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Home My WebLink About041222M Tourism Coordinating Council – Jefferson County Minutes of the Meeting of the Coordinating Council April 12, 2022 (DRAFT) The April 12, 2022 meeting of the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) for Jefferson County, was called to order at 10:01 AM by TCC Chair Bill Roney. Noting that a quorum was in attendance. Council members present: Bill Roney, Marsha Massey, Diana Smeland, Aaron Terada, Crystie Kisler, Cleone Telling present. Members Excused: Aaron Terada Valued Partners: Commissioner Greg Brotherton, Arlene Alen, Amy Neil TCC Marketing Coordinator present: Steve Shively Consent Agenda Approval of March 8, 2022, TCC minutes and current TCC budget, JeffCo. and Olympic Peninsula Hotel Room Tax reports were presented. The Consent Agenda was moved and approved by unanimous consent. CALL TO ORDER CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner’s Update – Commissioner Brotherton’s highlights included updates regarding: • The Kingston Express, Route #14 transits shuttle connecting to the Kingston to Seattle foot passenger ferry launch continues. Current ridership higher outbound to Kingstone vs. in- bound from Seattle. • Larry Scott trail, ODT – Great American Trail connections on the Anderson Lake Milo Curry leg will begin construction as early as this summer. • Parks & Rec activities include HJ Carrol – Jump Playground funding and original Seattle Aquarium mural panels being considered for installation in Quilcene. • Port of PT is facilitating visitor impacts conversations for Quilcene’s’ Herb Beck marina and Gardiner boat ramp. • DNR timber sale near Port Ludlow, exploring deferring sale for considered carbon sequestration alternatives to traditional clear-cutting management. OPTC Highlights – Marsha shared various items of OPTC information, including: • A recap of recent OPTC meeting. • WA State Tourism ads, and travel/trade missions e.g. IPW, and UK trip. • OPTC with TCC and other marketing partners are in the middle of running successful Spring campaign. (Marketing Report detailed statistics) • eNews enjoys over 52K monthly subscribers with ~29% open rate, with Fort Flagler’s – Ranger Aaron – on deck for next month featured Blog post! • Lots of FAM tours landing – once again in person - in April! • Travel Planners are arriving currently! • Save the Date - State of WA Tourism (SWT): October 11-12, 2022 for in-person statewide tourism in the SeaTac area. Followed by an Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Sustainability Conference on Oct 12-13 at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle. Marketing Report Steve Reviewed with TCC the following: • Reviewed industry recovery in the face of global tensions in Ukraine and domestic inflation. • Good news from US Travel’s 5-point Plan on Sustainable Travel initiatives. COMMISSIONER UPDATE OPTC REPORT TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT • Review of select current “trifecta of synergistic ad placements” in April-May edition of 1889 magazine featuring Port Ludlow, OPTC and TCC full page ads interlaced with feature article regarding Glamping in WA state! • Celebrated acclaimed photographer John Gussman receiving the North Olympic Land Trust’s “Out Standing” honor for the beauty of his Olympic Peninsula documentation and ongoing conservation efforts. Area Updates: West End –TCC welcomed Amy Neil, new Kalaloch GM, looking forward to having her appointed to TCC. Amy shared that Kalaloch is pleased to return full stay-over housekeeping services • March occupancy was very strong • The Creekside Restaurant reopened with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner service • Social media and videographer will be arriving for future content gathering • Upcoming Earth Day and Coast Savers clean-up hosting Forks – Marsha shared that NPS is planning a Rudy Beach parking lot closure during summer 2022 to repave. Alternative coastal beaches will be part of coordinated mitigation messaging. • Forever Twilight is September, and tickets are currently on sale. Tri-Area - Crystie – Shared that Finnriver is recalibrating their visitor service model. Hours will expand to offer later closing time on Fridays and Saturdays, and expanded days of service after Memorial Day • Encouraged with the return of more inquiries into Event Rentals. Port Ludlow – Diana shared highlights including: • 55% occupancy increase, YTD +5% over last year. Groups returning, i.e. Knitters. • Modifying of COVID era cancelation policy will continue into future. • Historic wooden sailing ship The Lady Washington will be at dock In May • New room photography is part of ongoing room refresh across property • Kenmore Air is returning with transportation of group fly-in’s to the Inn. Gateway VIC – Bill reported: • VIC welcomed 25 sets of visitors from out of state over the last month. • The Gateway painting project has been delayed due to weather. • Jefferson County Activity Planner map reprint is underway. • Year-to-Date visitation into VIC is up ~20% over last year! PT Chamber/City Marketing – Arlene shared insights regarding ongoing N. Hood Canal and Jefferson Co. Chamber integration, including: • Planning on early June restart of Quilcene Forest Service VIC service. Hours are TBD. • USS Nimitz, with ~6K sailors on shore leave, will be in port at Indian Island May 7-11. Adjournment – Bill offered thoughts and prayers for the unrest impacting the people of Ukraine. The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 AM Next meeting of TCC is Tuesday May 10, 2022 – 10:00 AM location/mode TBD Respectively Submitted – Steve Shively TCC MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT (cont.) AREA UPDATES ADJORN