 Development partnership director Mike Maniscalco outlined the key
components of the plan to the tourism bureau's board of directors.
"There's enough room in this plan for Mike (Maniscalco) and I to
work together on issues that are important to our organizations, and
thus important to the overall economic development and economic
success of our county," said Geoff Ladd, executive director of the
tourism bureau.
"Tourism is the 'new' economic development model. As
manufacturing and traditional development opportunities are becoming
more competitive, what tourism does for the county continues to
grow," said Ladd. "The master plan identifies the
leisure-hospitality workforce as the fourth-largest employment
category in the county."
The bureau recorded a hotel tax revenue increase last year of 17
percent (the primary funding for the organization), and according to
Ladd, the first two months of the new fiscal year have been strong
as well.
"Our numbers are on the rise, and that reflects a statewide
trend. Perhaps we are seeing the signs of an economic recovery, but
one has to be concerned about the price of gasoline and the
potential effect on tourism. As we monitor the price at the pump, we
will continue to promote to the 'staycation' market and the
international travelers who are used to high gas prices and not
deterred by them," Ladd said.
"We are excited to work together with the partnership to enhance the
economy and quality of life in Logan County communities."
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County] |
