Visit Santa Barbara, the destination marketing organization for the Santa Barbara South Coast region, held its Annual General Meeting May 2 at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito.
The annual event, which coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated the contributions of Santa Barbara South Coast tourism, an industry that generates some $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 offers an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the important role of the local tourism industry,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara.
Janega-Dykes spoke of the state of the tourism industry followed by a presentation on this year’s theme: Wellness and Hospitality.
“As the summer months draw nearer, pre-bookings for hotels in Santa Barbara are looking better compared to the same time last year,” Janega-Dykes said. “In addition, the highly anticipated addition of Delta Air Lines to Santa Barbara Airport this June is a milestone for the region, contributing to the local economy and supporting jobs in the tourism industry.”
Delta Air Lines will return to Santa Barbara Airport with new daily service to Atlanta, Georgia, and twice daily service to Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning June 7.
This will be Santa Barbara’s first-ever nonstop flight to Atlanta, marking the farthest distance ever offered from SBA on a commercial airline.
The luncheon included a networking reception, a moderated panel on wellness, and resource tables showing some 20 local wellness-related businesses.
Since the 1800s, Santa Barbara has attracted global travelers seeking wellness experiences.
“As a cherished destination for visitors seeking rejuvenation, Santa Barbara offers guests a special place to reconnect, relax and leave better than they arrived,” Janega-Dykes said.
Journalist Gabe Saglie moderated a panel discussion on the intersection of wellness and hospitality. Featured speakers included 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.
About 200 guests, including Visit Santa Barbara members, Santa Barbara County hospitality industry professionals, city and county officials, and community leaders attended the Annual General Meeting.