I had the opportunity to attend the 2010 Governor’s Conference on Tourism last week and it really was an excellent event. In today’s economy there is a great deal of fear that maybe people will not be traveling as much and tourism might suffer.

But there have been quite a few studies on the issue and the Department of Tourism said that people will still be traveling next year, but they are going to make their trips more local and value oriented.

It is estimated that the average American took four trips and spent roughly $3500 on travel this past year. It was also estimated that most families will be choosing locations closer to home for their vacations. U.S. hotel demand was actually at one of the highest levels this past summer. And this is in a down economy. Value is going to be king to the tourist this next year, but people will continue to travel.

That is why we will be focusing our efforts to send out our 2011 Visitor’s Guide throughout the local region, sending it out more to Tulsa, OKC, Kansas City, Wichita and the surrounding areas.

Our new guide will be going to print in December and we are getting our advertising ready now. If you would like to be in the 2011 Visitor’s Guide, we need to have your membership renewal and advertising as soon as possible.

You will not want to miss out on your business being in 100,000 Visitor’s Guides that those travelers from all over the region and nation will be examining. We will have a new layout which will focus on specific areas like “Where to Stay” “What to Do” etc, as well as a better map to locate your business. Don’t miss out.

We've had a number of new members join the GLA in the last few months and we want to thank them for supporting the Grand Lake Association.

Dream Catcher Point
Picture in Scriptures
180 Kitchen and Bath Design Group LLC
Buffalo Run Casino
Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs
Mariner's Lookout
Ugly John's
Victorian Accents

Don't forget to renew your membership before November 1st so you can be in our 2011 Visitor's Guide.

If you have any questions, please contact the Grand Lake Association at 918-786-2289, e-mail info@glaok.com or visit our website, www.grandlakefun.com