Sun Valley Marketing Alliance cites 46,000-room-night bump, asks city for $275,000

Arlene Schieven, Executive Director of the Sun Valley Marketing Alliance, presented results and a funding request tied to the 1% local option tax for air service. Schieven said expanded marketing efforts corresponded with an estimated 46,000 additional room nights, roughly a 40 percent increase in visitors, and outlined target markets including Denver, Chicago and New York.

Schieven told councilors the Sun Valley Marketing Alliance is seeking $275,000 from the city for FY2017 and that the organization has worked to reduce fixed costs while expanding campaigns. Council members asked about market choices and campaign priorities, and Schieven said the Sun Valley Company handles Mountain Collective marketing.