Travel and Tourism: Travel trends show growth, Internet use

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The Travel Industry Association of America is predicting travel in the United States to increase by 2 percent this fall compared to fall 1999, and if this year's trends continue, the Springfield area could match the national prediction.|ret||ret||tab|

Statistics gathered by the Convention and Visitors Bureau through July show a 2 percent increase in hotel room demand in Springfield over the same period last year, from about 627,000 to 639,000. Citywide room revenue also saw a 7 percent increase, from about $30.5 million in 1999 to $32.7 million this year. |ret||ret||tab|

And even though tourists requesting information packets from the Convention and Visitors Bureau declined 11 percent this year compared to the same seven-month period last year, Web site visitor sessions have increased 105 percent for the first seven months of the year.|ret||ret||tab|

A study by D.K. Shifflet & Associates showed 2.2 million overnight visitors spent $526.2 million in Springfield last year. And a study conducted by the city in 1996 showed the travel and tourism industry brings $6 million in tax revenue to the city. More than 11,000 people 9 percent of the city's work force are employed in tourism-related industry.|ret||ret||tab|

"Obviously, tourism is one of the major industries in Springfield, providing thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue for our community," said Tracy Kimberlin, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. |ret||ret||tab|

The travel and tourism industry does not require huge community investments in infrastructure, making it an economically profitable and practical way to provide support to a city, Kimberlin added.|ret||ret||tab|

Here are some changes tourists and residents will see in Springfield in the next few months:|ret||ret||tab|

Development of Jordan Valley Park is under way. Developer John Q. Hammons also has proposed building a baseball stadium in the park. And Tony Sansone Jr. has proposed an arena, which will bring ice hockey, football and other indoor entertainment to the park.|ret||ret||tab|

The Wonders of Wildlife Museum is expected to open next fall.|ret||ret||tab|

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World will have the Boone & Crockett Club's 24th North American Big Game Awards in May 2001. The annual Spring Fishing Classic and Fall Hunting Classic also draw thousands of people to the city each year.|ret||ret||tab|

The U.S. Youth Soccer Association Region II Soccer Tournament is expected to bring 15,000 visitors to the city in June 2001.|ret||ret||tab|

The Ozarks Motorcycle Jubilee will return for a second year in August 2001. The event drew nearly 2,800 people this summer.|ret||ret||tab|

Grizzly Industrial is building an $8.5 million, 300,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center. |ret||ret||tab|

Other Springfield attractions continuously improve, including the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Dickerson Park Zoo and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.|ret||ret||tab|

By the end of 2001 or early 2002, U.S. 65 will be widened to four lanes from Springfield to Branson, making access to both cities better for travelers.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Susan Wade is public relations manager at the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.)[[In-content Ad]]