Although the local tourism and travel industry has grown over the past year, local observers say it's probably going to increase more rapidly during the next few years.
Why?
Largely because of a push in marketing and promoting local attractions and events due to increased financial resources from a new motel and restaurant tax.
Rose Crider, Marion Main Street director, says the county has always had mechanisms in place to promote tourism, but lacked the money to do much. Now, local leaders are ready for a progressive trend in revenue generated from the tourism and travel sector.
"The increase is probably going to be gradual, but it's going to happen," Crider said.
A three-percent tax on overnight lodging and ready-to-eat meals was implemented last fall inside the City of Marion, which has established the Marion Tourism Commission to oversee collection and spending of the tax money.
Tourism and travel contributed nearly $9.3 billion to Kentucky's economy in 2003 with the western lakes area among the most visited.
In Crittenden County, state tourism officials have estimated that visitors spent over $2.2 million last year and that 44 local workers are employed because of tourism or travel. That's up from 43 workers in 2002 and visitors spent about $100,000 more in 2003 than the previous year.
Jeanne Hodge, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, says money generated by the meal and motel tax is allowing Crittenden County to finally reach its potential in regard to attracting tourists.
"This is the first time we've had an opportunity like this," Hodge said, pointing to the Tourism Commission's $100,000-plus annual budget that began showing dividends during a well-attended Backroads Tour last month.
"The potential is unimaginable," Hodge continued. "We're getting calls from tourism coordinators around the state and region who are wanting to know what in the world is going on in Crittenden County. They keep saying, 'We're hearing about you.'"
The positive feedback about improved marketing strategy and materials is giving local tourism officials reason to feel better about the future.
"On a scale of one to 10, I'd say the outlook is eight or nine anyway," Hodge said. "Look at what we've been able to do in the past through basically the generosity of the people and businesses of this community. These festivals have been put on a shoe string. Now, with more resources, we're going to start promoting more and getting people from out of state and out of this region."
Marion's two big events each year are the Backroads Tour in the spring and Heritage Days in the fall. Organizers are gearing up for perhaps the biggest Heritage Days ever thanks to a $10,000 budget and the inspiration from Kara Harris, who is the new chairperson for the event.
The momentum continues with some other programs going on around town, says Crider, reminding citizens about the Streetscape project that will provide new sidewalks for downtown and installation of period lighting.
"We hope it's done by fall," Crider said. "We're getting to the point that people are going to start seeing some things happen."