Agenda - 03-12-2024; 1 - Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plan Summaries

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31 Manage Online Booking Platforms to generate more demand for Orange County hotels, job security for employees of the hospitality industry and a stronger tax base for Orange County. These platforms make Orange County travel options accessible to a broad audience. Providing maps and guides to generate more business at Orange County restaurants, retail shops, hotels. Updated annual guides, maps and promotions generate more business for the industry. Partnering with events and festivals to draw more visitors. Supporting 20 annual special events, festivals, and conferences in Orange County help draw visitors. These events include but are not limited to: Hog Day, Bluegrass Festival, Black Alumni Reunion, annual Holiday events at local farms, Historical Society events, Arts Festivals. Updating the local community about happenings. Local residents are often the backbone of small businesses that cater to both tourists and the community. They rely on the Visitors Bureau for monthly updates. Gather Data. The Visitors Bureau collects and analyzes data on visitor demographics (e.g., age, gender, point of origin) and behaviors (e.g., travel patterns, interests). This information helps local businesses understand travel patterns to Orange County including weekday demand, weekend demand. Maintain a Walk-In Welcome Center. In an increasingly digital world, visitor centers offer a human connection. Travelers can engage with friendly and knowledgeable staff, making their experience more enjoyable and memorable. What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? Continue to build back the conferences and business travel that Orange County hotels rely on for sustainability. Budget has shifted to allow for more marketing and outreach. Continue to promote equity, diversity and inclusion through several initiatives including: • Communication about BIPOC leaders now, and historically, in Orange County • Membership in the International Association of Gay, Lesbian Travel Association. • Production of a Bi-annual Disability Guide to local restaurants. • Membership in the Black Meeting Professionals Association • Diversity sub-committee of Visitors Bureau Board addresses ways to tell the story of Orange County by highlighting BIPOC leaders. • Underwriting the first brochure and marketing materials for the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.