CVB News

by Kristin Kubitschek

It's no secret that Springfield residents are proud of their city. As one of the country's least expensive destinations, Springfield has a variety of entertainment options that allow guests to sample a little bit of everything and the word is getting out.

As part of its effort to increase the number of overnight stays in Springfield, the Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes the city to all facets of the travel and tourism industry including travel writers.

Area businesses assist with the marketing efforts by donating their services and sponsoring travel writers' meals, overnight stays, or admission to area attractions.

It's this first-hand experience that provides travel writers with the information they need to make recommendations to their readers.

"We want to attract various conventions, groups and travel writers that will help impact our local economy," said Mike Meysenburg, general manager of the east Battlefield Country Kitchen. "By helping to 'market' Springfield to the travel industry, we are contributing to the growth of both the city and our own business."

The CVB was host to a travel writer from Midwest Motorist, a AAA publication, in August.

Throughout her stay, the writer repeatedly commented on the community's enthusiasm and spirit, remarking on how contagious it was. We're glad she caught the bug.

Travel writers may spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days in a location prior to writing a story. Thousands of people will read the article and develop an interest in the location and its attractions.

Readers often take the author's comments to heart when planning a vacation or relocating to an area.

Some travel writers work to capture the spirit and mood of the community through their words, as well as identifying places to see and things to do.

They may also give detailed information such as seasonal travel tips, cost-cutting strategies and things not to be missed en route.

Regardless of its length, one article can generate thousands of dollars in revenue for a particular destination by persuading readers that this is the place they need to have their next family reunion, vacation, corporate retreat or bus tour.

With each overnight visitor spending an average of $100 a day, this quickly results in a big boost to the local economy.

Dana Maugans, director of sales for Sheraton Hawthorn Park Hotel, said, "Travel writers are 'expert' travelers and are constantly in contact with other travelers. Their recommendation in an article, or day-to-day contacts, will have far-reaching benefits."

To help further market our region, the CVB is preparing to organize a committee of travel and tourism representatives which will coordinate public relations efforts to attract writers and additional groups to the Springfield area.

This will help generate additional positive publicity about our area, as well as articles featuring Springfield as a vacation destination.

Watch for the January 1999 issue of Midwest Motorist to see Springfield shine in the spotlight. For more information, please call Kristin Kubitschek at the CVB at 881-5300, ext. 101.

(Kristin Kubitschek is communications coordinator for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.)

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