'BottleRock Style' Festival For SMC Among Tourism Group's Big Goals

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A regional tourism organization wants to create a signature festival modeled after BottleRock as part of a long-term strategy to attract more visitors and boost hotel stays across San Mateo County, officials told the Redwood City Council on July 13.

The San Francisco Peninsula, formerly known as the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented its new tourism strategic plan, highlighting destination development, sports tourism and major events as key drivers of the local economy.

San Francisco Peninsula President and CEO John Hutar said one of the organization's long-term goals is to create a marquee event that becomes synonymous with the region.

"We're seeking a way to develop our version of BottleRock, something that would be synonymous with the San Francisco Peninsula," Hutar said.

Hutar also highlighted Redwood City's restaurants, including Hurricane and La Viga, as well as the San Mateo County History Museum, calling it the great asset on Courthouse Square. He praised the city's FIFA World Cup watch parties and open-container program downtown.

The strategic plan focuses on three priorities: developing destination assets, improving the visitor experience and strengthening the organization's operations.

Hutar said the group hopes to support improvements at the San Mateo County Event Center, pursue tournament-quality sports facilities that attract overnight visitors and eventually help cities develop tourism master plans.

Councilmembers welcomed the strategy and the organization's rebranding. Councilmember Diane Howard said the name "San Francisco Peninsula" better connects the region with visitors than its previous identity.

Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin encouraged expanding television advertising, recalling a campaign that successfully drew San Francisco visitors to the San Mateo County History Museum.

Councilmember Chris Sturken said he supports efforts to make Redwood City a destination through concerts, sporting events and other attractions that bring visitors to the city.