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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Happy Earth Week.
As Sonoma County Tourism looks at the travel environment post-pandemic, one thing is clear. People yearn to travel, to explore, to share with one another and to learn. Travel is the best way to gain transformational experiences that truly shape lives. Helping ensure a relevant balance between the needs of travelers and the fragile, but abundant resources Sonoma County has to offer, is the essence of Destination Stewardship. Having stewardship over this extraordinary place means that we will always do what’s in the best interest of that over which we commit responsibility. It’s with this broad-based approach to inviting travelers to enjoy the amazing bounty of Sonoma County (within the framework of responsible travel) that we celebrate Earth Day.
While this week offers a chance to amplify our efforts, throughout the year, each and every day, we recognize the value of our natural landscapes and multifaceted resources. We are in awe of Mother Nature’s enormous generosity. We truly appreciate our corner of the Earth and commit to encouraging our visitors to do the same.
If you have a few minutes, check out the CNN quiz to explore easy ways to make a significant difference in your approach to climate change. It’s not groundbreaking, but hopefully enlightening. Please let us know if you have ideas regarding how SCT can help be the change when it comes to destination stewardship and responsible travel.
Be well,
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Claudia Vecchio
President and CEO
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5804
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COVID-19 Rehiring and Retention Law
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Governor Newsom signed legislation late last week to create a statewide policy for the rehiring of workers laid-off by the pandemic. SB 93 requires employers in the hospitality and business services industries, including hotels, airports, and large event centers, to offer new positions to qualified former employees laid off due to COVID-19 within five business days, through 2024.
We encourage covered employers to read the new law to begin compliance preparations. The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) will be enforcing SB 93 and can inflict substantial penalties for failure to satisfy the obligations of the new law.
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Top Tips for Sustainable Travel
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Over the past twenty years, the number of international tourist arrivals more than doubled worldwide, surpassing 1.4 billion in 2019. While this tourism boom promoted economic growth, there’s little doubt the expansion resulted in negative impacts to the environment. Sustainable Travel International is committed to rethinking and reshaping the way we travel, to make sure tourism positively impacts people, places, and nature.
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The Most Effective Measures for Fighting Climate Change
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CNN, using data from the group Project Drawdown, has created an interactive quiz to test your knowledge on the most effective climate change solutions. Actions are labeled to indicate whether they can be implemented by individuals, companies, or policymakers. Simply click and drag the solutions to rank the ones you think would have the biggest effect on curbing climate change. The correct rankings might surprise you!
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Sonoma County Economic Development Week
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Join the Economic Development Board (EDB) for its 2021 Sonoma County Economic Development Week, May 3-7. Celebrate and learn about the positive contributions of economic development and its important role in our community through a series of free virtual workshops. |
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Market Research and Intro to Digital Marketing
Thursday, May 6th, 3:00 pm
Finance Your Business
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Start Your Business
Monday, May 3rd, 6:00 pm
Employee Reskilling and Workforce Opportunities
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Russian River Job Fair
Russian River businesses interested in registering for a free booth can contact the Russian River Chamber at 707-869-9000.
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Last Call for Participation in NTTW Pinot Purple Project
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One of Sonoma County Tourism’s projects for National Travel and Tourism Week is our lighting Pinot Purple initiative. We encourage you to join us in casting your property in purple light (the official color of hospitality) the nights of May 2-8. If your property has outdoor lighting, but you require purple gels, SCT can provide you with those at no cost. Participating businesses will be featured on our website and may receive additional exposure from coverage of this campaign.
To request purple gels, or to let us know of your involvement, please fill out this form. Questions can be directed to Samantha Paull at [email protected].
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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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