The Sports Commissions Network and the Visitors Bureaus Network are collaborating to establish a new Tourism Board structure for the Glamis area, incorporating surrounding regions like the Imperial Valley and the Salton Sea. This initiative aims to develop a cohesive approach to tourism in these areas, focusing on both destination marketing and event programming that leverages the unique landscapes and recreational opportunities. By combining the expertise of sports commissions, which are adept at organizing and promoting sporting events, with the destination marketing capabilities of visitors bureaus, the new Tourism Board will create events, festivals, and experiences tailored to the diverse outdoor and adventure-seeking audiences that Glamis attracts. This structure not only aims to draw visitors but also to foster sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve the natural environment.
Programming will extend beyond Glamis to encompass the Imperial Valley and Salton Sea areas, capitalizing on the unique attributes each region offers. The Salton Sea, for instance, provides opportunities for water-based recreation and ecological tourism, while the Imperial Valley is rich in agricultural experiences that can attract agri-tourism visitors. By establishing a unified tourism board, the Sports Commissions Network and the Visitors Bureaus Network can streamline marketing efforts, enhance visitor experience, and promote economic growth across these regions. This structure will also enable cross-promotional campaigns, allowing each area to benefit from the diverse attractions nearby and creating a more comprehensive destination appeal.
Glamis, located in Southern California, is one of the country’s premier destinations for off-road recreational activities. Known as the Glamis Sand Dunes, it’s part of the larger Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, especially during peak seasons like Thanksgiving and New Year’s weekends. Enthusiasts flock to Glamis for activities such as ATV riding, dune buggy racing, and camping amidst expansive sand dunes that create a unique desert landscape. Its high visitor numbers underscore the demand for tourism infrastructure, making it an ideal anchor for the new tourism board’s programming and marketing initiatives, especially for adventure tourism.