Merriam Visitors Bureau
Annual Report 2010
Travel & Tourism --- Top 15 Industries! According to a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, travel will continue to be one of the leading industries over the next 15+ years. And, there’s no shortage of travel destinations for these hundreds of millions of visitors to choose from. Further data suggests that consumers are overwhelmed with the thousands of travel options out there, but need leisure and recreation more than ever. It is not a matter of if they will spend money on traveling—it is a matter of where and with whom. Although the past year proved economically challenging for many communities across the nation, we were fortunate that it also brought new opportunities as more Americans chose to vacation closer to home instead of cancelling travel plans outright. As a region accessible to more than 60 million people within a day’s drive—Merriam--although “down,” was certainly not “out” in 2010 due in no small part to our accessible Midwest location, affordable pricing and favorable visitor appeal! As we look forward to signs of improvement in 2011 and beyond, we thank you for your continued support. We encourage you to be a part of Kansas tourism’s $7.2 billion dollar business by inviting your friends and relatives to visit Merriam...next door neighbors to Kansas City! - Karen Crane, Director