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CTA executive director outlines website launch, Polar Express ticketing and international‑visitor concerns
Summary
Executive Director Dave Peterson told the board a new website is planned to launch Aug. 21, Polar Express tickets will go on sale via the site in mid‑September, TravelNevada grant work is underway and recent federal visa fee changes could affect international visitation.
Dave Peterson, executive director of the Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority, told the board on Aug. 11 that the authority expects to launch a new website on Aug. 21 and that Polar Express ticket sales will go live through the new site in mid‑September. "All things appear to be a go that will launch the new website on the August 21," Peterson said.
Peterson said the site launch is a priority because Polar Express sales represent a significant revenue source; he characterized the sales as potentially in excess of $1 million and said staff does not want to jeopardize that revenue stream by delaying the site launch.
On grants, Peterson said CTA staff and consultant Eric are preparing a submission to TravelNevada’s America’s 250 NV grant program and expected to submit a proposal later in the week for TravelNevada consideration. He said more detail would be available at the next monthly meeting.
Peterson also briefed the board on international visitation risks. He described a State Department announcement about a 12‑month visa bonding program under the Immigration and Nationality Act and noted that Congress enacted a ‘‘visa integrity fee’’ he described as raising nonimmigrant visa costs. Peterson said those combined changes could make the United States comparatively more expensive and less competitive for international travelers and that CTA would monitor trade shows and outreach to emphasize Carson City’s welcome to international visitors.
Board members did not take action on these items during the meeting; Peterson offered to answer questions and moved on to the next agenda item.
