HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes December 10, 2008_201402041407576446
Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Land Bank Conference Room
In attendance: Kate Hamilton, Director, David Sharpe, Office Administrator,
Kevin Dugan, Assistant Administrator, James Blunt, Diane Reis Flaherty, Gene Mahon
and Louise Swift.
Kate opened the meeting and asked Kevin to report on lodging business during
Christmas Stroll. Kevin advised that many of the lodging establishments were sold out
and that the others had only 1 or 2 rooms available. Most innkeepers were very pleased
with the weekend overall. David then spoke about the Stroll restaurant business and
reported that many of them were either sold out for different seatings or were very busy
in general. Kate stated that many of the high end establishments that had higher priced
prix fixe menus did not seem to do as well as some of their more moderately priced
competition. Kate further suggested that possibly next year the food tent vendors could be
expanded. Gene said that the Chamber of Commerce was unable to attract more
restaurants to participate but said that the Chamber is going to aggressively study ways to
improve on it next year. David and Kevin both mentioned that inquiries have already
started coming in for the holidays for both restaurant and lodging availability. David also
mentioned that as of now 29 Fair Street and Sushi by Yoshi will be the only restaurants
open on Christmas Day. Kate then brought up the “Walk Inn and Win Contest” and noted
that we had in excess of 200 people who filled out the form to be entered in the drawing.
We received a very good amount of valuable information from the registration cards
including where people were coming from.
Kate then gave the budget update and reported that everything went smoothly at
the Special Town Meeting. In an effort to save money she advised that we have arranged
for our own storage of the 2009 T&L guide at the Nantucket Storage Center and that
David and Kevin will be doing the actual physical delivery. Regarding the T&L David
stated that there were approximately 1,700 downloads of the T&L this year and he
anticipates that this number will increase in 2009 as the NLA has put a link on their
website where people can access it.
Kate then spoke about the bathrooms and advised that we have started receiving
information from vendors regarding the planned renovations which will begin this winter.
These renovations will include the bathrooms at 25 Federal Street as well as the ones in
Sconset.
Kate asked the committee about their thoughts regarding having meetings during
the winter. James stated he would like to host one if we decided to have them. Gene said
he would like to see them continue in order to keep everyone advised about what
strategies we need for the future. It was decided to continue them during the winter.
Gene then brought up that he feels we need to have more “Package” deals
available and also suggested that local lodging establishments should establish an off-
season “Cape Cod Rate” similar to what is known as the “Nantucket Rate” for discounted
lodging rates during the winter. Many Nantucket people take advantage of these specials
and he feels as though people on the Cape would come here for a reduced rate.
The subject of Greenhound came up and Kate stated that nothing is new at this
time and she anticipated that discussion will resume after the holidays.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:10pm.