HomeMy WebLinkAboutVisitor Services and Information Advisory Committee Minutes September 10, 2008_201402041408038790
Minutes of Visitor Services Advisory Committee
Wednesday, September 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,
Louise Swift, and Linda Williams.
Gene called the meeting to order at 3:05pm and made a motion to waive the
reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and the motion was carried.
David Sharpe started by reviewing the statistics for the past season. He stated that
the total number of visitors was very close to last year. Kevin then reported on the
lodging business and the fact that of the lodging establishments that stayed in touch with
NVS on a daily basis, most of them stated that this was a very good season for them. Our
number of placements was very strong as there seemed to be many visitors who came
over for the day and then upon arrival came into the office and decided to stay overnight.
It was also noted that we had 4 weekends in a row that the Island was sold out. David
then reported on the restaurants and informed the committee that the restaurant list will
be started up again at the beginning of October.
Kate then brought up a discussion of the new annex office on Washington Street
and asked David to update the committee on the statistics. David stated that
approximately 30 – 50% of the visitors at the annex were there for either bus information
or with questions regarding bathroom availability. Kate then advised that she has made
inquiries regarding port-a-potties for the annex as the bathroom situation is something
that needs to be addressed. David then mentioned that most of the visitors who came into
the annex were happy with the facility, but many did express concern about the lack of
public bathrooms. Kate will be meeting with the Greenhound people on Wednesday the
17th to discuss future plans for the building. Gene stated that in his opinion he felt that an
airport location is far more important than the Greenhound site. He also feels that both
the current kiosk on Straight Wharf and the former NVS Steamship Authority location
are better suited to NVS. Linda Williams said that she will speak to Al Peterson regarding
the possibility of an airport location for NVS.
Kate then spoke about the Town of Nantucket 2010 budget. She said that we will
be approximately $50,000 short and will not be subsidized by the Town. The number of
rooms is down and therefore the Room Occupancy Tax is down as well. Discussion then
ensued regarding the fact that we need to push hard for the Room Occupancy Tax to be
collected on private rentals.
Kate told the committee that the Plum TV and Geno TV17 “Inside Scoop” was
not only very successful but was at no cost to Visitor Services. Kate said that it definitely
increased traffic in the office. Kevin’s participation in the TV17’s show was both very
entertaining and has become a signature program boosting the office. We plan on doing
it again next year.
Diane then mentioned that she feels that we need more fall activities to attract
additional tourists in the shoulder season. It was suggested that perhaps Children’s Beach
could be used as a venue for some kind of activity similar to what was done at the
Dreamland for the Farmer’s Market. Gene stated that it is very difficult to plan fall
activities as the planning and organizational work must be done during the summer and
everyone is busy.
Work has begun on the 2009 T&L brochure with the printing reduced to 40,000.
Kate also stated that all listed including cottages that are not in the NLA of Chamber will
have to pay to be included. NAREB will also be asked to list their offices.
The meeting was then adjourned by Gene at 4:10pm.