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Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership Q&A:
What is the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership?
The Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership is an annual membership that allows tourism businesses outside Grand Junction city limits, within Mesa County, to formalize a partnership with Visit Grand Junction, if they wish. This membership provides an opportunity for the business to access Visit GJ marketing to benefit their business directly. Destination Marketing Organizations across the country have similar arrangements with tourism stakeholders outside the taxing district; albeit for a much larger annual membership cost.
Does this affect tourism businesses or events inside the City of Grand Junction?
No, this only affects tourism businesses and events outside Grand Junction city limits, and within Mesa County.
I am a tourism business inside the City of Grand Junction - do I need to sign up for this membership and pay the annual membership fee?
No, this membership is designed to accommodate tourism businesses outside the City of GJ, within Mesa County. All existing benefits to tourism businesses inside the City of GJ remain as is, with no membership fee.
How much is the membership for businesses outside the City of Grand Junction?
$350 annually (will be prorated).
*For lodging establishments outside the City of GJ, an additional custom fee and a contract is also required.
What if I have a business in Grand Junction and I have a business outside of Grand Junction - do I have to join the membership?
If you choose to only have your Grand Junction business represented in Visit Grand Junction's marketing, you do not need to join the membership.
If you choose to have your business that is located outside the City of Grand Junction included in Visit Grand Junction's marketing, you must join the membership for the business that is outside the City of Grand Junction.
If I have a business inside the City of Grand Junction, why do I have to join the membership for my second business that is outside the City of Grand Junction?
The business that is inside the City of Grand Junction remits tax to the City of Grand Junction.
The business that is outside the City of Grand Junction remits taxes to another city. This is not equitable to the businesses within the City who remit taxes.
I am an event outside the City of GJ. Will I need to sign up as a member?
Any event held on public grounds in Mesa County and open to the public does not need to sign up for the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership due to the City of Fruita and the Town of Palisade's investment in the membership. For events held at private businesses outside of Grand Junction city limits, a membership is required.
Is this an annual membership or month to month?
This is an annual membership.
What do the tourism businesses inside the City of Grand Junction contribute?
City of Grand Junction tourism businesses remit city sales tax.
City of Grand Junction lodging businesses remit city sales tax and lodging tax.
What value do I receive for joining the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership?
This chart provides an overview of the benefits included in the membership.
Are there requirements I am obligated to implement if I sign up for the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership?
Yes, this chart outlines the partnership expectation for all members.
If I am a non-lodging tourism business outside the City of GJ, will I receive the same benefits of a lodging business?
Yes, the new resolution supports all tourism businesses outside the City of GJ, if they choose to join as a member.
Why was this Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership created?
The prior Visit Grand Junction 101-96 Resolution originally created on October 16, 1996, was designed exclusively for lodging properties outside of Grand Junction city limits. It was determined that the marketing program needed to be improved and expanded to include opportunities for all tourism-related businesses and events, outside the City of GJ, designed with an equally beneficial partnership.
Will individual businesses and events outside the City of GJ be contacted directly?
Visit Grand Junction staff is in the midst of outreach to all outside of City of GJ tourism businesses and events via eNewsletters, direct emails, or phone calls. Staff will contact each business a minimum of three times (via phone or email). If we contact the business three times and we do not receive confirmation that the business is interested in signing up for the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership, Visit GJ will begin removing the business or event from marketing materials immediately.
Is there a deadline to sign up?
No, you can join at any time and the membership fee will be prorated.
Have stakeholders outside the city expressed interest in joining this membership?
Yes.
What if I choose not to join the Tourism Membership?
If you are a tourism business or event outside the City of Grand Junction and choose not to engage in a tourism membership with Visit Grand Junction, your business or event will be removed from all marketing that Visit GJ manages. This includes VisitGrandJunction.com website listings, blog content, co-op advertising opportunities, Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide listing, etc.
What if I am a tourism business or event outside of Mesa County?
Visit Grand Junction does not formally partner with businesses or events outside of Mesa County.
What do I do if I am interested in joining the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership Program?
Email: MatthewH@GJcity.org stating such. *Please type the following in the email subject line: Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership Program
What is the next step after I respond with a "Yes, I would like to join the Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership Program?"
We are currently in the "outreach & information" phase of this process. The contract is being developed with the assistance of the Grand Junction City Attorney. Once the contract is finalized, Visit GJ will follow-up and meet with you, prior to signing, to review the partnership and answer questions. The contract could not be drafted until Grand Junction City Council approved the new Resolution, which was voted on April 20, 2022. At that point, the contract draft was started. During this in-between time, Visit GJ is reaching out to all tourism businesses outside the City of GJ.
Who do I contact with questions?
*Please type the following in the email subject line: Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership Program
Matthew Hart, Visitor Center Manager & Administrative Coordinator, Visit Grand Junction
970-256-4054
Grand Junction Area Tourism Membership Program
*Tourism-related businesses include lodging, restaurants, retail, attractions, activities, events, and craft beverages & products.
Membership Benefit |
Tourism-related Businesses Inside GJ City Limits$0 Membership Fee - Automatic Membership |
Tourism-related Businesses Outside GJ City Limits$350 Annual Membership Fee*Lodging businesses: Will include an additional fee. |
Tourism-related Businesses Outside GJ City LimitsChoose not to join Membership |
Grand Junction Visitor Center:Business rack card / brochure displayed. |
YES Must display the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide at the business. If desired, a brochure rack will be provided at no cost. |
YES Must display Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide at the business. A brochure rack will be provided at no cost. |
Benefit not available |
Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide:Basic category listing in Directory for Lodging, Dining, and Activities (name, address, phone). |
YES |
YES |
Benefit not available |
Visit Grand Junction Website:Featured listing (name, address, phone, description, images, amenities, map, offers, links, and more). |
YES Must include Visit Grand Junction logo with hyperlink on an agreed upon page on the stakeholder website. |
YES Must include Visit Grand Junction logo with hyperlink on an agreed upon page on the stakeholder website. |
Benefit not available |
Inclusion in blogs, special projects, and marketing co-ops.Based on new services and unique offerings from businesses. Coverage is not guaranteed. |
YES |
YES |
Benefit not available |