Santa Rosa approves event support funding to boost tourism marketing efforts

The Santa Rosa Tourism Business Integrated Area Advisory Board held a special meeting on May 8, 2025, to discuss key initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism in the region. The meeting focused on event support funding and marketing strategies to promote Santa Rosa as a destination.

The board reviewed proposals for various events scheduled between July 1 and December 31, 2025. A significant point of discussion was the branding opportunities associated with player gifts and promotional items, which could effectively market Santa Rosa. The board emphasized the importance of leveraging these branding efforts to attract visitors and increase hotel occupancy in the area.

Members noted that past events had successfully drawn attention to Santa Rosa, and they expressed a desire to expand marketing efforts beyond Sonoma County. The board discussed the necessity of ensuring that event organizers promote local hotels and include Santa Rosa's branding in their marketing materials. This would be communicated in letters to the event organizers, contingent upon the approval of funding.

The board also examined the submitted budgets from various events, confirming that most included allocations for marketing outside of Sonoma County. Specific figures were mentioned, such as $20,000 for a marathon event and $6,900 for the Winter Blast event, indicating a commitment to promoting Santa Rosa effectively.

In conclusion, the board recommended approving the event support funding, which would facilitate these marketing efforts and help solidify Santa Rosa's presence as a tourist destination. The meeting underscored the collaborative approach needed to enhance tourism and the importance of strategic marketing in achieving these goals.