TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS & RESOURCES
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.
January 5, 2021
Happy 2021! First, give yourself a huge pat on the back for making it through the most tumultuous year our industry (and everyone else) has ever faced. We start the year, recognizing that the stroke of midnight did not magically solve our issues, but with an optimistic view about what the year will bring. The first half of the year will be spent on major organizational initiatives such as budgeting and strategic planning for the upcoming fiscal year as well as monitoring the reopening of our destination and planning for market reentry on both the leisure and group sides. The remainder of the year will be determining how we cut through the immense clutter that will fill the destination marketing media landscape. Now more than ever, your partnership will be incredibly important. Look for a meeting invite in the near future for an all-industry call during which we’ll outline our plans for the year and provide business development opportunities for you. Thank you for all you continue to do to support the tourism industry. All the best to you and your colleagues for a year filled with purpose and prosperity. 
Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
State of the Travel Industry Livestream Address
Join U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow on January 27 at 10 a.m. for U.S. Travel’s annual update on the state of the American travel industry. The hour-long address will cover the relief and stimulus policy priorities that will be necessary to help safely reignite domestic and international inbound travel to accelerate our industry’s rebound in the year ahead. U.S. Travel will also release its ambitious and comprehensive Power of Travel Platform.

You can register for the State of the Travel Industry livestream address here.
Sonoma County EDB 2021 Economic Perspective
The Sonoma County Economic Development Board will present its 2021 Economic Perspective webinar on January 28 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg will provide an exclusive first look into Sonoma County's economic future. This valuable insight will offer context and understanding as our region continues on the path of economic recovery. The webinar will also review the County's newly adopted Economic Recovery Action Plan and discuss critical needs impacting the local workforce.

Tickets go on sale today at sonomaedb.org.
New Testing Provider for Sonoma County
Sonoma County now has an additional provider for free pop-up testing. Visit the Curative website here to enter your zip code to find a testing site near you. Curative offers pain free mouth swab testing that takes only 20 seconds to perform and provides results within 48 – 72 hours.

Although appointments are preferred, walk ups are also accepted. If you have employees who would like to schedule an appointment but do not have access to the internet, County hotline operators can assist with test scheduling at (707) 565-4667. They will be asked to answer a series of questions, including if they have insurance. If they do not have health insurance, they can still get tested and testing is free. Results will be sent to patients by email, text message, or phone. The County will continue to staff two or three Community Health Workers at each site to help connect individuals at testing sites with resources.
Continuation of SCT’s Hours of Operation Project

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, many of our wineries, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants have needed to adjust hours. Getting this information out into the local community can be difficult. In an effort to find a solution to this challenge, we have created an area on sonomacounty.com that provides this information.   

By completing our very brief questionnaire your business will be included on the list which will remain active throughout the winter months. 

After the initial survey is completed, participating businesses will be sent a weekly email to provide updates as needed. If there is no change, no further action will be necessary, and your business will remain on the list. If at any time you adjust your hours between now and spring, simply use the link provided in the weekly email to update your information.

In our effort to support you during the challenging months ahead, we have tried to make it easy as possible for you to add your information and appreciate you taking the time to participate.

Questionnaire for restaurant partners

Questionnaire for beverage partners
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant

California has extended the application deadline for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to January 13. Grant funding is available from $5,000 to $25,000.

To learn about the application process and eligibility, visit careliefgrant.com. 
Sonoma County Tourism has a Coronavirus Partner Toolkit regularly updated here.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board has compiled a comprehensive list of local, state, and government resources (including financing options) for businesses at their SoCo Launch website here.
Get tested and help Sonoma County eliminate the coronavirus. Broad COVID-19 viral testing is now available. Learn more here.

The County of Sonoma’s SoCo Emergency webpage offers COVID-19 resources, support, and information.