Cape Girardeau tourism remains healthy

The nation's tourism industry is feeling the impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and conditions could worsen if people don't start traveling again.

The hijacking by terrorists of four commercial jetliners helped throw the airline industry into financial chaos when flights were grounded and airports were closed.

When service resumed, people were still reluctant to fly. Even now many Americans avoid flying because of a continued threat of terrorism.

When people aren't traveling, local economies that depend on tourists really suffer.

Hardest hit are resorts, hotels, motels and restaurants.

But a host of other businesses, including retailers, also are affected.

Missouri is feeling the repercussions. Tourism is considered the state's third-leading industry, employing more than 200,000 people.

Unless something happens to revitalize the industry, many of those people could be added to the nation's growing unemployment numbers.

To counter the downward trend, Missouri tourism officials last week called upon Missourians to shop and spend money at home and to travel in Missouri.

Instead of trying to attract visitors from within 450 miles, the state's efforts are focused on a 300-mile radius that still includes Chicago, Memphis, Tenn., and Nashville, Tenn. Missouri corporations and associations are asked to keep conventions and meetings in Missouri.

The state is spending $500,000 more this fall to stimulate in-state tourism through a "Rediscover Your Missouri" campaign.

The loss of tourists is particularly felt in metropolitan areas served by national and international airports. In St. Louis alone, about 200 meetings, many of which would have brought people to the city from outside the state, have been canceled since Sept. 11.

Cape Girardeau hasn't been as hard hit. Two of the biggest events in Cape Girardeau this fall were the Harley Owners Group state gathering and Missouri Baptist Convention's meeting, which drew thousands to the city.

Attendance is expected to be as large as ever at upcoming arts and crafts events at the Show Me Center, National Guard Armory, A.C. Brase Arena, Osage Community Centre and Bavarian Halle in Fruitland Nov. 17 and 18. The CAYSA annual fall soccer tournament will be a big draw Nov. 10 and 11. A Christmas parade is on tap.

Cape Girardeau is fortunate not to feel as great an impact because most of the tourism-related events held here draw people who live in Missouri or in neighboring states within easy driving distance. Local tourism officials realize that fact and are wise to continue to concentrate their tourism efforts in that direction.