In a survey that preceded the official start of the process to establish a Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District, the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau polled the Carlsbad lodging industry and the results of that survey provided very little in the way of unexpected surprises. Forty-four percent of Carlsbad lodging properties participated in the online survey of ten questions that was conducted from July 22, August 31, 2005.
When asked about funding to the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau, respondents said the bureau should not only be funded through the BID process, but that it should also have continued financial support from the City of Carlsbad. The industry was aware that for more than three years, the bureau has operated on a flat-funded budget, which translates into, no increases. And, with the recent extension of 60 days of funding for the bureau following the end of the June 30 fiscal year, nearly three-quarters of respondents expressed concern.
Many properties said they counted on group business. However, in addressing the question about possibly providing funding support to San Diego North CVB to continue with its group sales efforts in Carlsbad, it appears there may be more work ahead to get a more definitive answer to this question. There appears unanimous support to have a sales component established within the Carlsbad CVB, which would likely involve dealing with markets that comprise group business. Obviously, the BID Advisory Board will have, at the outset, some early and critical decisions to make that will have more than just one set of eyes, watching.
As most would agree, it's always great to get a "vote of confidence" from the constituency served, and a combined total of nearly 60% said the Carlsbad CVB was performing at the equivalent of, above average or superior.
The following 10 questions asked, together with responses received are listed below:
1) "Would it be your desire to have funds generated through the proposed Tourism Business Improvement District (BID), go exclusively to the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau for marketing and promotional purposes?"
Yes, 85.7% No, 14.2%
2) "Are you concerned that the City of Carlsbad has extended the funding for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau for only 60 days?"
Yes, 73.3% No, 26.6%
3) "Where you aware that for the last three years, the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau has operated on a flat-funded budget with no increases?"
Yes, 73.3% No, 26.6%
4) "Do you favor continued funding by the City of Carlsbad for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau?"
Yes, 100%
5) "Does your property benefit in any way through group business (leisure groups, business groups, etc.)?"
Yes, 86.6% No, 13.3%
6) "The BID in its first year has the potential to raise more than $800,000, which is nearly double what the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau received in the fiscal year having just ended on June 30, 2005. Would you favor providing funding to San Diego North CVB to continue with its group sales efforts in Carlsbad?"
Yes, 64.2% No, 35.7%
7) "The Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of only a handful of bureaus in California that does not have sales staff. Would you be in favor of having BID monies used to build and support a sales component for the Carlsbad CVB?"
Yes, 100%
8) "For more than three years, the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau has worked to bring the proposed Tourism BID to fruition. Are you in favor of having revenues generated through the BID go directly to the Carlsbad CVB to continue and expand leisure marketing and promotional efforts for Carlsbad?"
Yes, 92.8% No, 7.1%
9) "Please rate the overall effectiveness of the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau in marketing and promoting Carlsbad as a preferred year-round destination (highest = 5)."
1 = 0%
2 = 0%
3 = 33.3%
4 = 33.3%
5 = 26.6%
N/A = 6.6%
10) "The BID process will require action to be taken by the decision-maker for your property. Are you that person?"
Yes, 73.3% No, 26.6%
With the door now officially open and the BID process underway, this is an exciting time for the Carlsbad lodging industry, the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad CVB. It's also a historic moment. And, while there's a lot of work ahead to be done, the Carlsbad CVB extends its heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the very industry that will ultimately become the prime beneficiaries of this Tourism BID. Again, thanks for your support!
When asked about funding to the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau, respondents said the bureau should not only be funded through the BID process, but that it should also have continued financial support from the City of Carlsbad. The industry was aware that for more than three years, the bureau has operated on a flat-funded budget, which translates into, no increases. And, with the recent extension of 60 days of funding for the bureau following the end of the June 30 fiscal year, nearly three-quarters of respondents expressed concern.
Many properties said they counted on group business. However, in addressing the question about possibly providing funding support to San Diego North CVB to continue with its group sales efforts in Carlsbad, it appears there may be more work ahead to get a more definitive answer to this question. There appears unanimous support to have a sales component established within the Carlsbad CVB, which would likely involve dealing with markets that comprise group business. Obviously, the BID Advisory Board will have, at the outset, some early and critical decisions to make that will have more than just one set of eyes, watching.
As most would agree, it's always great to get a "vote of confidence" from the constituency served, and a combined total of nearly 60% said the Carlsbad CVB was performing at the equivalent of, above average or superior.
The following 10 questions asked, together with responses received are listed below:
1) "Would it be your desire to have funds generated through the proposed Tourism Business Improvement District (BID), go exclusively to the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau for marketing and promotional purposes?"
Yes, 85.7% No, 14.2%
2) "Are you concerned that the City of Carlsbad has extended the funding for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau for only 60 days?"
Yes, 73.3% No, 26.6%
3) "Where you aware that for the last three years, the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau has operated on a flat-funded budget with no increases?"
Yes, 73.3% No, 26.6%
4) "Do you favor continued funding by the City of Carlsbad for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau?"
Yes, 100%
5) "Does your property benefit in any way through group business (leisure groups, business groups, etc.)?"
Yes, 86.6% No, 13.3%
6) "The BID in its first year has the potential to raise more than $800,000, which is nearly double what the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau received in the fiscal year having just ended on June 30, 2005. Would you favor providing funding to San Diego North CVB to continue with its group sales efforts in Carlsbad?"
Yes, 64.2% No, 35.7%
7) "The Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of only a handful of bureaus in California that does not have sales staff. Would you be in favor of having BID monies used to build and support a sales component for the Carlsbad CVB?"
Yes, 100%
8) "For more than three years, the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau has worked to bring the proposed Tourism BID to fruition. Are you in favor of having revenues generated through the BID go directly to the Carlsbad CVB to continue and expand leisure marketing and promotional efforts for Carlsbad?"
Yes, 92.8% No, 7.1%
9) "Please rate the overall effectiveness of the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau in marketing and promoting Carlsbad as a preferred year-round destination (highest = 5)."
1 = 0%
2 = 0%
3 = 33.3%
4 = 33.3%
5 = 26.6%
N/A = 6.6%
10) "The BID process will require action to be taken by the decision-maker for your property. Are you that person?"
Yes, 73.3% No, 26.6%
With the door now officially open and the BID process underway, this is an exciting time for the Carlsbad lodging industry, the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad CVB. It's also a historic moment. And, while there's a lot of work ahead to be done, the Carlsbad CVB extends its heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the very industry that will ultimately become the prime beneficiaries of this Tourism BID. Again, thanks for your support!