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Overall, 80% of tourism professionals believe that their community
government appreciates its cultural resources. Only 12% do not
believe that their community government appreciates its cultural
resources.
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Likewise, 74% of tourism professionals believe that their community
government works to preserve its cultural identity; 20% do not believe
that their community government works to preserve cultural identity.
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The
distribution between community leaders and tourism professionals was
balanced to ensure representation of both civic and business
professionals: 49% of those interviewed were identified as community
leaders, city officials, community directors; the remaining respondents
were categorized as restaurateurs, hoteliers, tourist attraction
managers, visitor’s bureau employees, or other.
Local reactions to the study:
“This formal study confirms what many of us who live and work in
Monterey already know: Monterey’s rich history is extremely important to
the identity of the Monterey community. A significant part of our
history is our storied fishing heritage that has been celebrated by
residents of and visitors to Monterey for more than 100 years.”
Chuck Della Sala, Mayor, City of Monterey (831)373-8451;
dellasal@ci.monterey.ca.us
“I’m glad and not
surprised that fresh fish and seeing fishing boats is a big reason
people visit Monterey. However, I hope everyone realizes that
fishing regulations are so conservative now that we can barely fish, and
there are very few of us left. If fishermen are going to be able
to continue contributing to the tourism economy, fishermen need to be
valued and supported by society as a whole, as we are in Monterey.”
Mike Ricketts. Mike is a long time Monterey Commercial
Fisherman.
831-595-0214
“This study has been
an important tool in better understanding the dynamics between the local
fishing industry and tourism. It is clear that the fishing
industry is a very strong part of the Monterey brand character and we
look forward to further exploring the opportunities that may exist
between the two industries.” John McMahon,
President/CEO of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau
831-657-6402
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