Sonoma County officials have reported that the 2009 tourism industry survived the hardships seen by many other areas during last year's economic downturn. The $1 billion dollar industry survived the rough year and it is predicted that the new year may be looking bright for tourism in Sonoma County. Although hotel occupancy was down through November of last year the overall industry fared much better than counties such as Lake Tahoe and Palm Springs.
Tourism officials in Sonoma County plan to increase promotion efforts this year through social networking campaigns and promotional offers. In 2009 Sonoma's strategy was to target international visitors and local tourists, but this year officials and businesses are hoping that wine country enthusiasts begin making their way back to the area. The county plans to offer promotional deals through hotels and resorts as well as vacation packages.





