Recently there’s been an abundance of enthusiasm for the economic future of our town vis a vis tourism. It’s a well-founded enthusiasm which should be nurtured by the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the business community.
“Enjoy Morgan Hill, just minutes away to a different world” or such could be the marketing slogan. The potential fan base just to the north is huge and, frankly, there are plenty of people in Los Gatos or Saratoga who certainly would enjoy a day of wine tasting, followed by a wonderful meal in the heart of Morgan Hill.
There are bicycle riders and hikers galore ready to hit the road and take the short drive to bucolic Morgan Hill. Then, there are the sports families, carting the kids around to the soccer matches at the complex.
It would be wise for the city to take the lead on the tourism front and consider paying for a survey of Morgan Hill’s current visitors. What would they like to see that isn’t here? What might make them stay longer or stay over?
The survey would not be an online throwaway, but a document that could help provide the foundation for future success. Real people who visit the wineries, the sports complex and the restaurants downtown would have to be surveyed. There’s a way to get it done, and it’s all about synergy, creating the environment for play and relaxation that fosters the city’s reputation as a destination point – a place that’s just a few minutes, but world’s away.
Identifying those key components that makes it happen and nurturing or pushing toward that goal is the key to success. It can “just happen” but it’s much more likely to succeed if there’s a plan and specific steps that will move toward achieving that goal.
The area’s assets all point to a bright visitor future if the goals are clear to all. There are beautiful wineries like Guglielmo with facilities to host a wedding or an anniversary party. There are parks like Coe and Harvey Bear just minutes away. There are countryside routes for cyclists and a swimming/sports complex that would be the envy of much larger cities.
But are there enough bed and breakfast locations, or boutiques downtown or places where live music happens or a website geared to visitors?
The conversation has started, now it’s time to keep everyone informed and on board. The economic future of Morgan Hill depends on it. Build it right and they will indeed come, spend, enjoy and tell their friends.
