Outlook 011712 Visitors flocking to Wayne County

  • By Sharon Haught
  • January 15, 2012
  • 291
                        
People love this community. And it’s not just the people who live and work in Wayne County. Tourists love it too – to the tune of $181 million per year. That’s how much tourists directly and indirectly spend in Wayne County each year according to Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Marty Starkey. And despite the tough economic conditions the nation has faced over the past several years that number has remained consistent, as is the amount of tax revenue tourism generates for local government entities, which stands at over $4.6 million each year. What is it that draws tourists dollars into a relatively small rural community without a single large tourist draw? Part of the answer lies in the county’s centralized location. As Starkey noted if you put a dot on the map at Wooster and draw a 500 mile circle, half the population of the US and Canada are within that circle. But location isn’t the only reason Wayne County has been so successful at drawing in tourist dollars. It’s things like the premiere convention and sports facilities, the relatively low costs as compared to major metropolitan areas, the open and a friendly atmosphere and the willingness to go beyond what tourists and convention organizers have come to expect from other locations that makes Wayne County a destination of choice. For those searching for the perfect place to hold special events, meetings or conventions, the breath of the facilities available in the area make Wayne County an attractive venue. With a wide array of accommodations ranging from moderately priced chain hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts to boutique luxury hotels like the new St. Paul Hotel, a whole host of fine and family dining experiences and venues that can accommodate everything from small meetings to weddings to large conventions, Wayne County has everything an event organizer needs at a fraction of the price charged in large metropolitan areas. Conventions and special events like those held frequently at the Buckeye Events Center, Shisler Center, Wayne County Fair Grounds and Alice Noble Ice Arena draw thousands of visitors to the area from across the country, visitors who otherwise would not be aware of all the things the county has to offer including the unique cultural encounters offered in Amish Country and the distinctive shopping experiences provided by retailers such as Lehman’s, Smuckers and P. Graham Dunn. According to Starkey when visitors attending annual and special events such as the Wayne County Fair, Ohio Light Opera, Honda Gold Wings state convention, National Dutch Oven Gathering or Fire in the Sky softball tournament get a glimpse of what is available in Wayne County, they often return to the area to shop, dine or vacation. Starkey noted that in 2012 even more visitors will be visiting the area as the county hosts the Christian Motorcycle Association state rally in August, National Katahdin Hair Sheep Expo in August and Columbia Sheep Breeders Association of America National Show in June. For more information on all that Wayne County has to offer visit the Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at www.waynecountycvb.org.


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