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. | |
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When October rolls around, we know the planning cycle for holiday travel for the time period between Thanksgiving and New Years has started! According to Future Partners, holiday travel is expected to be solid, with 43.4% of Americans planning a trip around the holidays. Younger travelers will drive volume and more travel is expected from higher-income urbanites. To keep Sonoma County top of mind, SCT’s PR-driven marketing campaign will begin in early November, helping to raise awareness of and drive business over the holiday and winter months.
As part of Sonoma County Tourism’s commitment to destination stewardship, we’ve adopted stretches of five heavily traveled roads. As stewards of these roadways, we help ensure they are safe, free from debris, and pleasant for both local residents and visitors to traverse. While we have no shortage of extraordinarily beautiful roadways, one at the top of the list is through Armstrong Woods. Note the first story below that we have a road clean-up scheduled for THIS Friday in Armstrong Woods and we’d welcome any of our partners to give a few hours back to the area through assisting the SCT team with this effort. Think of the amazing IG posts you’ll have to show for your community service!
You can see from all the stories below that it’s a very busy time in the region and at SCT. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping drive business to Sonoma County!
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Adopt-a-Road Clean-Up: Armstrong Woods Road | |
Let's Make a Difference: Adopt a Road Clean-Up at Armstrong Woods Road!
Calling all nature lovers and community champions! Join us on Friday, October 18 for a rewarding morning as we come together to keep Sonoma County beautiful. This isn't just a clean-up—it’s a chance to make a real impact, connect with fellow locals, and enjoy the stunning scenery of Armstrong Woods Road!
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: boon hotel + spa, 14711 Armstrong Woods Road in Guerneville
We’ll have everything you need—trash bags, vests, and trash pickers. Just bring your energy, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and let’s turn this morning into a feel-good community win!
Every pair of hands counts! If you can't lend a hand this time, reach out to a friend. Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep Armstrong Woods looking its best. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
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Join the Cod Squad During Sonoma County's Black Cod Week! | |
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Sonoma County Culinary Leaders: Black Cod Week is Just Around the Corner!
Support our local fishing industry by joining the inaugural Black Cod Week, taking place from October 18-27. With Dungeness crab and Chinook salmon facing challenges, black cod is the perfect eco-friendly alternative. We invite restaurants, hotels, chefs, and caterers to elevate their menus with creative dishes that showcase the rich flavors of locally sourced black cod.
This is your chance to demonstrate your culinary expertise while driving awareness for sustainable seafood in Sonoma County. Let’s work together to build consumer demand for this versatile, abundant fish and highlight the best our region has to offer. With your participation, we can turn the spotlight on a sustainable seafood option that’s thriving in our deep, cool coastal waters.
We’ll provide you with all the marketing resources you need, and your establishment will be listed on the Black Cod Week website and app. Plus, you'll have the chance to encourage customers to buy local black cod and create their own delicious dishes at home!
Let’s make Black Cod Week a huge success and celebrate Sonoma County’s rich fishing heritage together. For more information or to register, visit our website or reach out to us at BlackCod@sonomacounty.com.
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Partner Survey Closing Soon | |
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We Need Your Voice! Share Your Feedback in Our Partner Survey.
Sonoma County Tourism is dedicated to boosting your business's revenue, and we want to make sure our programs hit the mark! That’s where you come in. Take just 10-12 minutes to share your thoughts on how we can improve partner engagement, program value, and your overall satisfaction with SCT’s initiatives.
Why Participate?
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Shape the Future: Your insights directly influence the development of our programs to better support your business.
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Survey Deadline: October 31, 2024—make your voice heard!
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Completely Confidential: Your honest feedback is safe with us.
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Incentive: Win big! Two lucky respondents will receive a $200 Oliver's Markets gift card or a $100 Amazon gift card!
This is your chance to help guide our strategies and make a real impact on Sonoma County’s tourism efforts. Don’t miss out—complete the survey today and help us empower your success!
Questions? Contact Kelly Bass Seibel at kseibel@sonomacounty.com.
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Special Event Sponsorship Program Now LIVE! Accepting Applications: Oct. 1 – Nov. 15 2024 | |
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Calling All Sonoma County Event Producers!
Ready to elevate your event and put Sonoma County on the map as a premier overnight destination? Now’s your chance!
Sonoma County Tourism is offering Special Event Sponsorships to help you attract visitors, boost overnight stays, and make your event truly unforgettable.
Why Apply?
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Amplify Your Event: Get the support you need to draw visitors from near and far.
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Boost Overnight Stays: Help make Sonoma County the go-to destination for travelers.
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Stand Out: Make your festival, concert, or local gathering a must-attend experience.
Applications are open from October 1 to November 15, 2024, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your event on a larger scale.
Learn more about the application process, evaluation criteria, and program timelines by visiting our Special Event Sponsorship Program page. Let’s work together to make Sonoma County the go-to destination for unforgettable experiences!
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Call for Submissions: Help Us Promote Your Seasonal Offerings! | |
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We want to showcase the best that Sonoma County has to offer for each season—and we need your help!
Share your elevated seasonal experiences so our public relations team can highlight your business in our media outreach efforts.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
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Luxury Experiences: Are you planning unforgettable winter events like fine dining experiences, immersive wine tastings, or spa and relaxation packages? We’d love to know!
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Visual Content: Send us your best holiday season b-roll (horizontal only) and high-resolution images that capture the festivities and spirit of your business.
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Babymoons: If you’re offering special packages for expectant parents, tell us how you’re making their Sonoma County getaway unforgettable.
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Dogcation Trend: Let us know about your pet-friendly accommodations, resources for travelers with dogs, or any events catering to four-legged visitors.
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Spa Experiences: If your spa integrates cultural practices and ancient medicine, share the philosophies you embrace and how they’re combined with modern treatments.
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Milestones in 2025: What anniversaries or big moments will your business celebrate next year? We want to help you spread the word!
Provide detailed information along with any supporting photos and send your submissions to publicrelations@sonomacounty.com. Let’s collaborate to make sure your offerings are front and center in our pitches to journalists and media worldwide. Together, we’ll make this season truly unforgettable!
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Update Your Listing: Hospitality Hub | |
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Have News to Share?
Your business may already have a free promotional listing on www.SonomaCounty.com, one of the best ways to attract new customers and share your story. To ensure we’re showcasing your business in the best light, we need your help to keep your information accurate and up-to-date.
Please take a moment to review your listing using the search feature and let us know if any updates are needed.
How to Update:
The quickest and easiest way to update your listing is through the Hospitality Hub. If you need access or a password reset, just email us at hospitalityhub@sonomacounty.com and we’ll get you set up!
Keep your listing current and help us keep promoting your business!
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Sonoma County Tourism Shines at IMEX America! | |
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Sonoma County Tourism, along with four key partners, made a major impact at IMEX America in Las Vegas from October 7-10—the largest trade show in the U.S. for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. With over 16,000 meeting planners and suppliers in attendance, this year saw record-breaking participation.
Our team brought a slice of Sonoma County to life with an immersive video wall, capturing the attention of attendees and setting the stage for over 200 one-on-one client appointments! SCT also attended key events with SITE Global, MPI Global, and Visit California, and hosted an exclusive client/partner dinner, further elevating Sonoma County’s profile as a premier destination.
We’re excited to see the leads and business opportunities that will arise from this high-profile event!
Interested in partnering or learning more about future opportunities with Sonoma County Tourism? Click here to connect with us!
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Showcase Your Business to Meeting Planners!
Gain valuable exposure for your business among Northern California's top meeting planners by donating an auction item to the PCMA Northern California Chapter auction, the BAMIES Gala, being held at The Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
This event brings together over 300 meeting industry professionals at the Bay Area Meetings Industry Excellence (BAMIE) Awards on November 13 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
Popular auction items include:
- Hotel stays
- Tickets to sporting events, concerts, or shows
- Destination vacation packages (hotel + dining + experiences)
- Wine/food gift baskets
- Restaurant gift certificates
If you're interested in showcasing your business to this influential audience, submit your donation by October 31 here. Thank you for your support!
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Hyatt Place Sonoma Wine Country Hotel Groundbreaking Ceremony
Hyatt Place Breaks Ground in Santa Rosa!
On Wednesday, October 9th, Landmark Hotels marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the newest Hyatt Place hotel at 3750 North Laughlin Road, Santa Rosa. The event brought together key leaders and the community to celebrate this exciting development in Sonoma County’s hospitality scene.
Following the ceremony, during a special reception, Charles Sweeney, Chairman, and Shawn Sweeney, President, made a generous donation to the Redwood Empire Food Bank in recognition of the organization's incredible work supporting the local community.
Stay tuned for more updates as this dynamic new addition to Santa Rosa takes shape!
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