RENO, Nev. (April 30, 2021) – The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) Board of Trustees and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors today will hold an unprecedented joint board retreat to discuss the status of the post-pandemic travel industry across the region, nation and world.
“The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority is honored to bring together our region’s tourism, business and government leaders in a proactive session with our airline partners to plan for a safe and strong pandemic recovery,” Jessica Sferrazza, Chair of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board, said. “Our airport and region are poised for a great rebound thanks to the spirit of teamwork we enjoy in our community. We see our airlines as partners and if we work together, we will safely fill aircraft seats, hotel rooms, casino floors, ski lifts and business conference rooms.”
Representatives from seven major airlines servicing Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) are also expected to take part in the meeting, discussing regional air service and potential cooperative programs that may help reinvigorate the tourism industry. With the presence of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines at today’s retreat, Reno Tahoe business, government, and tourism officials are working to strengthen relationships and open the door to future collaboration.
“The RSCVA and the greater Reno Tahoe tourism community have committed to supporting the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and its efforts to sustain the visitation that helps drive the Northern Nevada economy,” said Reno Mayor and RSCVA Board Chair Hillary Schieve. “Today’s opportunity to welcome our airline partners gives me great confidence that these enhanced, industry partnerships will guide this destination toward clear skies and continued growth.”
Today’s meeting is the first of its kind and will include members of the Regional Air Service Corporation (RASC), a consortium of public and private organizations, formed as the Regional Marketing Committee in 2001 to promote and support air service to RNO. Many RASC member organizations are represented on both boards involved in today’s event.
The continued growth of public and private partnerships to improve air service to the region is reinforced by the contributions of Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) President and CEO Mike Kazmierski. The diversification of the regional economy, and the business travel and population boom it has created, is an essential element in support of outbound air service. Increased business travel is vital to the RTAA’s efforts to acquire and maintain air service and to the RSCVA’s mission to bring overnight visitation to Washoe County.
Today’s Joint Board Retreat will officially begin when the RSCVA Board opens its public meeting at 10:00 a.m. Due to health and safety restrictions, public attendance will only be available via Zoom. For more information, please go to RenoAirport.com or RSCVA.com.