Laserfiche WebLink
Response 1: Kittitas County has been very successful in expanding tourism, yet County <br />Project/Event businesses still lack basic planning principles to make better informed decisions - <br />Description * that can increase the odds of developing a successful tourism business that impact <br />the community economically. Connecting with the tourism economy is the first <br />Lodging Tax project to address this critical yet overlooked component of tourism. <br />While, reference is made to "tourism businesses" in this program, the same basic <br />business planning have relevance to non-profit organizations undertaking tourism <br />development projects (e.g., local museums, interpretive centers). The TOURISM <br />ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM will assist new and experienced entrepreneurs to <br />develop a business concept. Central Washington is an established four -season <br />destination with much to offer. Kittitas County is part of an tourism industry that is <br />growing at Eight per cent average - one of the fastest growing industries in the <br />county. While tourism is a mature industry in Kittitas County, there remains <br />tremendous potential for new development and services to entice tourists to the <br />Central Washington. After all, if businesses know who tourists are and what they <br />seek, services and products will better enhance the visitor experience. The <br />common objective of both government and industry is to meet the needs and <br />exceed the expectations of visitors through market-driven tourism development. <br />The TOURISM ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM is intended to support entrepreneurs <br />in doing exactly that. <br />The Tourism Entrepreneur Program is a 4 -session training program that covers: <br />THE MARKET <br />Kittitas County's Visitors <br />Demographics <br />What draws them to Kittitas County <br />Where/on what do they spend money? <br />What do they find missing? <br />THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY <br />Positioning for Tourism <br />The tourism business plan <br />Business aesthetics and presentation <br />Finding a unique niche <br />Riding the trends (and when to get off) <br />HOW TO REACH YOUR VISITOR SEGMENTS <br />Marketing <br />Keys to reaching the tourism demographic <br />Framing a campaign <br />Media options <br />Successful inexpensive marketing <br />When to use a professional <br />Tracking: why and how <br />MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS <br />Strategic Planning <br />Anticipating ever-changing tourism trends <br />Preparing for the off-season <br />Speed bumps: highway construction, fire, floods <br />(see additional information for expanded market, etc) <br />2500 character lirrit <br />List of Intended Use of Funds* <br />Development of Collateral Materials <br />Printing & Copying - materials, brochures, workbook <br />