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. | |
National Travel and Tourism Week Is Here | |
Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is the annual salute to travel in America. Communities nationwide unite around a common theme to showcase travel’s contributions to the economy and American jobs. Sonoma County is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week through the following activities.
Click here to learn more about how you can join us in celebrating!
| |
New Official Map & Visitors Guide Now Available | |
|
Sonoma County Tourism has launched a new Official Map & Visitors Guide. This hybrid guide with a pullout map is an excellent jumping off point as your guests are planning their visit.
Maps are available for individual order, in bundles of 25 or boxes of 200 through the Hospitality Hub. If you would like to pick some up directly from Sonoma County Tourism's office on Thursday, May 23, in advance of the Memorial Day Weekend, please order from the Hospitality Hub, but also send us a note to ajruiz@sonomacounty.com.
| |
Become One of Sonoma County's Signature Experiences | |
Today’s savvy travelers are experience junkies and want to be immersed in the places they visit. They crave authentic experiences that connect them with the heart, soul, and people of a destination and seek memories that last a lifetime.
Sonoma County Tourism is partnering with the Veneto Collaboratory to launch a collection of new Sonoma County Signature Experiences. Program partners will be able to participate in this unique experiential development program designed to assist partners in a variety of sectors to design, create and deliver unforgettable customer experiences.
Applications for interested participants are due June 1. If you missed last week's informational call, click here for a full recording.
| |
Save the Date: Hospitality Hub Training | |
Optimize your partnership with Sonoma County Tourism at this in-person training session. Review our refreshed website, the Sonoma County app, and SCT’s Hospitality Hub. The Hospitality Hub is used to edit your listing, special offers, and events, and pushes your listing to the Sonoma County app. All of these marketing tools are available at no cost to you.
Bring your laptop to make the most of this training.
Location: Sonoma County Tourism
400 Aviation Blvd., Suite 500, Santa Rosa
Date: Wednesday, June 5
Time: 9:00-10:30am
Questions: tkoch@sonomacounty.com
| |
Sonoma County Tourism Attends IPW | |
SCT’s Travel Trade and PR team’s, along with Pure Luxury Transportation, Flamingo Resort & Spa, and Visit Santa Rosa attended the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in Los Angeles, CA – May 3-8, 2024.
U.S. Travel welcomed 5,700 attendees, including 2,000 international buyers and media from nearly 70 countries—an impressive 20% increase from 2023, showcasing the palpable enthusiasm for travel to the U.S.
The Sonoma County Tourism delegation focused on highlighting the region's diverse offerings, from its renowned wineries and farm-to-table dining to its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and amazing lodging properties.
In addition to the trade show, the delegation engaged in numerous meetings with international tour operators and media representatives, through networking events and participation in the California Plaza. These efforts aimed to boost international tourism to Sonoma County, positioning it as a top destination for travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences.
For a detailed report or to learn more about traveling with Sonoma County Tourism’s Business Development team, please contact us.
| |
Add Your Special Offer to SonomaCounty.com | |
Offer travelers a reason to visit your business this summer by listing in in the "Deals" section of SonomaCounty.com. The Deals section is one of the most visited sections of our website, and a great way to increase your business's visibility. To submit your offer, add it through the Hospitality Hub or submit a Special Offers form through the button below. Contact HospitalityHub@sonomacounty.com with questions.
| |
Tourism Cares Food Drive Results | |
On Wednesday May 8, 2024 SCT's Tourism Cares team joined forces with Food for Thought for an all-day Food Drive at Oliver's Market on Montecito. t
The team raised $4,705.19 in food and funds!
Food For Thought is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the nutrition needs of people living with serious medical conditions and at risk of malnutrition and food insecurity. The SCT team was happy to contribute to this cause and is thankful to live in a such a generous and caring community.
If you have questions or ideas for future Tourism Cares projects, contact Jessica Quigley at jquigley@sonomacounty.com.
| |
Sonoma County Hosts Meeting Planner FAM | |
Stacey Bruckert, Director, Destination Sales, attended Northstar Meetings & Event’s “Incentive Live” tradeshow in Las Vegas, April 28 – May 3, 2024. Stacey met with 30 meeting planners who focus on incentive travel in a 1:1 tradeshow format. Incentive travel is a powerful motivator used by businesses to reward and encourage high performance among employees. Attending this tradeshow helps to position Sonoma County as a top choice for companies seeking to motivate and reward their employees with unforgettable experiences.
Immediately following the tradeshow, Stacey welcomed 10 incentive meeting planners from the Incentive Live roster to Sonoma County for a 3-day immersive FAM tour. The goal of this FAM was to highlight Sonoma County as a meetings and incentive destination. Stacey designed a robust itinerary that highlighted hotels, activities, as well as unique offerings throughout the destination and the Sonoma County Tourism mobile app. Immediately following the FAM, SCT received 4 qualified requests for proposals (RFP’s) for future incentive business.
For more information on FAM tours or to participate in future opportunities, please contact the Destination Sales team.
| |
Sonoma County Regional Parks Launches Summer Shuttle Service
Visitors and residents looking to enjoy Russian River beaches this summer can take advantage of the Regional Parks River Shuttle when it returns for its fourth season starting Memorial Day weekend. The River Shuttle departs from the El Molino High School campus, 7050 Covey Road in Forestville, and runs between the popular Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach river parks.
The Regional Parks River Shuttle is a convenient, low-cost way to visit Russian River beaches without the need for a personal vehicle. With new, expanded hours, the shuttle will operate 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, beginning Saturday, May 25, through Labor Day, Sept. 2. An all-day round-trip ticket costs $5. Youth (ages 0-18) ride for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SoCoParks.org/ShuttleTickets.
|
NAACP Grants Available for Minority-Owned Businesses
The NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support for under-represented minorities in the beverage alcohol service, sales and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $100,000 in acceleration grants, education, support and entrepreneurship solutions for minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license.
If you are a black-owned (51%+) business owner with a liquor license or real liquor license aspirations - and you need financial, educational or mentorship support, please apply here. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future. Click here to learn more. Grant applications close May 24 at 3pm.
| |
Vote STS for Best Small Airport
The Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is in the running to be named Best Small Airport by Newsweek. You can vote once per day through May 23 at 9am.
| |
Downtown Trolley
Beginning May 15, Rose-E, a 12-passenger electric trolley, will be operating five days a week through downtown Santa Rosa, and will help address connectivity between Courthouse Square and Railroad Square. Rose-E will operate Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-9pm, Saturday from 12-4pm and 5-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-3pm. The route and details can be found at here.
| |
Download & share the Sonoma County App | Follow us on social @sonomacounty | | | | |