A roadmap to elevate culinary offerings and make food a reason to visit the happy island
Resonance Consultancy was engaged by Visit SLO CAL to help San Luis Obispo County community leaders understand the key competitive advantages and weaknesses for tourism, and quality of life for local residents in order to create a Destination Management Strategy intended to guide the planning, product development, programming, policy and promotion of SLO CAL as a destination to live, work, play and visit.
The approach was to create a shared vision for the future by defining the destination as more than the sum of its parts. While the Destination Management Strategy addresses critical hardware, such as transportation or a potential conference center, required to achieve SLO CAL’s goals, it also addresses the software of relationships and programming required to foster the quality of life, culture and experiences necessary to create a unique and compelling sense of place.
This project required a careful balance between natural environmental protection and preservation, and tourism development. Residents in San Luis Obispo shared through the community survey that they care deeply about their natural environment and that they prioritize this as a driving force for developing SLO County as a destination. They understand the impact tourism is having on their communities, economically and with regard to quality of life, and want to make sure that both are balanced in the Destination Management Strategy.
We continue to work with San Luis Obispo County on a Destination Stewardship Plan for Oceano Dunes, a natural preserve and oceanfront san dune destination for outdoor adventures.
A roadmap to elevate culinary offerings and make food a reason to visit the happy island