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Operators report fewer international visitors, more domestic bookings; local developers plan new resorts
Summary
Tour operators and local business owners told the council international bookings are down and domestic last‑minute bookings are increasing; one operator cited a ~40% drop for a major French receptive, and a local property owner reported new resort development and strong short-term rental growth.
Paul Gonyea of Dreamland Safari Tours told the council that, while domestic visitation is increasing, international bookings remain weak. "Our largest French receptive tour operator, their business has been down every month this year so far by 40% or more," Paul said, and he described a trend toward last-minute domestic bookings that may offset some international declines.
Joe Sorensen, representing the North County and a local vacation‑rental owner, reported strong tour and rental bookings so far this year and outlined local development: Eastside Resort has new ownership and a separate new resort project in early stages in Orderville that could add "about 60 to 70 new vacation homes." Both speakers framed current conditions as a mix of opportunity in domestic markets and challenge for internationals; neither reported formal policy actions.
