Correspondence - Item 30 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zuniga, Diana From: Sean O'Harrow <SOHarrow@bowers.org> Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2025 10:13 AM To: eComment Cc: Kelly Radomske (Bishop) Subject: In support of agenda item #30 Attachments: In support of agenda item #30.pdf -Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links. Santa Ana,June 26, 2025 Dear Santa Ana City Council, Please accept this letter in support of the renewal of the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District (SATMD). I believe Travel Santa Ana has had a positive impact on the City of Santa Ana over the past four years. These accomplishments include: • Developing a brand for the destination that reflects Santa Ana's diversity. • Executing inclusive, strategic marketing efforts that promote the city's assets and uniqueness, including the Bowers Museum. • Establishing a Marketing Advisory Group to create synergy among Santa Ana marketers, including the Bowers Museum. • Curating a Public Art Guide featuring more than 200 murals throughout the city. • Supporting our local restaurants through their partnership with Orange County Restaurant Association. • Creating the "Santa Ana Enthusiast" ambassador program. 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, and events. An estimated 90% of DMOs operate under 10-year agreements, and 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. 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. i