committee Application.
|
|
Road Cleanup Airport Blvd.
|
|
Sonoma County Tourism is holding a roadside beautification event on Tuesday, February 21 from 1-4pm. The one-mile section of road we’ll be cleaning is Airport Blvd. from Aviation Blvd. to Flightline Drive.
For many visitors flying into Sonoma County, this stretch of road represents their first look at our destination, and we want to do our part to help make a great initial impression!
Volunteers will meet at the Sonoma County Tourism office to get supplies before walking to Airport Blvd. to enjoy exercise, sunshine, and fresh air while doing good for the community. Volunteers who join us on February 21 will be entered in a raffle for a $100 dining certificate. Cleanup supplies will be provided by Sonoma County Tourism and Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works.
|
|
SCT Celebrates Adrian Award Win
|
|
Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) has been recognized for industry-leading programs and creative strategies by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).
In addition to these awards, SCT’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Todd O'Leary will be recognized as a “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds.” Selected by a panel of 25 senior industry executives, the “Top 25” is HSMAI’s annual hot list that celebrates the sales, marketing, revenue optimization and distribution leaders, and innovators in the industry.
At the Feb. 23 HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, the SCT team will receive:
- GOLD: PR/Communications: Reawakening the Spirit of Travel in Sonoma County “Life Opens Up”
- GOLD: Digital: “Life Opens Up” in Sonoma County
- GOLD: Integrated Campaign – B2C: “Life Opens Up” in Sonoma County
- PR Feature Placement: “Life Opens Up” in Sonoma County Good Morning America, Travel + Leisure Spotlight
|
|
Accredited Hospitality Professional Program
|
|
February classes for the Accredited Hospitality Professionals (AHP) are posted! Whether you’re a manager looking to foster a stronger team within your company, or an individual looking to enhance your own marketability to employers, the AHP program is surefire way to bolster one’s expertise within the hospitality industry in Sonoma County.
To learn more about the Accredited Hospitality Professional program, including registration information, click the button below.
If you are a business owner interested in potentially hosting AHP’s for a continuing education experience or a class at your place of business, please contact Tracy Koch at tkoch@sonomacounty.com.
|
|
Restaurant Week Registration
|
|
Sonoma County Tourism would like to extend an invitation to participate in the 14th annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week, sponsored by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board. This is great opportunity to showcase your restaurant to new and returning customers.
Date:
Monday, February 20 – Sunday, February 26
To register for 2023 Sonoma County Restaurant Week, please complete the registration form by clicking the button below.
If you have any questions, please contact Restaurant Week project coordinator, Aleena Decker, at RestaurantWeek@sonoma-county.org or by phone at (707) 565-7221.
|
|
Sonoma County Tourism has put the power of travel into visitor’s hands by introducing a new comprehensive, highly interactive, and user friendly visitor experience mobile app.
The new application showcases Sonoma County while creating an engaging and intuitive way for visitors to research, plan, and experience their visit to the destination. The app even empowers users to work towards goals and challenges to unlock status badges and rewards.
|
|
Kind Traveler Goes Statewide
|
|
In 2019 Sonoma County Tourism began its relationship with Kind Traveler, the first socially conscious “Give and Get” hotel booking and education platform, becoming the first Destination Marketing Organization (now Destination Stewardship Organization) to join the Kind Traveler platform.
Now, the first statewide regenerative tourism program with Visit California kicks off and is officially LIVE! This program has mobilized 38 new pathways for travelers to give back to local charities and drive positive community and environmental impact across the Golden State.
The Visit California and Kind Traveler media teams have been working hard to engage journalists about this initiative and encourage you to like/comment/share on the LinkedIn announcements shared thus far on the Kind Traveler Blog & AFAR Magazine:
|
|
While the past several weeks of the new year have been rainy, it has not dampened enthusiasm about travel to our destination. Fortunately, Sonoma County is getting interest from journalists eager to learn more about what’s new in 2023, business milestones, anniversary promotions, wellness, sustainability, and responsible travel experiences.
Sonoma County Tourism’s public relations efforts can help elevate the visibility of your business. Chances are higher when you host local, regional, or national travel and lifestyle journalists and influencers. Our public relations team invite you to send them any offers they can pitch to media. It’s easy to add your special offer to our Media Handbook.
|
|
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
|
|
Sonoma County has been added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) only for the winter storm starting December 27, 2022 and continuing.
If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
For further information contact: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-6734 or contact the Economic Development Board at edb@sonoma-county.org - (707) 565-7170.
|
|
United Way is offering their services to families or individuals whose household income falls at $70,000 or less. Get your taxes prepared for free by certified preparers in Sonoma county.
To schedule your appointment please call 2-1-1 or 800-325-9604 and bring the following items:
• Original Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse
• Original Social Security Card or ITIN for each person on tax return (Copies accepted)
• W-2 or 1099-NEC for all jobs held
• All 1098’s, 1099’s, 1095-A,B,C & all other tax forms
• Checking or savings account information including routing & account numbers for fast direct deposit refunds
• Last year’s tax return (if available)
• Childcare provider information
|
|
Download and share the Sonoma County App |
|
|
|
|
|
|
