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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.

July 17, 2024

The travel and tourism industry in 2024 continues to evolve and flex to meet the changing needs of travelers. Deloitte, a noted insights company, compiled five key trends for 2024. The first of these trends is: Suppliers find ways to touch up the travel experience. Hospitality providers know they need to improve the experiences they offer or risk losing travelers’ attention.

McKinsey, another global research giant released their 2024 trends with this opening statement: Tourism and hospitality are on a journey of disruption. Shifting source markets and destinations, growing demand for experiential and luxury travel, and innovative business strategies are all combining to dramatically alter the industry landscape.

Tourism continues to be on an evolutionary track with changes occurring at breakneck speed. Marketing a destination as complex as Sonoma County requires that we be ahead of the trends and continually evaluating our programming to ensure its effectiveness as the landscape changes. We take this responsibility very seriously. We understand the results of our efforts can be impactful to local businesses, families and individuals. 

One way we’re working to elevate appeal of the travel experience is offering the Signature Experiences (working title) program. Through connecting with an experiences expert, partners can gain the art of storytelling and develop experiences that not only showcase a product or business, but create an authentic sense of place. The first track of this program has just begun. Please let us know if you’re interested in participating. Please also note the partner education offerings below. We welcome your participation in any that are of interest. And, don’t hesitate to let us know if there are other areas of interest to you!

Thank you for all you’re doing to elevate the traveler experience in Sonoma County!    

Partner Education Sessions to help your business

Save the Date for the SCT Annual Meeting

Mark your calendars for the afternoon of Monday, September 23rd for Sonoma County Tourism's 2024 Annual Meeting. Keynote speaker announcement and ticket sales will begin later this month.

As the fall and winter seasons approach, we’re interested in learning about any special deals, packages, or promotional offers you plan to feature.

Sharing your unique offerings will help us craft compelling pitches to our network of media and journalists around the globe. Your contributions will help promote your brand to a wider audience.

Please send us the details of your upcoming promotions and help us amplify your business and attract positive media coverage.

Submit information to publicrelations@sonomacounty.com.

Destination Sales hosts FAM for Taste of Sonoma

Sonoma County Tourism welcomed 8 meeting planners June 19 - 22 for a 4-day immersive experience that included attending the coveted Taste of Sonoma. Stacey Bruckert, Director, Destination Sales designed a robust itinerary that highlighted hotels, activities as well as unique offerings throughout the destination. 

The goal of this FAM was to highlight Sonoma County as a meetings destination, and showcase uniquely local events that can be incorporated into any group experience. The planners were overwhelmed by all that Sonoma County has to offer for their clients. 

For more information on FAM tours or to participate in future opportunities, please contact the Destination Sales team. 

Leave No Trace Summer Messaging

It's been a busy summer along our river and coastal beaches! Sonoma County Tourism, in collaboration with Sonoma County Regional Parks, encourages you to visit our Sonoma County Leave No Trace coalition toolkit page for resources including online training modules; links to order free LNT window clings, posters, tent cards, and informational booklets; and access digital assets like photos, videos, and guides. Together we can help visitors enjoy our parks and natural environment safely and responsibly. 

Take your messaging one step further by utilizing our free online training to learn simple but meaningful steps you can take to share Leave No Trace messaging with your guests.

For more information on how to get involved with Leave No Trace, contact CommunityEngagement@sonomacounty.com.

From Our Partners

Advertising Opportunities with California Cheese Trail Map

The California Cheese Trail has been promoting artisan cheesemakers and cheeses since 2010, and has become a go-to resource for cheese lovers, tourists and foodies. In 2024, we printed 50,000 maps to distribute for free across California but have already run out and need to print more ASAP! 

To advertise on this special 2nd printing (or to become a distribution partner), please contact Vivien & Michael Straus (siblings) for details and pricing. Info@CheeseTrail.org or visit CheeseTrail.org. Reach out for details and to confirm your space by Wednesday July 24.

Restaurants: Are you Interested in Black Cod Week?

Sonoma County’s fishing industry continues to face climate and environmental challenges that have severely diminished income and threaten the viability of the local fishery. Dungeness crab and local Chinook salmon populations, a staple in the fishing industry, continue to struggle due to these climate and environmental impacts.

In an effort to combat the harmful economic impacts of limited fishing opportunities and encourage focus on an abundant and healthy fishery, a Restaurant Week-style event centered around local black cod is being proposed.

Unlike fish and crab that live in shallow waters, black cod lives in deeper waters that are not as significantly impacted by climate change. Black cod is also abundant on the North Coast and has a rich buttery taste that is versatile across cuisines. The goal of Black Cod Week is to increase and build consumer demand for local black cod.

To better understand restaurant needs and interest for Black Cod Week, we kindly ask you to take this quick, THREE QUESTION survey.

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