We hear that question a lot. Since we all carry more computing power and information on our mobile devices that the astronauts did 50 years ago on the trip to the Moon, who needs physical Visitor Centers anymore?
The answer turns out to be smart Destination Marketing Organizations. Check out the recent article written by our friend Virginia Haley of Visit Sarasota County. She reports that between January through March of 2019 (the high season in Sarasota), her Visitor Center staff saw a 46 percent increase in traffic as compared to the same months in 2018.
So, don't shutter your Visitor Center just yet...rethink it. Which is what Visit Eau Claire's Linda John did as she opened her new "Experience Center" earlier this year. You can hear Linda's story on the new DMOU podcast series, launched earlier this month.
Still relevant? And then some.
Thank you, Virginia! Great information to use in creating Georgia's newest city and destination's welcom center!
Posted by: Renee Areng | July 23, 2019 at 09:56
I see Visitor's Centers becoming a destination when entering a state someday, hopefully! Our Visitor Center attendance has continued to go up by 2 - 3 hundred than the previous year, each month. People still want their guides and memorabilia!
Posted by: Stephannie Lewis | July 29, 2019 at 11:32
Agreed, Stephanie. GPS can only get consumers to what they came for. Visitor Centers are crucial to inspire them to do more and stay longer!
Posted by: Bill Geist | July 29, 2019 at 12:58