Visit Santa Barbara, the destination marketing organization for the Santa Barbara South Coast region, will hold its Annual General Meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Rosewood Miramar Beach, 1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito.
The event, which coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrates the contributions of Santa Barbara South Coast tourism, an industry that generates more than $2.24 billion, including $82.9 million in yearly tax revenue, and is responsible for more than 15,000 tourism jobs.
“The Annual General Meeting is a yearly celebration of the Santa Barbara South Coast tourism industry, particularly in advance of the upcoming busy summer travel season,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara.
“The event is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the value of the local tourism industry and Visit Santa Barbara’s contributions in marketing the South Coast to travelers,” she said.
Janega-Dykes will touch on Visit Santa Barbara’s recent marketing initiatives and the state of the tourism industry followed by a presentation on this year’s theme: wellness and hospitality.
The luncheon will include a networking reception, a moderated panel on wellness, and resource tables showcasing nearly 20 local wellness-related businesses.
“Wellness is an important role in driving the Santa Barbara South Coast tourism industry, as travelers seek destinations that offer rejuvenating experiences and wellness-related offerings,” Janega-Dykes said.
Gabe Saglie, senior editor for Travelzoo, will moderate a panel discussion exploring the intersection of wellness and hospitality. Speakers will include Daniel Pozas and Meredith Markworth-Pollack, owners of PALMA Colectiva; Adrienne Smith, owner of Power of Your Om; Janis Clapoff, general manager of El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara; and Jane Chapman, founder of The Communal Table Santa Barbara.
To check ticket availability for the meeting, visit eventbrite.com/e/visit-santa-barbaras-2024-annual-general-meeting-tickets-858959810917 .