GOALS:
Brand Orange County as a Premier Vacation Destination
The primary goal of the OCTC is to brand Orange County (OC) as a premier vacation destination. By packaging collective strengths, the entire region becomes stronger and more attractive in the process.

Maximize Investments of Orange County and OCTC Partners
Every one percent variation in visitor attendance can create or eliminate 1,500 jobs in Orange County. The OCTC seeks to exponentially multiply County and partner investments in tourism each year with cooperative programs that deliver results.

Celebrate Orange County's Best Service Personnel
Attraction hosts, bartenders, bellman, docents, front desk clerks, housekeepers, red coats, waitpersons and other frontline professionals directly influence Orange County's vitality as a destination. OCTC strives to recognize great caregivers.

Education
Chairman - Judy Bijlani, Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau

Oversee the following programs:

• OCTC Scholarships
• Job Opportunities in Tourism and Hospitality
• Resume Postings
• Speaker's Bureau
• Review of Curriculum in Educational Institutions
• Recognition Programs

Marketing
Co-Chairman - Pattie Davidson, Buena Park Convention & Visitors Office
Co-Chairman - John Fuhr, Anaheim/OC Visitors & Convention Bureau

Oversee the Annual Marketing Plan that includes the following:

• Advertising
• Co-op Advertising
• Media Promotions
• Website
• Collateral
• California Welcome Center, Santa Ana

Service Excellence
Chairman - Kellie Woodburn, Prime Time Shuttle

Promote the value of OC's Service providers. Oversee the nomination and selection process. Organize and manage Annual Service Awards banquet.

Branding
Oversee The OC branding campaign that includes the following:

• Culturalization Plan
• Joint Branding Agreements
• Annual Symposium
• Usage of OC Marks and Taglines

If you are interested in participating in one of the committees, please call Mark Feary, Executive Director, at 714-278-7491.

• Inclusion on the OCTC Web site with a direct link to your site
• Promotional tie-in, advertising and editorial opportunities
• Recognition of the industry's frontline service professionals within your company

We urge you to partner with us so that we may have the benefit of your leadership in creating marketing programs with the message. Orange County is the number one vacation destination in the country. 

How does one become a Partner in the OCTC?

Please contact Mark Feary, Director of Orange County Tourism Council at (714) 278-7491. Be sure to provide your name, your company name, address, phone, fax and what your company does in the travel, tourism or hospital industry or complete our application online:

OCTC Partnership Application

What does it cost to become a Partner in the OCTC?

The cost begins at $300 for a listing on the OCTC website. Other Partnerships are available including a seat on the OCTC Board of Directors. The Partner must be involved in the travel, tourism and/or hospitality industry.

11th Annual 2008 Service Excellence Awards Tourism Awards Gala
Spring 2009
Date and location to be announced.

Proud presenting sponsors of the Service Excellence Awards

The Orange County Tourism Council's "Service Excellence" Awards recognize travel, tourism and hospitality employees and volunteers who take extra steps to provide our visitors with a positive and memorable experience during their visit. The program celebrates local service excellence and lets our visitors know that serving them is our top priority.

We encourage our guests, customers and fellow professionals to recognize an "exceptional employee" by nominating them for a Service Excellence Award. It's easy! Simply complete our On-line Nomination Form or print a copy of the Nomination Form and fax it to us. Tell us why they deserve recognition for outstanding customer service. The entire process can be completed in minutes.

Nominees for a Service Excellence Award are immediately recognized with a Certificate of Excellence from the Orange County Tourism Council suitable for framing. In addition, approximately 24 finalists from seven industry categories are selected, hosted and recognized as part of the evening's ceremonies at the prestigious annual Service Excellence Awards Gala. These categories are:

• Accommodations under 300 rooms
• Accommodations 300 rooms and greater
• Attractions
• Chambers of Commerce/Convention & Visitor Bureaus
• Restaurants
• Retail
• Transportation

During the night of the gala, one person from each category is selected to receive a beautiful award and prize package; all finalists receive gift baskets. The Walter Knott Award is also presented to the best candidate of all categories for recognition as "The Tourism Person of the Year."

The deadline for 2008 award nominations is January 30, 2009.

Service Excellence Awards Online Nomination Form

Or if you would prefer to print out the form and send it via fax or mail:

Service Excellence Awards Nomination Form
(presented in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format)