THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
Hospitality education is one of the necessary and fundamental elements of a successful community tourism industry. It should be practiced consistently in each business and every setting where tourists come in contact with your community. (Local customers like to be treated well, also!) What does it involve? Making visitors feel welcome and helping them to enjoy their recreational experience in every way. To achieve this, your FRONT-LINE EMPLOYEES will play a crucial role. They are often the first (or only people) to contact tourist visitors. Their management of the visitor’s experience can make a huge difference in initial encounters, sales, and return visits. They need to know HOW to help visitors. If employees understand the economic impact realized from tourism; from imported dollars (new to the community); from tourist dollars that find their way into the tax structure and, thus our schools, fire protection, police, and virtually every part of the local economics, they can better understand the importance of their roles. Tourism’s Contributions To Community Businesses Businesses Income from Tourism (Percent)
Motel/Hotel …………………………………………………………………….………….. 94.5 Restaurants ……………………….……………………………………………………... 49.4 Taverns/Bars/Liquor Stores ……………………………………………………………. 34.8 Amusements …………………………………………………………………………….. 33.1 Gasoline Stations ……………………………………………………………………..… 31.5 General Merchandise …………………………………………………………………... 18.6 Auto Dealers …………………………………………………………………………….. 15.8 Food (Retail) …………………………………………………………………………….. 13.8 Apparel and Accessories ………………………………………………………………. 13.6 Lumber, Hardware and Building Materials ………………………………………….… 13.1 Furniture and Furnishings ………………………………………………………….…… 12.1 Other Retail ……………………………………………………….……………………... 12.2 Pharmaceuticals ………………………………………………………….……………... 11.4 Farm Supplies and Agriculture Products ……………………………………………… 8.5 Other Service Firms ……………………………………………………….……………... 4.5 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce