Explore Butte County
Explore Butte County is a 501c6 non-profit organization formed in 2015 to be the owners’ association for the Butte County Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). It is considered the destination marketing and management organization for Butte County tourism.
The Butte County TBID is an assessment district formed pursuant to the Property and Business Improvement Law of 1994, it was formed in November of 2015, renewed in November of 2020, and modified in July 2025 to include all lodging businesses in the communities of Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville, Paradise and the unincorporated area of Butte County.
The annual assessment rate is three percent (3%) of gross short-term room rental revenue. Utilizing the assessment funds collected, Explore Butte County strategically markets the county with the goal of increasing overnight stays.
Jump to: What We Do | Who We Serve | Leadership & Staff | Social Media Policy
Butte County should feel like more than a place you visit. It should feel like a place you’re part of. One that invites you to jump in, soak it up, and connect through experiences that feel personal, grounding, and lasting. It gets under your skin and into your soul.
What We Do
Mission
Explore Butte County inspires people to discover Butte County, creates tourism opportunities that contribute to economic vitality, and builds community through partnerships.
Vision
Explore Butte County champions a diverse and flourishing tourism industry, making it THE must-visit destination in the North State.
Values
How Explore Butte County promotes Butte County and engages with our community and stakeholders.
- Authenticity | We stay true to our local communities, cultures, and traditions.
- Innovation | We embrace the creative qualities that make our communities inviting.
- Stewardship | We encourage all to explore responsibility and to respect our natural resources to ensure they are maintained for all to enjoy.
- Equity | We recognize a variety of abilities and want to create opportunities for all.
- Fun | We love where we live and work and want everyone to feel the same.
Objectives
- Expanding & Diversifying Visitor Experiences: Position Butte County as the North State’s leader in sports, outdoor recreation, arts, and cultural experiences by developing high-impact events, activating local venues, and creating year-round signature programming that drives overnight visitation and community pride.
- Innovative & Experiential Marketing: Position Butte County as a leading outdoor destination by forging high-value brand partnerships and delivering immersive experiential activations that grow our audience, elevate our credibility, and shape future event-hosting decisions.
- Improving Access to Experiences: Create a seamless, technology-powered visitor journey that inspires travel to Butte County, personalizes trip planning, and enhances on-the-ground exploration for every type of visitor.
Who We Serve
At Explore Butte County, our work sits at the intersection of hospitality, economic vitality, and regional pride. While we operate at the pleasure of our lodging industry, every campaign we launch and partnership we build is designed to lift up our entire region.
We proudly serve three interconnected groups:
Our Lodging & Business Partners
We exist to drive overnight stay growth and strengthen the local tourism economy.
By showcasing the best of Butte County, we help our hoteliers, boutique stay owners, vacation rental operators, and local businesses thrive through year-round overnight visitation, strategic brand partnerships, and targeted destination marketing.
Our Local Residents & Communities
Tourism is really about enhancing the place we call home.
We champion travel that respects our public lands, invests directly into local businesses, and enriches everyday quality of life across our region.
Our Visitors & Future Community Members
We serve travelers seeking authentic North State experiences.
Whether they come for world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant sports events, or rich arts and culture, we provide a seamless journey that inspires discovery and creates unforgettable memories.
The Big Picture
By inspiring travel, we support local hospitality, empower small businesses, and cultivate a flourishing, sustainable Butte County for generations to come.
Leadership & Staff
Leadership
Strong leadership and guidance is provided to Explore Butte County by its Board of Directors, representing a broad spectrum of Explore Butte County’s lodging community and tourism industry.
These board members volunteer their time and contribute extensive knowledge and experience to ensure that the organization is supported by its members, transparent and effective.
- Public Meetings & Reports: Join us for our bi-monthly board meetings, read the minutes, or learn more through our reports and updates
Staff
Our small-but-mighty team is always available to answer any questions you might have, set your visit up for a wonderful trip, provide your businesses with marketing insights, or connect you with other travel and tourism related businesses, and more.
Social Media Policy
Read our full social media policy here.