Concierge College: Building capacity in Tulare County’s hospitality sector
October 28, 2024
In late September, the Economic Development Office (EDO) worked alongside the Sequoia Tourism Council to make the Fall 2024 Concierge College event possible. Concierge College is a seminar hosted by the Sequoia Tourism Council to raise awareness about the value of tourism in the Sequoias region within Tulare County, as well as provide information regarding local tourism to enhance the skills of hospitality professionals to maximize visitor traffic. The event welcomed individuals from a variety of local businesses, including hotels and restaurants and was the second of its kind in 2024.
Attendees received presentations focused on the economic and cultural value of visitor traffic to Tulare County, and the national parks and forest. According to the data shared, travel-related spending in Tulare County was produced largely by accommodations (hotels), restaurants, transportation and gas, and also arts-related businesses.
During the event, information regarding each of Tulare County’s eight cities and numerous communities was presented to the audience, highlighting unique attractions and amenities for tourists. Guest speakers included Holly Brown, Public Affairs Specialist for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Nicole Stivers, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
To learn more or find out how to participate, please contact the Sequoia Tourism Council by emailing sequoiatourism@gmail.com or contact the County of Tulare’s Economic Development Office at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
Tulare Chamber of Commerce staff passed out Rosa Brothers milk samples to highlight our local agricultural scene.
Our County of Tulare Economic Development Office (EDO) team greeted guests and discussed opportunities for leisure and business development in our large county.
Tulare Chamber of Commerce's CEO Donnette Silva-Carter was the MC for the event.
Hospitality participants learned more about the region that they support in businesses ranging from hotels to local restaurants.
The teams at Sequoia and Kings National Parks and the Sequoia Parks Conservancy provided valuable information regarding the Sequoias nearby.
The City of Porterville team participated to provide resources regarding tourism opportunities along State Route 190, also known as the "Mighty 190".