The cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura have approved the renewal of the Ventura County West Tourism Business Improvement District.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - June 25th, 2015 - The cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura have approved the renewal of the Ventura County West Tourism Business Improvement District (VCWTBID). The cities created the tourism district in 2011 to fund marketing and sales efforts to increase lodging business. Previously called the Ventura-Oxnard-Camarillo Tourism Business District, the new name is the result of Port Hueneme joining the district effective July 1.

            The VCWTBID, under the guidance of the Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA), markets the region known as VenturaCountyWest. VCLA promotes VenturaCountyWest through print, electronic, broadcast and online media, social media, travel events and public relations.

            “We are constantly seeking opportunities to get the word out about all the great things to do and see here,” says Victor Dollar, general manager of the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort and VCLA chair. “The renewal by all three cities sends a strong message that our VenturaCountyWest marketing efforts are working. Port Hueneme saw the results so it was excited it could become part of VCLA and the tourism district.”

            According to an economic impact study, overall overnight visitors to Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo increased to 1.29 million in 2014, up from 1.14 million in 2011. Occupancy rates reported by Smith Travel Research increased from 63 percent in 2011 to 72 percent in 2014, which is significantly above comparable increases in other Central Coast markets and the statewide average. Overall travel spending increased from $761 million in 2011 to $957 million in 2014, an approximately 25 percent increase.

            VCLA supports local economic development initiatives and jobs growth on a number of fronts. It assisted in creating a hospitality program at Oxnard College to produce skilled hospitality employees. It is collaborating with Oxnard Airport to encourage the return of commercial air service to the airport and is partnering with the Ventura County Film Commission to grow the local film industry. VCLA was instrumental in helping to secure a grant for the Ventura County Community College District’s Career Pathways program.

            VCLA board of directors are Victor Dollar, Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort, Douglas Wood, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Josie Williams, Residence Inn by Marriott Camarillo, David Dreher, Residence Inn by Marriott River Ridge, Colleen Huther, Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort, Joseph Cabral, Best Western Plus Oxnard Inn, Shannon Hillygus, Ventura Beach Marriott, Mellany Arbues, Courtyard by Marriott Camarillo, Marlyss Auster, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, Alyce Bosacki, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau, Adriana Huizar, Camarillo Hotel & Tourism Association and Ruben Franco, Holiday Inn Express Port Hueneme (advisory seat).

            For more information about VenturaCountyWest, go to www.VenturaCountyWest.com.

Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA)

The Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is comprised of lodging facilities and destination marketing organizations in the California cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura. VCLA represents 65 members including hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts and RV resorts. Its "VenturaCountyWest" marketing campaign is designed to attract overnight leisure and business visitors to the region. www.venturacountywest.com  www.facebook.com/venturacountywest

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