Byesville Rotary discovers how to “Let Your Spirit Roam Free” in Guernsey County

Pictured: Debbie Robinson, Executive Director Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau, and Chuck Fair, President.

Debbie Robinson, Executive Director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau, explained that the goals for the Visitors Bureau are to encourage people to visit Guernsey County and to teach community members and businesses make the most of the economic opportunities tourists provide.

In 2014, the Visitors Bureau began a new program called GAP -which provided $10,000 to help local non-profits increase over night stays in the area. Eight local organizations received funds from this program. Robinson pointed out that day trippers spent on average $104 per visit. A visitor who stays overnight averages over $300 or 3 times what a day tripper spends.

Robinson said, “Tourism benefits the whole community not just businesses directly involved in tourism.” Economic benefits from tourism are significant. Figures from the 2013 tourist season indicated that tourism brought in about $145.8 thousand dollars and generated about $1.9 million in taxes. Tourism provided employment for 1,707 people, supported 1 out of every 10 jobs in the county, and paid 10% of the salaries for salaried employees All of this contributes to a better quality of life for local residents.

Robinson explained a big part of her job is to keep people touring the Guernsey County. She accomplishes this with a carefully planned marketing campaign. Robinson said that in today’s mass marketing world, she must make between 7-9 contacts with a potential customer before that customer will take action and choose to visit Guernsey County.

The Visitors Bureau’s marketing efforts include social media, person to person contact as well as paper. Publications in paper include news releases, travel guides, brochures, and direct mailings. Social media includes a web site as well as a mobile website, interactive map and e-newsletter. Some marketing efforts come in three versions. One for each of the different markets the Visitors Bureau is trying to reach—1) the leisure traveler, 2) group tour operators, and 3) local business partners.

What can members of the community like the Byesville Rotarians do to help build tourism? Robinson said everyone can help by simply being courteous and welcoming to visitors. Each visitor should leave Guernsey County wanting to come back and willing to recommend a visit to their friends and family.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283  The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville.. Call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-432-5605, to learn more about how to join.