Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee

Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Standing Committee July 16, 2024 @ 2:00 P.M. Minutes 1) Call To Order Brian Schott called the meeting to order. Members present were Matt Gebo, Michelle Howke, Liz Colley, Mark Pascoli, and Heather Cauffman. Mariah Joos, Steve Kane and Ella Kobelt was absent. 2) Approval of May 14, 2024, Minutes Matt made the motion, seconded by Heather to approve the minutes. The motion carried. 3) Review Approved STMP Plan 4) Prioritize Action Items Action #1 Benefits Tourism Economy – * Hold the annual community meeting on October 16th at City Hall, time to be determined. Topics – Liz reported seeing uptick in corporate business, decline in wedding events. Matt talk about predictability for lodging reservations, winter outlook. Heather interested if the weather effects visitation. Do plane prices effect visitors? Expand it to restaurant and retail. Is the vendor court affecting the restaurants? Action #2 Promote shoulder season – no action for STMP. Action #3 Public transit – continue to keep eye on this, Climate Action Plan taking the lead. Action #4 Connected trail system – STMP will help with advocacy. Action #5 Affordable Housing – Short term rentals continue to see availability in the market. Daily rate has increased but inventory has crept up. Action #6 Green Business – The STMP involved along with Glacier Country Climate Smart work together on awards. Move to agenda for August meeting. 5) New Community Meeting Planning Discussed above in agenda 4. 6) Public Comment None 7) Next Meeting: August 20, 2024 8) Adjourn at 2:55 pm