During a recent government meeting, a member of the visitors bureau expressed deep concerns regarding the council's handling of tourism discussions, particularly the exclusion of the bureau from key conversations. The speaker, who has been involved with the bureau since its inception, highlighted the importance of transparency and collaboration in addressing tourism-related issues.

The member voiced disappointment over the limited participation allowed for the visitors bureau, emphasizing that public access time was insufficient for meaningful dialogue. They underscored the critical role of the bureau in supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement.

A significant point raised was the impact of ferry services on tourism in San Juan County. The speaker noted that the ferries act as a natural governor on tourism, limiting visitor numbers and contributing to a reported 20% drop in lodging occupancy this year. This decline, they argued, is not a post-pandemic trend but rather a unique challenge faced by the county, as other regions are experiencing stable or increasing visitation rates.

The speaker cautioned against cutting funding for the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) at this time, asserting that the ferry situation is expected to worsen over the next three years. They highlighted that visitation from Washington State has also decreased by over 20%, further stressing the need for continued support for tourism initiatives to navigate these challenges effectively.