We can do better

For nearly a decade the Williamsburg Hotel-Motel Association (WHMA) has been exploited for an agenda of a few individuals.

A once-respected organization with the interest of industry in mind, now does the bidding of a few.  These few have intimidated people into thinking they have the solution. They do not. They have wasted an enormous amount of time, energy, funds and ink.  To what end?  A media circus, no tangible results and now, one-third of their board has resigned.

WHMA needs to be replaced by a voice of reason in the industry for genuine action.  We are asking the following:

1)      To Community Leaders:  Officially designate new lodging industry representative(s) on Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee (WADMC) and to various committees in the community and state.

          a.       Williamsburg, James City and York officials: Consider how WHMA funding can be better deployed toward tourism events and activities.

          b.      Sen. Tommy Norment: Amend the language of the Virginia transient occupancy tax bill so a majority of hotels, timeshares and B&Bs can select representatives to WADMC.  WHMA is the only industry organization allowed in the bill's current language. 

          c.       Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee (WADMC): Designate an Alliance Lodging Task Force (LTF) member to participate at all WADMC meetings. Let them sit at the table and report back to the LTF on progress and discussions related to lodging, giving them an opportunity to offer constructive insights and ideas. 

2)      To Virginia Tourism Corporation:  Evaluate WHMA Tourism Center performance and methods.

          a.       Require WHMA to publish its numbers monthly from its Tourism Information Center to the community, including retroactively. Having received public funds, it should be subject to public scrutiny.

          b.      Examine if the findings are substandard, and if so, then revoke the WHMA Tourism Information Center license. 

3)      To Lodging providers and magazine advertisers: Evaluate your WHMA investments and determine if there is value in them.

          a.       WHMA's GoWilliamsburg website still has Christmas visuals and photos as of April 9.  Earlier this year, we learned that WHMA is representing area businesses without their knowledge or permission and without content guidance from those businesses. 

          b.      Compare the value proposition between WHMA and Alliance membership.  A quick review of the "member benefits" material will contrast a major difference in services and reputation.

4)    To Tourism Community  Members and Supporters:  Show the Community that you no longer support WHMA and support a positive change for tourism by adding your name to this petition. 

Let's end this now.  We can make a concerted effort to build a collaborative, positive community tourism effort.