ECONOMIC IMPACT IS THE NAME OF THE GAME

Energetic tourism efforts bring people and dollars to town. That's the aim of Cape Girardeau's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The CVB is the primary organization that represents the city and solicits travelers, says Director Lyn Muzzy. "We encourage all travelers to come enjoy what we have to offer in this area."

Tourism is the second largest industry in the state. One reason is the motorcoach tours.

"Cape is very involved in the motorcoach business. This type of travel is one of the largest pieces of tourism in the country."

It is also very competitive. The CVB competes with Miami, New York and other large cities to draw groups to town.

"I'm just another guy who is trying to get them to stop somewhere to at least eat or spend the night," he explains. "My job is to find out what they're doing and where they're going and see if I can get them to fit Cape into their itinerary."

One question the groups ask is `Why should I come off the interstate?,' says Muzzy. "I check to see if they can fit something in here. That way if they have a nice experience, then they may want to come back."

Typically, a motorcoach with between 40 and 45 passengers aboard will spend an average of $2,800 to $3,000 during a day or night in town.

"Economic impact is the name of the game," Muzzy says. "Dollars and cents that we want come into Cape and we tell the motorcoaches we want to do business with them."

In 1992, the CVB serviced 137 motorcoaches with a total of 6,200 passengers. So far this year, it has serviced almost 150. "We've got a banner year going on," he says.

When visitors come to Cape Girardeau they to want to see the Mississippi River. But one of the biggest attractions is the Iron Mountain Railroad in Jackson, Muzzy says. The steam train is really popular because they can get an attraction and a meal at the same time.

Other attractions include Bollinger Mill, Black Forest, the University Museum, Trail of Tears and the Glenn House, he said. "We also offer customized itineraries for the city," Muzzy said. "Most people charge to do these, but we don't. For a small we also offer a step-on guide for the tour of Cape," he said.

Most people really appreciate this personal tour guide. It also serves as a hook to get people to town, he says.

The economic impact on the Cape area from the 137 motorcoaches last year was $457,751, he said.

Conventions also play a major role in the CVB's work. "We serviced 56 conventions in 1992, and the economic impact on Cape from these was for $2,628,552."

Oftentimes, conventions are booked four or five in advance. Muzzy is now working on the promotion of the city for 1994, 1995 and beyond. "I've done all I can do for 1993, now it's up to the groups to come here. We recently booked the Missouri Baptist Association's convention to be held in April of 1996.

"This particular convention will be a regional one with approximately 7,000 people in attendance," Muzzy says. "The Show Me Center and the hotels and motels in Cape as well as probably Sikeston and Perryville, will all be involved with this convention."

In contrast, motorcoaches usually book six to eight months ahead. "Nothing is instant business; they won't be coming here next week. It takes time to nurture these people into coming."

The CVB also assists various festivals, events and tournaments that take place in Cape Girardeau. Last year, the CVB worked with 60 such events that attracted 343,000 people. The economic impact on the area from those events topped $6.5 million.

The CVB also responded to 5,625 requests in relation to their various marketing efforts. "Many of the requests come on our 800 phone number," Muzzy says, "and we're able to respond to the requests the same day we receive the call. We try to respond almost immediately or we're going to lose them because they are trying to make a decision on where to go."

Muzzy is pleased with the increased activity of the CVB. He says that's what the bureau has been working toward for the past five years. "I'm really excited because we're on the map now."