Keep Our Sandbox Full!
By Kurt Burkhart, Executive Director for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau
It's about the Pacific blue, the ocean breeze, and the rolling surf. And it's about the sand, for the Carlsbad destination package would not be complete without it. I've always believed that if Carlsbad, unlike our namesake in New Mexico that has those world-famous caverns, were Bakersfield, Fresno, Yuma or some other like destination, we would not have the wonderful array of lodging establishments and attractions, like LEGOLAND, that dot the landscape. What makes our destination so darn special is the fact that we have nearly seven miles of great coastal beaches. It's as simple as that! If it's been a while since your last visit, check them out sometime. You might be surprised at how special this valued asset really is.
Earlier this month I had the pleasure to speak before the Beach Preservation Committee and provide this citizen committee with an insight into the work of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau. I'm glad I took advantage of this opportunity, for it went unnoticed by nearly everyone at that meeting that it was the Carlsbad CVB that pitched Carlsbad's beaches to travel writer and "Travel Mom" Emily Kaufman. The result of that one-on-one exchange between Kaufman and the CVB saw Carlsbad featured on ABC's "Good Morning, America" as one of the five best family beach destinations in America. Not bad. And, unlike the other four destinations showcased on America's premier morning prime time show, the footage of Carlsbad was almost exclusively of our beaches. The feedback that I've received from the mayor and city council, the Chamber and others, is that the coverage really generated a true sense of community pride. As resident of Carlsbad, I was thrilled.
What I found interesting about the meeting I attended was it apparently opened a huge door that should have been opened years ago. It's very obvious the Carlsbad CVB and the Beach Preservation Committee have a strong mutual interest in making sure our beaches are not only preserved but maintained. Several months ago, I spoke before the Carlsbad City Council in support of funding for the Beach Preservation Committee's desire to undertake an independent survey of the economic impact our beaches have on the local economy. I told council that the results of a CVB survey showed 73 percent of out-of-town visitors who come to Carlsbad said they came here primarily because of the beaches. It's going to be interesting to review and analyze the results of the committee's survey. I can hardly wait.
It's evident that the ongoing issue of sand replenishment and how to minimize beach erosion is huge and, if not given proper attention, the end result could have an adverse economic impact on our community. There are a lot of good minds at work, suggesting ways to protect our coastline and investigating new technologies that would give us a fighting chance in this ongoing battle. As with anything of this magnitude, there's always going to be a price tag attached. There was some speculation among committee members on whether the City of Carlsbad would consider raising the Transient Occupancy Tax to meet some sort of national average, or increase the TOT to an amount that would equal, say, New York or Washington, D.C., and ask to have some of those monies devoted toward beach restoration and maintenance. Personally, I don't see the lodging industry standing up and advocating for an increase in the TOT, as this would place our destination at a competitive disadvantage with those other locales that have a lower overnight lodging tax. However, going after grants and other funding sources may be the way to go as the committee continues grappling with monies needed to protect our coastal asset.
Growing up on the Atlantic side of the U.S., it was never an issue as to whether we had attractive, clean, and safe beaches (except during hurricane season). Even in the Northern Mariana Islands, I was blown over by the incredible care given to beach stewardship, especially by locals who made sure that personal trash was never left behind. In the islands, there is still a very spiritual connection with the ocean. I like that. Still, the issue of beach erosion was never like it is here, along the Pacific coast.
For two decades, the Carlsbad CVB has spent a lot of money marketing our destination to prospective visitors. The allure of soft sand, crisp ocean breezes and blue skies overseeing the tidal action of the Pacific Ocean continues to draw visitors to our community. It's a winning combination of assets that few destinations can claim. Here in Carlsbad, we love this beautiful sandbox, and the CVB is more than ready, willing and able to assist those who are working to preserve what everyone seemingly enjoys best, our beaches!
By Kurt Burkhart, Executive Director for the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau
It's about the Pacific blue, the ocean breeze, and the rolling surf. And it's about the sand, for the Carlsbad destination package would not be complete without it. I've always believed that if Carlsbad, unlike our namesake in New Mexico that has those world-famous caverns, were Bakersfield, Fresno, Yuma or some other like destination, we would not have the wonderful array of lodging establishments and attractions, like LEGOLAND, that dot the landscape. What makes our destination so darn special is the fact that we have nearly seven miles of great coastal beaches. It's as simple as that! If it's been a while since your last visit, check them out sometime. You might be surprised at how special this valued asset really is.
Earlier this month I had the pleasure to speak before the Beach Preservation Committee and provide this citizen committee with an insight into the work of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau. I'm glad I took advantage of this opportunity, for it went unnoticed by nearly everyone at that meeting that it was the Carlsbad CVB that pitched Carlsbad's beaches to travel writer and "Travel Mom" Emily Kaufman. The result of that one-on-one exchange between Kaufman and the CVB saw Carlsbad featured on ABC's "Good Morning, America" as one of the five best family beach destinations in America. Not bad. And, unlike the other four destinations showcased on America's premier morning prime time show, the footage of Carlsbad was almost exclusively of our beaches. The feedback that I've received from the mayor and city council, the Chamber and others, is that the coverage really generated a true sense of community pride. As resident of Carlsbad, I was thrilled.
What I found interesting about the meeting I attended was it apparently opened a huge door that should have been opened years ago. It's very obvious the Carlsbad CVB and the Beach Preservation Committee have a strong mutual interest in making sure our beaches are not only preserved but maintained. Several months ago, I spoke before the Carlsbad City Council in support of funding for the Beach Preservation Committee's desire to undertake an independent survey of the economic impact our beaches have on the local economy. I told council that the results of a CVB survey showed 73 percent of out-of-town visitors who come to Carlsbad said they came here primarily because of the beaches. It's going to be interesting to review and analyze the results of the committee's survey. I can hardly wait.
It's evident that the ongoing issue of sand replenishment and how to minimize beach erosion is huge and, if not given proper attention, the end result could have an adverse economic impact on our community. There are a lot of good minds at work, suggesting ways to protect our coastline and investigating new technologies that would give us a fighting chance in this ongoing battle. As with anything of this magnitude, there's always going to be a price tag attached. There was some speculation among committee members on whether the City of Carlsbad would consider raising the Transient Occupancy Tax to meet some sort of national average, or increase the TOT to an amount that would equal, say, New York or Washington, D.C., and ask to have some of those monies devoted toward beach restoration and maintenance. Personally, I don't see the lodging industry standing up and advocating for an increase in the TOT, as this would place our destination at a competitive disadvantage with those other locales that have a lower overnight lodging tax. However, going after grants and other funding sources may be the way to go as the committee continues grappling with monies needed to protect our coastal asset.
Growing up on the Atlantic side of the U.S., it was never an issue as to whether we had attractive, clean, and safe beaches (except during hurricane season). Even in the Northern Mariana Islands, I was blown over by the incredible care given to beach stewardship, especially by locals who made sure that personal trash was never left behind. In the islands, there is still a very spiritual connection with the ocean. I like that. Still, the issue of beach erosion was never like it is here, along the Pacific coast.
For two decades, the Carlsbad CVB has spent a lot of money marketing our destination to prospective visitors. The allure of soft sand, crisp ocean breezes and blue skies overseeing the tidal action of the Pacific Ocean continues to draw visitors to our community. It's a winning combination of assets that few destinations can claim. Here in Carlsbad, we love this beautiful sandbox, and the CVB is more than ready, willing and able to assist those who are working to preserve what everyone seemingly enjoys best, our beaches!