Affable Springfieldians create tourism wealth

My response: “We already have our own reputation. It’s called Springfield hospitality.”

Visitors’ comments about the friendliness of the people in Springfield and the Ozarks are not unusual. Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau staff members hear them all the time.

So … thank you, citizens of Springfield and the region, for your shining smiles, gracious greetings and heartfelt handshakes. You are one of the CVB’s best tools for growing the city’s tourism industry and the millions of dollars it brings into the area.

Community support for the CVB’s efforts goes far beyond the affability of the people.

There’s also a “can do” attitude exhibited by city leaders, hoteliers, attractions and other local businesses when it comes to bringing large groups and events to the city.

We saw it in July when the Wally Byam Caravan Club was in Springfield for its annual rally.

If not for the support of City Utilities, the city of Springfield, Greene County and many other organizations, that event could not have happened and the money spent by the visitors would have been spent elsewhere.

We also saw it during the Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournament when schools in Springfield, Republic, Ozark and Rogersville, which served as headquarters, made gyms available for the games; hotels accommodated thousands of guests; restaurants welcomed the crowds with their marquees; and attractions offered group discounts.

So … thank you to those organizations for your hard work and for understanding the value of tourism and travel in Springfield.

Along with that “can do” attitude is understanding and support of the CVB’s mission to boost the local economy through growth in the travel and tourism industry.

When the bureau organizes on-air radio promotions, local hotels and attractions don’t hesitate to assist by providing gift certificates for prizes.

When travel journalists visit Springfield during press tours, everyone who comes in contact with them is cordial, helpful and informative.

When the CVB sales staff hosts familiarization tours for meeting and event planners, the guests are made to feel at home, as if they are the most important people in the city.

When the CVB spends money on advertising Springfield as a travel destination, the funds spent are supplemented by local attractions.

So … thank you to everyone involved. Not only do you make our job easier, you are playing an integral role in building one of Springfield’s top five industries. Travel and tourism is thriving in Springfield and, with the continued support of the community, they will only grow in the years to come.

Keep up the good work!

Susan Wade is the public relations manager with the Springfield Convenction Center & Visitors Bureau.

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