How Cultural Tourism Stimulates Tehama County’s Economy

As the nation acknowledges the second week of May as Economic Development Week and National Travel and Tourism Week, it’s important to focus on how cultural tourism stimulates Tehama County’s economy. 

“Cultural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience, and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive … features of a society that encompasses arts … heritage ... creative industries … within their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs, and traditions,” - UNWTO.

Cultural tourism is an integral part of Tehama County living. Tourists flock to Tehama County’s part of the Golden State to experience a taste of what makes Tehama County residents, Tehama County-proud. From the olives in Corning to the apples in Manton to the rodeos in Red Bluff to the vineyards and wineries throughout the county, cultural tourism is essential and a significant revenue source of Tehama County’s economic growth and development. 

Economic Development 

In 2016, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) created Economic Development Week. “Economic development is a driving force behind creating the preferred future for a community and its residents. Implementation goals are increased resources, job retention, and diversified revenues,” - CALED. Tehama County Economic Development is a conduit between community and business leaders to help bring the economic, workforce, and community development of Tehama County into the future.

Tehama County Economic Development supports entrepreneurs and small businesses, assists with workforce development, and market and promotes Tehama County’s resources. Our office has helped expand businesses, employ residents, and spread the word about many annual events within the cultural tourism industry.

Cultural Tourism and Tehama County

“National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition to celebrate the U. S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new business, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day,” - U. S. Travel Association.

Tehama County identifies as a rural community dedicated to strengthening its identity through agritourism, arts, and culture. Throughout the year, tourists travel to Tehama County to experience, attend, and visit the culture-driven events and landmarks:

• Red Bluff’s Bull & Gelding Sale in January 
• Vina - New Clairvaux’s Blessing of the Grapes in July
• Corning Olive Festival in October
• Manton Apple Festival in October
• Los Molinos - Julia’s Fruit Stand (year-round)

These locations and events are only a few that have been in play for over 20 and over 70 years. While some events are free, Tehama County’s economy is stimulated nonetheless, through hotel reservations, car rentals, and shoppers purchasing food and retail. Also, the work that goes into ensuring each event happens without a hiccup is thanks to the strong workforce of Tehama County residents. The dedication and work ethic each staff member provides can not be overstated. It is because of them, these events continue to be the powerful economic drivers and economy boosters year after year.

Red Bluff Round-up

April 21 - 23, 2023, was the three-day Red Bluff Round-up. Red Bluff Round-up has been an annual event since 1921. According to the website, “it is the largest three-day rodeo in the country. … Less than 25 rodeos have been around long enough to do this … The [annual] economic impact during the rodeo brings more than $7M to Tehama County.” 

The round-up also brings in roughly 10K people per day at the rodeo and this year was no different. While this number includes residents, it also includes tourists and contestants from various parts of the world. Nationally, as close as Nevada, and as far as Florida. Internationally, as close as Canada, and as far as Australia. 

Cultural tourism is indeed a major factor for Tehama County’s economic growth and development. To tour and see all Tehama County offers, and make sure you don’t miss a future event, visit Red Bluff - Tehama County’s Chamber of Commerce’s Event Calendar, and schedule your next vacation in Tehama County!