May 2007 Chairman's Message
by Dr. Bud Marchant, Chairman, Chamber Board of DirectorsThe Advantages of Tourism Development
Recently, your chamber has begun to look at the different ways to increase tourism in Laurens County. We have established a tourism committee that meets regularly and reports to the board. Tourism can provide income and diversification to rural communities. Most of the dollars generated from outside visitors stay within the local economy.
In addition to gains from direct sales to visitors, many indirect benefits are realized from tourism. Visitors contribute to the tax revenues collected and can influence the quality of life by financing community facilities such as swimming pools, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping facilities. Community events intended for tourists, also attract local residents. Many potential industries prefer locations that provide high quality services and recreational resources. If the community is a pleasant place, the visitor may become a permanent resident.
Tourism offers other indirect benefits. For example, the need to provide services to tourists creates new jobs in the community. Although, some may argue that tourism jobs are not high paying employment opportunities, these jobs satisfy the need of students and dual-earning families for part-time or seasonal employment. Also, salaries in the tourism industry have been rising in the past few years. Advanced planning maximizes the advantages and minimizes the disadvantages of developing rural tourism. Your chamber has begun this planning process. Call the chamber office for more information and/or to join the Tourism Committee.
