COVID-19 Part 3: Sweet insight with Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways | Big Tourism

October 4, 2020

Vacation rentals take a direct hit. Is there a path forward?

How does a vacation rental company fit into the economy and culture of small coastal towns? Listen in to this episode of Big Tourism with host Arica Sears and her guest Jamie Michel, Vice President of Business Development and Operations for Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways. As Part 3 in a COVID-19 series, we continue to hear from varying stakeholders on the Oregon Coast as they are navigating this unprecedented time. Jamie gives us insight into what it’s like running a vacation rental company during normal times on the Oregon Coast and how that has taken a mighty hit with COVID-19. Vacation rental companies like Sweet Homes Vacation Getaways rely almost completely on visitors to stay in their homes, homes owned mostly by . . .well, fellow visitors. Are vacation rental homeowners sheltering in place or sheltering at their second homes, how do locals feel about that, what signal will tell tourism businesses to reopen their doors, and what can businesses do in the meantime? Answers to all this and even more on this episode of Big Tourism. Only on ASPN.



Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Arica Sears

Arica Sears is a fourth generation resident of a one stoplight town on the Oregon Coast. She was raised in the hand-me-down wetsuits, life jackets, and rubber boots of her two brothers and the waters of the Nestucca River. Her International Studies degree paved the way for her to research the effects of globalization in Peru on indigenous communities, count by-catch on the Ecuadorian coast, teach English in Spain & France, guide scuba diving in Mallorca, and document timber industry practices on the Oregon Coast. Arica currently works for the Oregon Coast Visitors Association as the Destination Management Coordinator for all 363 miles of Oregon coastline. She works with land management agencies, local businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and citizens to inspire travel and strengthen collaboration to create and steward a sustainable coastal economy.