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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Anxiety levels, along with case rates, have been increasing in recent weeks as the highly transmissible delta variant asserts itself as the primary coronavirus strain in the nation. Earlier this month, Los Angeles County was forced to reinstate its mask mandate, and Bay Area counties, including Sonoma, recommend indoor mask use regardless of vaccination status. California announced yesterday that all state workers and other select industry employees will be required to either show proof of vaccination, or wear PPE and submit to weekly coronavirus testing. And earlier today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its guidelines to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas of high transmission.
The good news? According to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, communities that are fully vaccinated are generally faring well against the new variant. In Sonoma County, only 22% of our eligible population have yet to receive a vaccine dose. With 78% of our 12 and older population having at least some protection against the virus, Sonoma County is better off than many parts of state, country, and globe. But the fact remains, the more people we vaccinate, the greater protection we afford the whole. Especially those too young to enjoy the benefit of inoculation.
One of the most important things we can do to end the pandemic is encourage holdouts to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated. It’s safe, effective, and free. Read below on how you can request a free pop-up worksite vaccination clinic at your place of business. With vaccines delivered right to your door, and medical authorities on hand to address concerns surrounding vaccine hesitancy, this opportunity could offer the right conditions to get our unvaccinated population the protection they deserve.
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Kelly Bass Seibel
Senior Director, Community Engagement
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5820
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SCT’s Annual Meeting and Stars of the Industry Awards
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Save the date for Sonoma County Tourism’s Annual Meeting at the Flamingo Resort, Sept. 29, 2021 from 3 to 5 p.m. (followed by a reception). Although full information regarding the meeting’s agenda, along with registration information, will be unveiled at a later date, SCT is pleased to announce it will be incorporating a Stars of the Industry award ceremony as part the proceedings.
Nominations are open, and we encourage you to submit your business and staff for consideration. Please note that each business is limited to one nomination per category, but multiple category nominations will be accepted. Nominations are due by August 13 at 5 p.m.
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A Thank You to Partners Promoting the Principles of Leave No Trace
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Sonoma County Tourism extends its gratitude to the following partners for helping to promote the important message of Leave No Trace:
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If you would like to learn more about this effort, or become involved in our future sustainability initiatives, contact Devin McConnell at dmcconnell@sonomacounty.com.
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State Encourages Businesses to Adopt Proof of Vaccination/Testing Requirements
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The State of California is implementing a new standard requiring all state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings (like adult and senior residential facilities, homeless shelters, and jails) to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week. Unvaccinated workers will be subject to at least weekly COVID-19 testing and will be required to wear appropriate PPE.
The new policy for state workers will take effect August 2 and testing will be phased in over the next few weeks. The new policy for health care workers and congregate facilities will take effect on August 9, and health care facilities will have until August 23 to come into full compliance.
Although businesses are not required to implement proof of vaccination or testing requirements, the state encourages businesses to do so. You can read more about these new standards here.
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Employee Vaccination Pop-up Worksite Clinics
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The State of California is offering free pop-up worksite vaccination clinics. To take advantage of the program, employers can either email the County at
More information on this program can be found at the EDB’s business assistance page here.
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EBD webinar on BIPOC Impact
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The Sonoma County Economic Development Board is offering a free virtual presentation on August 11, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. featuring economist Marlene Orozco on the disparate impacts and pathways for recovery among black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs. Sonoma County BIPOC- business owners will also discuss challenges to access and ways we can advocate for equity in our community.
You can learn more and register here.
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The CalTravel Summit is taking place in Huntington Beach on September 12-14 this year, bringing together compelling voices of travel and tourism for three days of timely insights, issues, discussion, and inspiration. Registration for non-CalTravel members is currently $1,099, but you can save $300 by applying this promo code at checkout: CTAFRIEND
The Summit will feature CNN host and contributor Van Jones; a live report on the recall from the Capitol by Politico's California reporter Carla Marinucci; former Anaheim mayor, Assembly Speaker, and current PR and government affairs firm CEO Curt Pringle; U.S. Travel CEO Roger Dow; Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta; plus dozens of industry leaders, experts, and consultants.
Registration rates increase this Saturday. You can learn more about the summit and register here.
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