SOUTHEAST CONSIDERS TOURISM CENTER

Southeast Missouri State University may set up a regional tourism center that could promote the region and offer on-the-job training for students.

The idea is being pushed by the Southeast Regional Tourism Advisory Council.

The group includes representatives from throughout the region. Its most active members include officials of Southeast Missouri State University and the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Dr. Ed Leoni chairs the university's health and leisure department and serves on the advisory council. Leoni said a center could help communities better market their tourism attractions, including everything from historic sites to nature areas.

"The university has a commitment to the region in providing research opportunities and service and education. The center would meet that trifold mission," Leoni said.

He said students could learn on the job and get academic credit for tourism services offered through the center.

Southeast currently is seeking to fill two faculty positions in the area of tourism. Leoni said one position could be filled next month and the other by August.

The goal is to offer tourism as a separate major, he said. Tourism currently comes under the school's geography program.

Leoni said the entire Southeast Missouri region has a variety of attractions, including its Mississippi River heritage.

"We have a Civil War heritage," he said.

The region also benefits from "eco tourism," Leoni said. The region is home to a variety of natural areas and migrating wildlife. Everything from eagle watches to goose-calling contests offer recreation potential, he said.

"That is all part of a theme that you look for in a region to bring in individuals," he said.

"The people leave, but the money stays," Leoni said of tourism.

Leoni said grants could help fund the tourism center.

The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau recently voiced support for the idea of a tourism center at the university. Mary Miller, CVB director, said the center would help attract tourists to the entire region.

"They would serve as a clearing house so we could all funnel our resources, our materials into one area," said Miller, who also serves on the Southeast Missouri Tourism Advisory Council.

Miller said the university already has a historic-preservation program, a regional history center, a university museum, and business and marketing programs that could fit in with tourism studies.

"It is a natural tie for them," she said.

Miller said it makes sense for the university to focus on tourism when preparing students for future careers.

"It certainly is an industry for the future," she said.

"Travel and tourism is the world's largest employer," said Miller. "It is the second largest industry in our state."