Visitors Bureau secures office

Directors of the Fallbrook Area Visitors Bureau (FAVB) say they are thrilled to finally have their own space dedicated to the needs of tourists and local residents. The new home of the FAVB will open by May 1 and be located in the quaint front shop of the Gem and Mineral Society at 123 West Alvarado Street.

Many residents and business owners are asking themselves why our little town of Fallbrook needs such an entity. This answer was provided by Destination Development Incorporated (DDI), who conducted an intense study on tourism.

“One of the results of this study was a recommendation that we create an organization that concentrates on tourism exclusively,” said Don McDougal, president of FAVB. McDougal explained that this nonprofit organization will be developing and supporting tourism and visitors in the greater Fallbrook area.

“One of the projects we have been very active in is trying to help the downtown merchants and downtown businesses,” said McDougal. “One of the things we identified from the study and we have known is to be open on Sundays.”

For quite a long time now, people have avoided downtown Fallbrook on Sundays because everything was closed. Things are now changing for the better. More stores and restaurants are opening their doors, and the Farmers Market is setting up shop in the Village Square.

Honorary Mayor Rhonda Reinke, also the executive director of FAVB, is working alongside with her new events coordinator, Elizabeth Ritter, to assist businesses during this Sunday transition.

“We not only want to gain tourism from outer areas but we want to make the locals aware as well,” Reinke said. “There are over 42,000 people in Fallbrook and very few of them are really aware of what Fallbrook has to offer.”

Reinke and McDougal admitted that, at first, downtown businesses were a bit apprehensive to be open on Sundays. They have now witnessed a shift in attitude. Some business owners who were adamant that they would keep their business doors locked on Sundays have now unlocked them.

“They have realized how important it is to be open on Sundays and what potential there is for business on the weekends,” asserted Reinke. A spillover in traffic benefits everyone.

The FAVB is intent on providing energetic marketing strategies to its downtown businesses. Its media attention is garnering some well-deserved praise.

“We are becoming a collaborative facilitator to help other organizations,” said McDougal.

The development of restaurant, golf, nature and trails and wedding/event guides is currently in production. A promotional DVD, currently in the developmental stages, will highlight “Things to do in Fallbrook” and will be played at its new FAVB location.

“Pala Mesa [Resort] has also made a commitment to play it on their guest room televisions,” said Reinke.

The FAVB Web page will soon give individuals an opportunity to be one click away from placing hotel and car rental reservations and ordering tickets for community events. Its online community calendar will keep both tourists and locals up-to-date on Fallbrook activities.

Though FAVB is delighted that they will be operating this nonprofit out of their new office site, McDougal said they have longer range plans in purchasing the adjacent empty lot.

“It would give us a spot for future use to have permanent visitor bureau offices and also public restrooms in support of the downtown <area>,” McDougal said.

Like most nonprofit organizations, the FAVB is in need of funding contributions and volunteers. To learn more about the FAVB, call (760) 451-FAVB or (877) 451-FAVB or visit their Web page at http://www.FindFallbrook.com.