Outlook: CVB: Infrastructure improvements pave way to tourism success

Springfield's travel and tourism industry is likely to buck national trends in 2001 thanks to infrastructure improvements, new development and events that will draw thousands of people to the area this year.

The Travel Industry Association of America predicts domestic and international travel increased nearly 3 percent in 2000 and will likely slow to a growth rate of 2.2 percent in 2001 and 1.8 percent in 2002.

The association also forecasts travel expenditures increased 7.3 percent in 2000, and will increase 5.6 percent in 2001 and 4.9 percent in 2002.

Expect better statistics in the Ozarks.

Significant changes that should have positive effects on Springfield's travel industry include Developer John Q. Hammons' proposals to add 125 to 150 hotel rooms to University Plaza Holiday Inn, and to renovate existing and build new exhibition space.

The proposed projects will make Springfield appealing to larger groups than the city previously has been able to accommodate.

Once Hammons and the city reach a formal agreement on the project and it reaches the design phase, the Convention and Visitors Bureau can begin aggressive efforts to market the facilities for events and conventions.

People attending those events will find that planned airport improvements, construction on highways between Springfield and Kansas City and the widening of U.S. Highway 65 to four lanes between Branson and Springfield are making the Ozark Mountain region more accessible.

The Highway 65 project should be completed by fall, creating an easy-to-travel corridor between the region's most popular cities.

The Missouri Department of Transportation expects completion of projects on Missouri Highway 13 by 2007.

New hotel rooms also are expected to open in Springfield this year 136 at the Residence Inn and 89 at the Hampton Inn & Suites. The addition of those hotels brings the total rooms available in Springfield to 5,640.

Transportation and hotel improvements are good news for those visiting the city for major events and conferences, including the U.S. Youth Soccer Association tournament, expected to bring about 15,000 players, coaches and family members from 14 states to the city in June.

Other events include the Ozark Motorcycle Jubilee. After a successful kickoff in 2000, the Jubilee will bring thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the city Labor Day Weekend.

The Mid-America Street Rod Nationals should bring 2,000 to the city, and 4,500 are expected for the Lakes Country Soccer Spring Scholarship Tournament.

With the Sports Commission planning to hire an executive director this year, more large sports events are anticipated. Having an executive director on board will allow the city to be more proactive in attracting amateur sports to Springfield. That's a goal with growing importance because of the baseball stadium proposed by Hammons, the civic arena proposed by St. Louis developer Tony Sansone Jr. and the recreational ice facility under construction at Jordan Valley Park.

Several conferences also are planned for 2001. Some of the largest include the Missouri Christian Convention, with 3,000 attendees expected; the Assemblies of God Women in Ministry Conference, with 5,000 expected; the Assemblies of God Children's Ministries Conference, with 2,000 expected; and the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education Annual Conference, with 3,500 expected.

Those visitors should find plenty of interesting and new activities and attractions in the city this year.

Wonders of Wildlife, scheduled to open in November, will draw new visitors to the city and encourage those who have visited before to return. Improvements to old favorites, such as Bass Pro Shops, the Discovery Center and Dickerson Park Zoo, ensure that those who visit will find something new, no matter what their interests.

The new Wildfire! roller coaster at Silver Dollar City, a $13 million project, is the largest ride added to the theme park in more than 40 years and is sure to draw people to the Ozarks.

And downtown revitalization efforts, including restoration of the Seville Hotel and the development of Jordan Valley Park, make the area a stronger package than ever before.

(Susan Wade is public relations manager for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.)