Title
Presentation on creating a Tourism Business Improvement District Plan.
Body
The first section of the presentation will provide context for the need to explore creating a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). The elimination of County funding for the El Dorado County Visitors Authority created an immediate need for a new approach to tourism promotion. At the same time, surrounding destinations continue to invest aggressively in attracting visitors, making it essential that El Dorado County maintain a coordinated and competitive tourism strategy.
Rather than viewing this solely as a funding challenge, the presentation will position it as an opportunity to create a stronger, more sustainable tourism model. A new organization, funded and guided by the tourism industry itself, can better reflect the diverse interests of El Dorado County while creating greater accountability, collaboration, and long-term financial stability.
The second section of the presentation will introduce the concept of a Tourism Business Improvement District, explaining how it works, why it has become the preferred funding model for destination marketing organizations throughout California, and how it can provide dedicated, locally controlled resources to promote tourism. It will also outline potential governance structures, participating industry sectors, funding mechanisms, and the steps required to establish a TBID that represents the broad visitor economy of El Dorado County.
The objective of the presentation is to begin a conversation about building a new, industry-led tourism organization that strengthens the county's competitiveness, supports local businesses, and enhances the economic benefits tourism brings to communities throughout El Dorado County.