The Marin County Board of Tourism has announced a new slogan for the county, intended to capture the spirit of Marin County and attract tourism that suits the area. “Marin: Just a Little Out There” references its close proximity to San Francisco and the many tourist attractions there, but also plays on the progressive, opened mindset of the people, the lifestyle choices of the residents, and the natural beauty inherent in the location. Marin County is just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, and is well known for its inviting outside resources, a broad social justice mindset, its nature conservancy ideals, and a healthy appreciation for good food and wine. The county contains the beautifully pristine coastal Marin Headlands and Mt. Tamalpais, as well as Muir Woods, home of the giant sequoia redwood trees which is named for the well known environmental conservationist, John Muir. Marin County is also the gateway to Sonoma County’s Sonoma Valley, and Napa County’s Napa Valley wine country, and their list of world renowned local wineries.
There is no tagline that could possibly suit the taste of every resident living in the area, and so the intention was not to define those who are fortunate enough to call the area and its natural beauty home, but rather to attract the appropriate sort of tourists to an area which is dependent on tourism to a large degree, for the health of the local economy. With this campaign, Marin County hopes to attract the type of tourists who will harbor an appreciation for the distinct nature of Marin County, and will also leave such intact once they have passed through and partaken in its offerings. And while Marin doesn’t wish to define the place for its residents, it does want to convey to tourists that it isn’t a place for everyone; it’s a little different, it’s special, and come if you have interest in those things, but the slogan is just as intent on keeping the wrong sort of tourist from ruining the distinct nature of the area. Above all, the Marin County Board of Tourism hopes that slogan is viewed as being fun, and ultimately, effective.
