Cortney Bloomer, Travel Nevada destination development manager, leads Dayton residents in a discussion Tuesday to raise the town’s tourism profile.
Photo by Jessica Garcia.
Dayton residents want their town put on the map.
Local group Friends of Sutro Tunnel and the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affair’s Travel Nevada division held their second input session on tourism potential Tuesday at the Dayton Community Center.
The Sutro Tunnel is central to attracting visitors to Dayton.
“We are building a world-class visitor experience highlighting a one-of-a-kind site,” Travel Nevada destination development manager Cortney Bloomer said as she led the discussion.
Travel Nevada is developing a 10-year destination plan through its Destination Development Design (3D) program. As part of 3D, communities with authentic tourism features partner with stakeholders to create a long-term vision.
The project made $1 million available in in fiscal year 2024 and $1 million in fiscal year 2025. The Sutro Tunnel, as a visitor attraction and community destination, would make Dayton eligible for the third cohort in 2026.
When the plan is complete, the nonprofit Friends of Sutro Tunnel can apply for an allocation of the 3D’s $1 million grant. Funding will help boost rural communities’ economic growth and elevate tourism. A steering committee would begin its work after the sessions and take about a month to compile the plan to bring back to the Friends of Sutro Tunnel for marketing purposes, according to Bloomer.
While the conversation about how to appeal to younger or older generations was up for debate, preserving Dayton’s history and character resonated for most, said John Crowley, a former board member of the Historical Society of Dayton Valley.
“I think this is very encouraging … but when you look at when they rank what's important, the history always comes out on the top,” Crowley said. “It is definitely a town with a very neighborly feeling. There was obviously a lot of support for the process tonight.”
Lyon County Commissioner John Cassinelli agreed the opportunities could be lucrative and shared opinions that Dayton often is not accessible. He said the tunnel and surrounding areas are amenable choices for family barbecues or weddings but lack basic facilities and restrooms.
“I think it would be a great thing not only for Dayton, but regionally and maybe tying in with the reconstruction of the Depot down here and some of our other historic amenities, we’ve got lots of potential here,” Cassinelli said.
Friends board member Rob McFadden said the second session brought a great turnout and was glad to see the mixed crowd of original and new participants.