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Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County
Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council
March 9, 2021 (DRAFT)
The March 9, 2021 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, was
called to order at 10:04 AM by TCC Chair Roney. A quorum assembled in attendance:
Council members present: Aaron Terada, Cleone Telling, Marsha Massey, Brian Cullin, Diana
Smeland, Crystie Kisler, and Bill Roney all present.
Partners present: Bethany Smith, Arlene Alen
Excused: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour
TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively
Consent Agenda Consisting of February 9, TCC minutes and current TCC Financials as
presented, approved by unanimous consent.
CALL TO ORDER
CONSENT AGENDA
Diversity Equity and Inclusion – Crystie lead TCC in a discussion related to diversity equity and
inclusion (DEI) as it related to agritourism. From work by WSU’s Agritourism & Racial Diversity
and the Black Travel Alliance, she challenged TCC towards a more BPOC and beyond tokenizing
welcome inclusion of all age, abilities, and races.
Initial conversation within the larger racial justice movement taking place across the United
States. Opportunities for potential farm-based education and marketing efforts to serve as tools
in the pursuit of racial equity and social justice in Olympic Peninsula food & travel offerings.
OPTC Highlights – Marsha shared various items of OPTC information, including:
• Recent OPTC meeting featured VIC panel including presentations by Bill and
Arlene. Both noting slow return of operations and strength of relocation
interest.
• Summary of current travel industry sentiment and forecasts
• Overview of spring 2021 OPTC campaign, with emphasis on refreshing the very
successful Fall/Winter collaborative marketing campaign components.
• Book > Direct website enhancement continues for 350+ properties. About one -
third are ‘plug-n-play’ ready, abut 50% have no linkable reservation system.
• Travel planner has digital Flipbook enhancement. Marsha briefed TCC on
possible re-print and on-going US DMO travel planner conversion study efforts.
Marketing Report
Steve Reviewed with TCC the following:
• Reviewed Jan. and Feb. record LTAX returns, related to results from neighboring cities.
• Current print and digital media ads were discussed.
• On-going – and every changing – WA “Roadmap to Recovery” was traveled.
• Implications to area restaurants and Cascade Loop obtaining National Scenic Byway
designation were discussed.
• Current travel sentiment and key trends of “escapism” and “digital nomads” reviewed.
• Joseph Cambell’s “Hero Journey” story arch aides designing sustainable tourism
experiences.
• Harvest Host may be the next Airbnb for travel. Not – currently – remitting LTAX fees.
DIVERSITY &
INCLUSION
CONSIDERATIONS
OPTC REPORT
TCC MARKETING
COORDINATORS
REPORT
• Excitement for OPTC’s Book > Direct enhancement. Acknowledgment that lots of
coaching required to get Jefferson Co. accommodations to up their online presence.
Area Updates:
Port Ludlow - Diana shared:
• Current room refresh vs. a full FF&E should be done by end of March.
• Reservation interest increasing with 40-50 calls coming in per day.
• Restaurant news: Taste of WA Wine themes, St. Patrick’s Day specials, currently 25%
indoor seating plus installation of radiant heat vs. propane units installed on veranda.
• Aerating golf greens, hosting upcoming Taylor Made fit-days in April and June.
• Marina – improving rental fleet, waiting for delivery of extra rental kayaks.
• Upcoming - 10k Volksmarch in August modified/staggered start due to COVID.
• Attending Go West Summit 2021 B2B, 2022 interest from international tours is high.
Gateway VIC – Bill noted:
• High interest in relocation packets.
• Re-opened February 17 for limited floor access of VIC. Slowly expanding hours. Hoping
to bring volunteers back in April.
• Plenty of interest in outdoor parks and Public Lands recreation opportunities. Hearing
some visitor comments on full campgrounds.
• Getting low on some printed inventory.
Quilcene – Brinnon – Brian reported:
• Working on three upcoming events, including a collaboration with Key City Players that
will host a virtual Q&A with cast on March 28.
• Annual Easter egg event will pivot to a community Easter basket delivery campaign.
Tri-Area – Chimacum Valley– Bethany – shared updates: Old Alcohol Plant’s restaurant
continues operating at 25% indoor capacity.
• Reservations are strongly encouraged.
• Starting March 17, they will move to seasonally extended hours and days of service.
Wed. – Sunday. Moving back to full menu, featuring “Tasty10” for 10% off take-out
Tuesday.
• March 17th will mark the 4th anniversary of Spirits restaurant. They will have a St.
Patrick’s Day themed celebration.
Ft. Flagler State Park, Marrowstone Island – Aaron shared:
• Enjoying a 50% over year-over-year increase, looking like it will continue into early April.
Vacation houses back online and booked at 60% occupancy (all were closed last year).
• Finishing up the remaining Phase II historic restoration projects, not impacting any
guest accommodations.
• Able to start seasonal park aides two months early, which is good because the grass is
growing!
Westend - Marsha shared this update from Forks as of yesterday, Forks has sold out of their
Forever Twilight tickets, having reached their goal of 330 tickets sold! Good news that Forever
Twilight in Forks is booked for year 2021!
Port Townsend / Chamber – Arlene’s update including these highlights:
• Continued Port Townsend VIC’s consolidation towards a virtual VIC is not complete.
• Their outdoor kiosks are being well used.
AREA UPDATES
• Received Port of Seattle Spotlight Ad and tourism marketing grant. Planning to work
collaboratively with Steve/TCC discussion on areas appurtenant to PT for Video/Drone
Video production.
• May 15 is Jefferson County Chamber’s community leadership awards. Plenty of great prizes
for registered attendees. Nomination form is online at JeffCountyChamber.org
WTA/WTMA – Marsha updated TCC that:
• WTA is in process of rebranding for the state continues.
• Continued work on WA State Visitors guide. Continued work on State-wide branding.
• Explore WA Backyard campaign and Road Trips campaign will be refreshed for spring with
exciting itineraries.
• National search for hiring a WTA Director of Marketing continues.
Adjournment - There being no further business the TCC meeting was adjourned at 11:38 AM
Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday April 13, 2021 – 10:00 AM via Zoom
AREA UPDATES
(cont.)
ADJORN