Thankful Hospitality
The leaves have finally turned a wild shade of sunset hues in Wine Country. Harvest is past and winter is around the corner. Thanksgiving hangs in the air. Another cycle of seasons is nearing an end.
For those associated with tourism and hospitality, applaud yourselves for hanging in there amidst the trying times of 2009. It hasn’t been easy, but still, there is much to be thankful for.
Consider the meaning of thanksgiving; the act of giving thanks, and a prayer expressing gratitude. Here are a few examples of gratefulness to add to your Thanksgiving feast:
1) We live in one of the most wonderful cities, centrally located between mountains, ocean, desert and major cities, making it perfectly situated for tourism.
2) Temecula’s tourism partners still enjoy visitors to their restaurants, lodging, casinos, wineries, and retail operations, albeit a lower number, visitors still come to Temecula!
3) Temecula was selected this year as one of “America’s Top 100 Places to live”, according to Relocate-America.com. Criteria included outlook for future growth and ability to rebound, as well as how local government and the business leadership supports the City.
4) The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau rolled out a new website for members, increasing opportunities to develop their brand and drive tourism to our region.
5) Old Town business associations have collaborated on the future of area business. Tourism partners have learned this year the “doing business as usual” business plan no longer works, and alternative strategies and creative game plans have been implemented.
6) 2009 had some of the best travel opportunities in recent history, prompting tourism partners to get creative and collaborative with travel packages.
7) Thirty plus Temecula wineries produce award-winning wines and varietals. Wine quality, mirrored by high awards in major wine competitions, shows that Temecula Valley has become one of the preeminent wine grape-growing areas in California. One of our very own captured the coveted and distinguished, “Best Winery in California” for a second straight year. (Congratulations South Coast!)
8) Growth continues in Temecula’s hospitality arena with new wineries, restaurants, lodging, and retail (and mall expansion) opening this year.
9) Most tourism partners now utilize Social Media to promote their brand (and wet our appetite for what their business has to offer).
10) Tourism partners worked hard to upgrade their customer service, as it’s a known fact service is an important differentiator between themselves and their competition. Lodging, restaurant, winery, casino, and retail service staff know their jobs depend on gaining and maintaining loyal customers.
For most, the past years of lucrative times in the hospitality business has allowed for growth or initial introduction of your brand to Temecula. We can’t forget we had these great times and remember they’ll come again. Consider looking occasionally in the rear view mirror, so the road ahead looks clearer.
The leaves have finally turned a wild shade of sunset hues in Wine Country. Harvest is past and winter is around the corner. Thanksgiving hangs in the air. Another cycle of seasons is nearing an end.
For those associated with tourism and hospitality, applaud yourselves for hanging in there amidst the trying times of 2009. It hasn’t been easy, but still, there is much to be thankful for.
Consider the meaning of thanksgiving; the act of giving thanks, and a prayer expressing gratitude. Here are a few examples of gratefulness to add to your Thanksgiving feast:
1) We live in one of the most wonderful cities, centrally located between mountains, ocean, desert and major cities, making it perfectly situated for tourism.
2) Temecula’s tourism partners still enjoy visitors to their restaurants, lodging, casinos, wineries, and retail operations, albeit a lower number, visitors still come to Temecula!
3) Temecula was selected this year as one of “America’s Top 100 Places to live”, according to Relocate-America.com. Criteria included outlook for future growth and ability to rebound, as well as how local government and the business leadership supports the City.
4) The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau rolled out a new website for members, increasing opportunities to develop their brand and drive tourism to our region.
5) Old Town business associations have collaborated on the future of area business. Tourism partners have learned this year the “doing business as usual” business plan no longer works, and alternative strategies and creative game plans have been implemented.
6) 2009 had some of the best travel opportunities in recent history, prompting tourism partners to get creative and collaborative with travel packages.
7) Thirty plus Temecula wineries produce award-winning wines and varietals. Wine quality, mirrored by high awards in major wine competitions, shows that Temecula Valley has become one of the preeminent wine grape-growing areas in California. One of our very own captured the coveted and distinguished, “Best Winery in California” for a second straight year. (Congratulations South Coast!)
8) Growth continues in Temecula’s hospitality arena with new wineries, restaurants, lodging, and retail (and mall expansion) opening this year.
9) Most tourism partners now utilize Social Media to promote their brand (and wet our appetite for what their business has to offer).
10) Tourism partners worked hard to upgrade their customer service, as it’s a known fact service is an important differentiator between themselves and their competition. Lodging, restaurant, winery, casino, and retail service staff know their jobs depend on gaining and maintaining loyal customers.
For most, the past years of lucrative times in the hospitality business has allowed for growth or initial introduction of your brand to Temecula. We can’t forget we had these great times and remember they’ll come again. Consider looking occasionally in the rear view mirror, so the road ahead looks clearer.
More than likely, you follow the PKF report forecasts which report an exceptionally robust recovery will come in 2011 and 2012. This leaves you to spend time in 2010 refining your product, service, and brand, and better understanding your customer.
Weathering this year, and knowing the prosperity you once enjoyed will return again, should be enough to just hold on and be thankful for the things that did go right this year.
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!
Jan M. Smith is the Founder and Principal of Inland Management Group, a Human Resource Consultancy located in Temecula, specializing in the Hospitality and Entertainment industry. You can contact Jan at (951) 302-6483, http://www.inlandmgtgroup.com/, or email at jsmith@inlandmgtgroup.com.
