2017 Oceanside Tourism Summit
Visit Oceanside unveiled its 2017 branding campaign “O’riginal O’siders” at the 7th Annual Oceanside Tourism Summit held April 18, 2017 at the city’s historic Star Theatre. Using words such as authentic, real, inventive, free-spirited and unorthodox, the campaign will focus on the unique people, places and events that give Oceanside its one-of-a-kind personality.
“Oceanside is ascending in a truly Oceanside way,” says Paul Whitback of Greenhaus, the firm that spearheaded the branding project. “Self-improvement in Oceanside is all about the re-use, repurpose and reimagine approach that stays true to its quirky, offbeat and inventive roots. This is what today’s travelers find exciting and why they seek out Oceanside.”
The marketing campaign will include a video series featuring Oceanside locals and business people such as Linksoul founder John Ashworth, Chef Davin Waite of Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, Myles McGuinness a high-profile surf photographer and Julie Rais-Ellis of Rais Cais handbags. A supporting ad campaign written in the format of fun, love letter postcards from Oceanside will also be rolled out in the next few months.
According to recent surveys, tourism has been flourishing in Oceanside in recent years. A 2015 study by Dean Runyan Associates, noted that the city generated over $271 million in visitor spending in 2015, a 5% increase from the previous year. Industry insiders site a flourishing food and brew scene, wealth of unique cultural offerings, thriving recreational offerings and an unmatched value for a beach vacation as a large part of what’s attracting visitors to the area.
“There is an incredible range of experiences for people in Oceanside,” said Leslee Gaul, CEO of Visit Oceanside. “This new campaign showcases the city’s unique assets in a way that captures the essence of our Southern California beach town and places a spotlight on what truly sets us apart.”
In keeping with tradition, Mayor Jim Wood officially kicked off summer by tossing out a beach ball into the audience at the event. Following, author and expert James Gilmore spoke on the importance of authenticity in travel today. Visit Oceanside also presented awards to several local industry champions and a scholarship to a deserving MiraCosta College hospitality student. Recipients included:
- Industry Partner of the Year: Donna Kalez, General Manager, Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruises
- Lodging Partner of the Year: Nanci Winkley, Property Manager, Beach Front Only Vacation Rentals
- Local Champion Award: Oceanside Police Department, K-9 Unit
- California Welcome Center Volunteer of the Year: Sue Ellisor
- Mira Costa College Hospitality Scholarship Award: Andrea Kriegler
