Correspondence - Item 7 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

May 28,2025 Santa Ana City Council Subject: In support of agenda item#7 on Consent Calendar Dear Santa Ana City Council, Please accept this letter in support of the renewal of the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District(SATMD). As the Board Secretary for Travel Santa Ana,and a representative for several of the travel partners in Santa Ana,I have seen firsthand the positive impact the destination marketing organization(DMO)has had on the City of Santa Ana over the past four years.For businesses like our hotels,restaurants and arts community,tourism and destination marketing are a HUGE factor,directly impacting our operations and success. These accomplishments include: • Developing a brand for the destination that encompasses all that makes Santa Ana unique; • Highlighting local artists to create Santa Ana signatures in place of a traditional logo; • Establishing a Marketing Advisory Group to create synergy among Santa Ana marketers; • Curating a series of events and happenings featuringts our local partners throughout the city; Travel Santa Ana's strategic sales and marketing efforts continue to elevate the perception of our city,attracting visitors to our hotels,restaurants,attractions,retail businesses,events,and indeed, supporting the diverse range of businesses. As you may know,an estimated 90%of DMOs operate under 10-year agreements,including Huntington Beach, Murrieta,Oceanside,Ontario,Los Angeles,Pasadena, Santa Barbara,Lancaster,Greater Palm Springs,Burbank, and Torrance. Travel Santa Ana should be no exception. The organization has proven invaluable in supporting hoteliers and the local tourism industry and should be allowed to continue its efforts without operational disruption. In addition,the proposed incremental increase would allow Travel Santa Ana the flexibility to address specific challenges—such as recovering from a downturn in tourism—or to expand marketing efforts into new or underserved markets,while adapting strategies to enhance destination competitiveness and further bolster the local economy. This expanded reach is critical for all sectors,including those that benefit from increased tourism,like our events,hotels,arts community and others. For these reasons,I strongly urge the Santa Ana City Council to approve the renewal of the SATMD and support the continued success of Travel Santa Ana. The organization has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the city's visibility,economic vitality,and cultural vibrancy. With the renewal and proposed funding structure,Travel Santa Ana will be well-positioned to build on its accomplishments and further contribute to the prosperity of our community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Erin Warady, Secretary Board Member Travel Santa Ana Cell: 949-439-8677 Erin.Warady@Gmail.com