Boosting Local Tourism: Winchester's Tourism Summit & Destination Ambassador Program

In this episode of Tourism Tuesday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and cohost Justin Kerns from the Winchester Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau discuss numerous topics, including the setting of their conversation, which takes place in the conference room of the Visitors Bureau—remarked humorously by Justin as more of a storage room. The conversation dives into the "Winchester/Frederick County Tourism Summit," an upcoming inaugural event designed to provide local businesses with valuable, state-level insights on tourism trends. The Summit aims to support local enterprises by offering fresh data and expert presentations, encouraging collaborations, and fostering community engagement. It's scheduled for Thursday, February 27th, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at West Oaks Farm Market, featuring several knowledgeable speakers and specialists. Justin also introduces the "Destination Ambassador Program," which resurfaced post-pandemic. This program aims to educate locals and business employees on how to provide enriching experiences for tourists, potentially making them certified ambassadors for Winchester and Frederick County. The conversation emphasizes the growing importance of tourism-related activities for local businesses, featuring discussions on how even traditionally non-tourist activities (like farming) can be intriguing for tourists from urban environments. The Summit and Ambassador Programs are highlighted as tools to better equip local businesses with knowledge, excitement, and collaborative potential for upcoming tourist seasons. In the latter part, the discussion shifts to local initiatives like FredCo Eats Restaurant Week and Winchester Restaurant Week, which bring excitement and engagement to local businesses during usually quiet times. These events showcase local eateries and food trucks, encouraging residents and visitors to explore and support the area's culinary diversity.