Saturday, July 14, 2007 1:10 AM CDT
Our View: Tourism dollars a great shot in the arm
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
Who knew that an appropriate description of area tourism might boil down to “cha-ching”?
Sure, tourism officials know it. Even average residents in area counties may know that tourism brings in big money, but most people who live here may not think about it.
The Travel Industry Association of America reports that visitors to area counties spent more in 2006 than in 2005. That’s welcome news for the economies of all those counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie and Shelby.
A total of $242 million was injected into these eight counties from tourism last year. Coles County brought in $43.1 million, up by 1.4 percent from 2005. Effingham County netted $104.3 million, the most of any other individual county in the area.
Shelby County saw the biggest annual increase between the two years, with funds up by 8.5 percent to $34.9 million. Certainly, Lake Shelbyville is a huge factor in that number and the tourism health of other area counties as well.
Anyone who traveled more than 50 miles to the area or stayed overnight is considered a tourist, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Some area officials cite the affordability of local attractions as probable factors in boosting tourism here.
“When money gets tighter, we increase in popularity,” said Freddie Fry, director of tourism for Shelby County. “We’re not a high-dollar place to visit.”
Of course, tourism dollars help keep area economies healthy. But it’s also nice for local residents to be reminded that there are many desirable destinations right here in their backyards.
From Lake Shelbyville to other area lakes, from Rockome Gardens to many shopping venues, from Amish country to state parks, from Lincoln sites to Eastern Illinois University sporting events, there is lots of recreation to enjoy close by.
Let’s look forward to annual continued increases in the tourism industry’s health in this area. Even as rolling out that welcome mat brings in money, there is something more telling about the friendly smiles and accommodating attitudes of area residents. There’s that pride in knowing that these are great communities in which we live.
“Cha-ching,” or not, who wouldn’t want to share that with visitors?
— JG/T-C Editorial Board
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