Title
Discussion of Tourism Strategic Plan
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Tourism Work Group endorsed the Tourism Strategic Plan in its current form at the recent meeting on January 31, 2018. Members of the Tourism Work Group will be present at this work session to discuss their recommendation.
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In January 2017, Council created the strategic priority goal, “Build the tourism economy.” Following this Council direction, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was advertised for tourism strategic planning services on January 22, 2017 and closed on February 28, 2017. Eleven (11) responses were received and evaluated. Design Workshop, Inc. was selected by the selection committee on the basis of several factors including experience and qualifications. The resulting agreement was approved by Council in April and the eight month planning process began in May 2017. The highlights of the agreement include five public forums, eight steering committee meetings, baseline analysis, creation/maintenance of project website and creation of strategic/action plan.
The formation of a steering committee is necessary for success of this project. The Steering Committee (now known as “Tourism Work Group”) was appointed by Council in May and consists of 20 passionate and dedicated citizens including representatives from our attractions and NPS superintendents that serve as liaisons to the group. To date the work group has met eight times with two more scheduled.
Design Workshop has completed the following:
--Reviewed over 60 reports and studies submitted by staff and TWG ranging from 2016 Comprehensive Plan to NM Tourism annual reports.
--Creation of project website: losalamostourismplan.com
--Consultant convened four focus groups focusing on Downtown Vitality/Visitor Services; Recreation Attractions and Activities; Cultural Attractions and Events; and Economic Vitality Action Team (65 invited; 38 participated)
--Baseline Analysis report completed
--Meeting ...
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