Dear Members of the Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts and Subscribers,

Your participation is key in shaping the future of tourism in our beloved Sonoma County. As we gear up for the next meeting of the VR committee on May 16th, from 3-5 PM at the Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) office at 400 Aviation Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA. 

We urge each of you to mark your calendars and prioritize attendance. This meeting presents a pivotal opportunity for us to voice our feedback and contribute to the enhancement of our community's vacation rental experience.

Agenda Highlights

Interactive Testing of the New SCT Website (sonomacounty.com/lodging)

SCT has been diligently working on revamping their website to better serve both visitors and hosts alike. Ahead of the meeting, they have graciously provided us with access to the beta version of the site. I encourage each of you to take it for a spin, explore its features, and provide your valuable feedback. Your input will directly influence the final iteration of the website, ensuring it caters to the needs and preferences of our community.

Some areas for improvement we noticed:

1. On the Make Reservations Tab, all types of lodging should be represented, not just hotels.
2. Hosted rentals need to be equally represented as well.
3. Increase the search and booking functions for short-term rentals to have additional “Amenity” searches such as: search by the number of people, number of rooms, hosted/unhosted, pool and hot tub, patio/deck/outdoor area, BBQ, dishwasher/washer/dryer, LGBTQ-welcoming, and pet-friendly etc.
4. Add functions which allow short-term rentals to be found on a map as well as by location, like: near mountains, near river, near lake, near beach, countryside, city center, near cultural venues, near specific town/city. The current alphabetical order of vacation rental listings makes little sense.

Engagement with the Marketing Plan

SCT's marketing initiatives are integral in promoting Sonoma County as a premier destination. The "Life Opens Up" brand ethos and the "Discover Your &" campaign aim to redefine travelers' perceptions of our region beyond just wine and food. By aligning our messaging with these strategic objectives, we can collectively elevate the visibility and appeal of Sonoma County to a broader audience.

Additional Resources

- SCT has released a video introducing the updated website and outlining the marketing plan. It's essential viewing for all members, as it provides valuable insights into the vision and direction of our tourism efforts.

- A survey has been circulated to gather feedback on the new website. Your participation in this survey is invaluable, as it ensures that our collective voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process.

Looking Ahead

At the May meeting, we anticipate receiving updates on the effectiveness of the marketing agenda. By actively engaging with these initiatives, we position ourselves as stakeholders in the success of Sonoma County's tourism industry.

Final Thoughts

Our coalition's strength lies in our collective participation and collaboration. Together, we can shape a tourism landscape that not only showcases the beauty of Sonoma County but also fosters sustainable growth and prosperity for all stakeholders.

I look forward to seeing each of you at the upcoming meeting, ready to contribute your ideas and insights towards a vibrant future for Sonoma County tourism.

Warm regards,

The Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts