Businesses Get a Motivational Boost as Tourism Season Kicks In
The image of Santa Barbara, the surrounding area, and its tourism may rely on some classic standards such as Stearns Wharf, the Old Mission, and State Street downtown. but those in the industry have been told to keep thinking of creative and more interesting ways to promote their businesses and keep the area vibrant.
At the annual general meeting for Visit Santa Barbara, a motivational speech laid out a road map for success from a proven company. “You have to be humble enough to keep moving forward and confident enough to not care what people think,” said Stuart Jenkins with Deckers Outdoor Corporation based in Goleta. They have one of the top product lines in the world including UGH boots.
Innovators they were told, do not always conform and have to be persistent with cutting edge ideas.
“Don’t be discouraged that is the main thing,” said Jenkins.
Destination awards were handed out to three business, including the Public Market, Eat this Shoot That and also the Lark Restaurant and its cluster of businesses in the Funk Zone.
“For our businesses we continue to be a business where locals want to come and where visitors want to come where they feel the authentic , real Santa Barbara.” said Sherry Villanueva with the Lark restaurant in the Funk Zone. It is in a grouping of new businesses including the Lucky Penny and the Les Marchands Wine bar.
“Continue to innovate and not be afraid of change,” said Marge Caferelli with the Santa Barbara Public Market. The site with more than a dozen businesses inside and adjacent housing has become an “anchor point” for the upper end of downtown in the theater district.
And one honored business is a local start up by a Brooks Institute Photographer.
“We are basically teaching you to becomes a better travel photographer in Santa Barbara so when you get home your friends don’t dump you on Facebook, they are actually interested to see what it is you did in Santa Barbara,” said award winner Tara Jones with Eat This, Shoot That!
The professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry were told being prepared to make changes is vital, especially with economic cycles, and social media influences. “But there is a lot of competition right now and it is important to differentiate your community. A lot of it has to do with product development,” Kathy Janega Dykes, Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission President.
Those attending were asked to do “selfies” with a photo of Lucky the penguin from the Santa Barbara Zoo. Lucky had a medical condition in it foot as a young penguin and a special boot made by Deckers Teva team. It was attached and the bird has had a full life at the zoo along with national publicity.
