Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

New on DMOU: New York State's STR Legislation

When it comes to Short Term Rentals, trying to put the genie back into the bottle has proven elusive for most governments. Initially defended as a property rights play, elected leaders are now grappling with its unintended impact on affordable housing. On this edition of DMOU, we welcome 1000 Island International Tourism Council CEO Corey Fram with a fascinating story of how, after several twists and turns, the New York State Legislature actually passed a bill this session that brings STRs outside of New York City into the Tourism and Community Development eco-system. And, it all came down to framing the issue as not a Tourism or Fairness issue…but as one that cities, towns and villages actually cared about. Plus a Bonus Round question that has me remembering the best moments of “Slap Shot.” Join us.

Stepping Across the Line

As we touched on yesterday, residents of destinations around the globe are beginning to push back against the mass tourism they believe is negatively impacting their Quality of Life. And I get it. I've been a destination marketer for decades...and, for the first time, found myself face to face with the ugly side of mass tourism last summer as I watched 7 cruise ships jockey for position along the Alaska Coast.

Of course, when I asked our driver why the City didn't cap the number of boats each day, she looked at me like I was crazy. "Why would we do that," she asked. Of course, I was talking to a person whose livelihood depends on more and more boats...and not a resident.

But, the anger is real...and it got very real last week.

We're becoming used to seeing graffiti and banners expressing frustration with tourists. "Your Paradise, Our Hell," "Tourists Go Home" and "Tourism = Terrorism."

But, this was a first..."Kill a Tourist" on a wall in Majorca.

OK...this is over the line. Because some nut job will think this is the will of the people. Just like a lot of nut jobs thought occupying the Capitol was a good idea.

This level of rhetoric needs to stop. Good people are addressing the issue...maybe not as fast as you want. But they are.

Just Stop.

Image Credit: The Daily Mail

Not Quite the Intended Result

As cities across Europe push back against mass tourism, some have instituted fees on non-residents with the stated intention of dissuading tourists from visiting. My friend (and past guest on DMOU) George Tzougros from the Wisconsin Arts Board (celebrating their 50th) shared a recent analysis of some of those fees and taxes with me over the weekend...and, they're not working.

Well, at least not in slowing down the number of visitors clogging their streets and attractions. According to National Geographic, the taxes (most under $10 a day) are having no discernible impact on visitation (ya think?).

What they are doing is raking in a ton of cash, ostensibly for resident quality of life mitigation.

One can only hope that's where the money goes.

Next Up on DMOU: Scott White

Each year on DMOU, we invite the new Chair of Destinations International to share their agenda for the upcoming year. On this episode, Visit Greater Palm Springs’ Scott White shares his goal of providing a higher level of engagement and mentorship to the generations entering the DMO sector…and talks about how his DMO is engaging members of his community to become part of the hospitality community with a pathway to senior management. And then, there is a Bonus Round Question that explores a fascinating love story. Join us.

Last Week

Our past couple posts have reminisced about our annual industry conference ten years ago when we hung with Robin Zander at MSP and scored an Eric Wahl painting by facing my fears on stage.

Fast forward to last week in Tampa where almost 2000 of our peers gathered to network and celebrate this incredible sector of Destination Leadership. I was honored to facilitate a killer panel featuring Brad Dean, Al Hutchinson and Molly Rawn in CFObyDesign's CEO Lounge. And, I had a bit part in Josiah Brown's standing room only, showstopping breakout on how to effectively communicate with local stakeholders and politicians. Once again...the best session of the conference.

Not to brag...but, for the past couple decades, Berkeley Young and I have been two of the go-to speakers at tourism conferences across the nation. And, we still enjoy the opportunity to share our thoughts with audiences around the country.

But, Josiah Brown is the next big deal in this space. If you have a role in planning your next tourism conference, give Josiah a serious look. 

And, thanks Josiah, for giving me a fun roll in your DI session. Too fun to riff with you, brother.

The Happiest Place on Earth Has a Problem

No...not Disney.

And, it's not Finland.

The country of Bhutan has prioritized happiness since the '70s when the concept of Gross National Happiness (as opposed to Gross National Product) was introduced by former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

While that national mission has been successful, the country's economy is teetering on collapse. There are acknowledgements that the singular focus on happiness may have been a misstep, as 30% of the country's youth are unemployed.

Officials are looking to tourism as a way to generate jobs among the young and jump start the economy...but they are clearly watching the pushback in Europe this summer. "High value / Low volume" continues to be the mantra.

It should be fascinating to see how they make this work.

Reimagine Everything

One of the many things I love about this gig that enables me to criss-cross this country, working with smart people to elevate their DMOs and destinations, is when I witness the adaptive reuse of a long abandoned structure. Touring the first Spooky Nook outside Harrisburg PA back in 2015 was transformational. Having walked through the truly deserving to be demolished Ingersoll manufacturing facility in Rockford IL, it gave me goosebumps when I was able, years later, to walk through the UW Health Sports Factory.

While I haven't witnessed this one first hand, I can't wait. An old bridge that was used to move cattle to stockyards a hundred years ago is about to be reimagined as an entertainment district with an event center, restaurants and a trail that will create 35,000 square feet of public space above the Kansas River.

That's what I'm talking 'bout!

 

It's in the Words

When someone with an agenda gets to write the survey questions, the results are often dubious. That's what has happened in Durango for the past couple years as the County has surveyed residents on their opinions regarding the investment of Room Tax revenue. And, as expected, the vast majority 0f respondents agree that at least some o0f those revenues should go somewhere else.

According to the Durango Herald: The survey question informed respondents that the lodgers tax revenues are used “for advertising and marketing for tourism,” and asked whether they would support “shifting more funds … to other purposes related to the impacts of tourism, such as housing and childcare for the tourism-related workforce, including seasonal workers, and for other workers in the community, with less funding for tourism marketing.”

But, as Visit Durango's Rachel Brown counters, the set-up for the question is all wrong. As we featured on our conversation with her on DMOU, Visit Durango's program of work is far more than "advertising and marketing," easy marks for any community dealing with concerns about congestion. Indeed, Visit Durango's work in sustainability and stewardship is among the best in the country.

But, somebody with an agenda wrote a survey question that makes the DMO look out of touch. Here's to the Herald for attempting to balance the conversation.

Tenerife Targets Tourism

On the 20th of this month, several groups plan to stage a day of protests on the magical island of Tenerife. The complaint is not uncommon. These groups maintain that life there is "collapsing," besieged by Short Term Rentals.

An activist said, "People are living in their cars and even in caves, and locals can't eat, drink or live well. Airbnb and Booking.com are like a cancer that is consuming the island bit by bit." 

Don't get me wrong. We sometimes use STRs when it fits our needs (though our recent experiences have been seriously lacking). But governments need to step in to regulate these lodging options so they don't inadvertently jack the price of available housing for residents and workforce.

 

Tale of Two Cities

Over the past decade, a number of beach destinations have said "no mas" to the chaos of Spring Break crowds. Miami Beach is the latest with a masterful video that proclaims, in no uncertain terms, that they are "breaking up with Spring Break."

The video works on so many levels: the visible distain of the first voice, the no-nonsense reminder of the carnage of last year and the utilization of spokespersons that are just slightly older than the target audience, hopefully creating a degree of connectivity. The video simply nails it.

But, then there are those destinations that still see the value of Spring Breakers, like South Padre Island. And are ready if crowds get unruly.

It's the difference between playing defense and offense...and here's to both destinations realizing their goals.