Tourism Down But Rebounding

Sonora, CA — Tourism in Tuolumne County wasway down this winter but summer is looking up. Nancy Sikes, Executive Director for the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau, says the numbers for January to March were down 20 to 30 percent.  Although the numbers are not official yet, Sikes says, “We are doing everything we can to rebound from a really bad winter.”

Sikes reports, “We are seeing a very busy summer so far and the numbers are picking up.” During Spring and Summer, trends continue to indicate that visitors are still vacationing regionally (or within driving distance) but their numbers declined signifigantly in January and March. Sikes indicated several factors were responsible including the weather, economy, and various government budget issues like the sequester. European visitors, due to economic turmoil, were down as well but not nearly as much as the regional visitors according to Sikes.

She also reports that the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau has a very agressive marketing plan and they are putting every possible dollar into new marketing programs. Sikes notes the Visitors Bureau is in the process of creating a Tuolumne County smart phone application and mobile website.