SPEAKER CITES TRAVEL TRENDS

CAPE GIRARDEAU - People involved in the tourism industry should be aware of new changes in travel patterns among the public, according to a Kentucky speaker at a hospitality seminar here.

"People are taking shorter trips than before," said Beverly McKinley-Harris. "They are going for weekend getaways within six hours of home, rather than one or two week cross-country trips. They are taking more family-oriented trips now."

Harris, in addition to giving seminars on hospitality and customer service, is program director of the Paducah (Ky.) Hospitality Association, coordinator of the Paducah Ambassador Program and president of the city's Downtown Development Association. She and her husband David also operate a bed and breakfast inn there.

Businesses need to adjust to this and other new directions in the business, according to Harris. "People are more educated and realize their money is worth more," she said. "They demand good service and quality. Price may not be as important. People expect graciousness from their hosts."

Harris has noticed more restaurant owners circulating among their customers, introducing themselves and ascertaining the customers are receiving good service.

Businesses should train employees regularly, preferably with someone from outside the firm, in communications and human relations. She said employers with staff working with the public need to hire people-oriented workers for these positions. "The image of a city to a visitor comes from a few front line employees," Harris said. "They determine whether the visitors return or not.

According to the Missouri Division of Tourism, tourism generates $5.8 billion annually in Missouri, making it the second largest industry in the state.

The Cape Girardeau Convention/Visitors Bureau and Friends of Railroading presented the seminar Tuesday in downtown Cape Girardeau. It included a ride on the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad in Jackson Thursday for participants.