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Tusayan readies Explore Tusayan website, weighs DMO models; drone show slated for Cinco de Mayo
Summary
Council reviewed five blind DMO marketing proposals and approved allowing a drone show at Cinco de Mayo; staff will launch the Explore Tusayan website and run public surveys to shape DMO selection.
Councilors reviewed materials for the Town's strategic marketing and a possible Destination/Designation Marketing Organization (DMO) during the March 11 meeting.
Town Manager Hendrix presented five blind proposal types for marketing and said public surveys will help the Council choose preferred approaches while emphasizing that Tusayan's marketing must be funded with Tusayan dollars and treat all businesses uniformly. Hendrix reported the Explore Tusayan website is complete and expected to launch the following week.
Event planning received immediate attention: the Drone Show company that had canceled last year asked to reschedule for Cinco de Mayo; the Council agreed to include the drone show in this year's Cinco de Mayo program. The Council also accepted a renegotiated contract with the Squire (price reduced) and discussed adding a balloon artist/face painter (cost ~ $900) to events. For the July 4 celebration, Hendrix presented multiple vendor quotes (one about $500 higher than the incumbent) and the Council authorized staff to negotiate and execute a contract with the selected rental company.
Council members stressed avoiding promotional favoritism and limiting Town marketing dollars to Tusayan businesses. Hendrix said the website will list businesses that participate via business license and that the proposals are intended to give the Council a 'smorgasbord' of options to select from.
Mayor Clarinda Vail and Town Manager Hendrix said they plan short international travel to London and France for DMO work as part of outreach and planning. Council scheduled a strategic planning session for April 8 beginning at 3 p.m. to continue DMO and marketing work.
