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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As we move back into a shut-down situation, we know the challenges to businesses will mount. That this is occurring over the usually busy holiday travel season makes it more challenging than ever. We will work with our state and national level associations to continue to push for federal funding for our businesses, and quite frankly, for destination marketing organizations. We feel strongly that when we’re able to put out the welcome mat, people will want to come to Sonoma County, but while excitement around a vaccine propels optimism, we’re seeing interest in travel constrict. The recent Thanksgiving spike and anticipated spike from December holidays, has people rattled. We will continue to monitor the data, take a hard look at how to optimally plan and spend our funds, and (most importantly) continue to engage our online audiences through meaningful social posts and third-party storytelling. Thank you for your great strength and resolve to manage through this.
Take very good care.
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Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
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Continued Call to #SaveTravel
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Right now, Congress is negotiating the next round of coronavirus relief legislation while 984,000 travel-supported jobs remain on the line. U.S. Travel urges everyone to maintain momentum and continue posting on social media and emailing members of congress — even if you have done so recently. Join us in demanding Congress pass, at the very minimum, legislation that provides immediate support for small travel businesses ASAP. Goals include enhancing and extending the Paycheck Protection Program through the end of 2021, expanding eligibility to include 501(c)(6) and quasi-governmental DMOs, and allowing for a second draw loan for the hardest hit industries.
To learn more about the importance of this effort, and how you can help, visit the Power of Travel Coalition Advocacy website here.
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Vaccinate ALL 58 Campaign
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Just as the first batch of vaccines reach our hospitals, the State of California is launching an important new campaign to educate the public on the benefits of getting vaccinated; dispelling myths and offering facts on how COVID-19 vaccines work.
There is a great deal of fear and misinformation regarding vaccines. A recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows about a quarter of U.S. adults aren’t sure if they want to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Roughly another quarter say they won’t. Experts estimate at least 70% of the U.S. population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, or the point at which enough people are protected that the virus can be held in check.
Although vaccinations are not yet available to the masses, they will be in the coming months. While we wait, we can all do our part to educate employees, coworkers, friends, and family on the safety and importance of getting inoculated as soon as it is available.
Visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccines to learn about the facts of COVID-19 vaccines. And click here to access downloadable graphics from the “Vaccinate ALL 58” campaign.
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Tripadvisor Partner Education Session Recap
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Last week, Sonoma County Tourism hosted a succinct 23-minute training with Tripadvisor’s Todd Skelton, who presented valuable information on how to best utilize free listings on the world’s largest travel platform. Skelton discussed recent travel trends and provided an overview of the Travel Safe Initiative for businesses to promote safety measures to create stronger consumer confidence with travelers.
Partners are welcome to access a recording of this educational session, free of charge, through our partner extranet.
If you have forgotten your password to the partner extranet, or do not have an account with us, please contact Katja West, Marketing Data & Systems Specialist, at kwest@sonomacounty.com. You can also find guides and tutorials to the partner extranet at sonomacounty.com/partners/extranet.
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Visit California COVID-19 Resource Hub
Visit California’s COVID-19 resource hub has been relaunched with an improved design to make it easier to locate regularly updated crisis resources. Now you can easily access the latest Travel Industry Talking Points, COVID-19 Research Dashboard, and Weekly COVID-19 Updates. To check out the revamped Coronavirus Update page, click here.
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Giving the Gift of Sonoma County
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If you haven’t already, we encourage you to check out SonomaCounty.com/holidays to explore what makes the holiday season bright in our beautiful destination. We’re particularly proud of our 12 Days of Holidays Gift Guide, which highlights a different collection of Sonoma County gifts each day. Whether a wine lover, a foodie, a culture seeker, or an adventurer — we have Sonoma County gift ideas for everyone!
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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.
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Get tested and help Sonoma County eliminate the coronavirus. Broad COVID-19 viral testing is now available. Learn more here.
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