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.
August 12, 2021
Following a July that posted the highest performance (ever) for many of our lodging properties, the Delta variant is causing traveler sentiment to take a dip. And, as we’re all experiencing, mask mandates have returned putting pressure on our customer-facing employees to enforce these requirements. Industry-wide we’re seeing a heightened requirement for proof of vaccines or negative COVID tests. This will likely expand in the coming months. 

For those business that are moving forward with requirements, county testing opportunities have expanded: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/novel-coronavirus/testing-and-tracing/. Organizations looking to start their own internal testing should head to: https://testing.covid19.ca.gov/get-started/. And, for any COVID testing-related questions or concerns, please visit: [email protected].

We’re not through this yet. Sonoma County Tourism will continue to monitor the health and safety protocols as they are being implemented in the tourism and hospitality industries. We know Sonoma County will continue its appeal for both loyal fans and first-time visitors because of its particular key attributes. We will continue to promote a safe and responsible visit. 

Of particular note, please take a moment to nominate someone in the industry who you’d consider a Star of the Industry. We’re starting this new program to showcase those who go above and beyond to elevate the guest experience. We have some fantastic nominations already, but want to be sure we find the gems in our hospitality workforce!

Thank you for all you’re doing to manage through the ongoing issues related to the pandemic.  
Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
Last Chance to Submit Stars of the Industry Nominations
Time is running out to nominate your business and employees for Sonoma County Tourism’s Stars of the Industry awards (taking place Sept. 29 at the Flamingo Resort as part of SCT’s annual meeting). Visit the nomination page here to submit in the following categories: Customer Engagement, Environmental Stewardship/Sustainable Practices, Front of the House, and Heart of the House.

Please note that each business is limited to one nomination per category, but multiple category nominations will be accepted. Nominations are due tomorrow, August 13, at 5 p.m. If you have questions about the awards process, please contact Kelly Bass Seibel at [email protected].
Proof of Vaccination Workplace Protocols
The County of Sonoma recommends implementing employee proof of vaccination protocols in the workplace as a proactive way to prevent COVID-19 exposure. Current state and federal employment law support employers requiring documentation of vaccination status.

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board has an informative “Requiring Proof of Vaccination” page defining acceptable forms of proof and documentation, confidentiality rules, and methods of documentation. The page also covers what to do if an employee loses their vaccination card, or what to do if an employee is not fully vaccinated or declines to show proof of vaccination. 

You can learn more at the EDB’s Employee Vaccination page here. 
Becoming a Testing Partner with the State of California
California is committed to making testing easy and is partnering with organizations and businesses across the state to provide COVID-19 antigen and PCR testing. These partnerships will allow you to create a testing site at your business for your employees. The State will cover the cost of tests, training, processing the tests as well as the transportation of samples. Organizations are responsible for all other costs associated with the test site, e.g. staffing, test site logistics, etc.
 
Tests can be billed to the individual's insurance or reimbursed by the federal government. Participants will not be balance billed by the state. To learn more about partnering to provide COVID-19 antigen and PCR testing, click here. You can also email [email protected] with questions about the program.
Wildfire Research from Visit California
As evidenced by the hazy skies over the North Bay, fire season is in full force in California. With wildfire season now firmly entrenched in the media narrative, Visit California commissioned new research to understand how wildfires are impacting consumer perceptions and to explore ways to effectively combat misperceptions. Top findings include:
  • Natural disasters do impact travel. 72% of travelers say they have considered natural disasters when choosing a destination.

  • Despite wildfires impacting many western states, California is associated with wildfires more than any other state. Top-of-mind awareness for California is 87%. Oregon, the next most mentioned state, came in at 14%.

  • 82% of travelers believe wildfires are nearly inevitable in California.

  • Consumers primarily associate wildfire with summer and early fall.

  • The top concern about wildfires is air quality, followed by being caught in a fire. Second-tier concerns include having to evacuate, power outages, and that roads or attractions will be closed or inaccessible.

  • Consumers reacted most positively to reassuring messages including:
  • There are many unaffected places to visit.
  • Impacted areas can easily be avoided.
  • Disruptions are localized and rarely impact tourism infrastructure.

  • Travelers are looking for flexible options, up-to-date info, discounts, and insurance.
Visit California will continue closely tracking fire season impacts using the Crisis Evaluation Matrix to deploy a response strategy as needed.
Responsible Beverage Service Training
The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has been providing Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training to Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed establishments in Sonoma County for over a decade. Until recently, RBS training has only been required for ABC licensees in cities and counties through the enactment of local policies and regulations. Included in these rulings have been on-sale establishments (bars, restaurants, cafes, wineries, breweries) and off-sale establishments (stores, markets, mini-marts, gas stations).

With the passage of CA Assembly Bill 1221, beginning July 1, 2022, RBS training will be mandated for all alcoholic beverage servers and managers in on-sale establishments statewide with the requirement to successfully complete an ABC-approved RBS training course and exam, no later than August 31, 2022 (or within 60 days for new hires).

The Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Division’s RBS training was approved by the ABC in May 2021, becoming the first County in the State to achieve certification as a Training Provider. Its 4-hour virtual trainings are offered at no cost and meet all the state requirements, providing an opportunity for compliance well before the actual start date of the new law.

To learn more about RBS trainings, and registration for classes, click here. 
County of Sonoma RFP for Emergency Food Services
The County of Sonoma is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish as-needed contracts with food service providers to prepare, deliver, and distribute meals to disaster workers, first responders, and shelter facilities located within Sonoma County on an as-needed basis during a disaster. The responsibilities of the food service providers include, but are not limited to, the preparation and delivery of emergency food needs while ensuring that all food safety measures are met.

Though not required, the County will accept proposals from suppliers acting as a food services coordinator or engaged in a joint venture or association, which would then support the concept of a single point of contact during a disaster through which the Emergency Operations Center Logistics Team can coordinate emergency food service.

To learn more about this opportunity, visit the County’s Bidding Opportunities page here and select “RFP - Emergency Food Services.” Questions can be directed to [email protected].