Tourism in our Own Backyard

Anytime a community can bring dollars in from beyond its' borders it is a benefit to the local economy. This can come in many forms: new developments, re-investments in existing properties, or through visitors to a given city. Cities that are able to rake in the dollars on all three fronts reap the most substantial benefits. Davenport has welcomed a number of new developments during the past 10 years and re-investments are gaining momentum. However, one might argue one of the fastest routes is through the promotion of tourism.

The topic merits discussion, I noticed this topic on a couple of blogs recently and after all, it is "the season."

Our tourism numbers are on the rise, according to the QC Convention and Visitors Bureau. Just last year, 300,000, overnight reservations were booked in Davenport hotels. This generated $1.2-million in hotel/motel tax. These visitors inject millions into the local economy, spending dollars in our city that would have been spent someplace else.

The peak tourism season is just around the corner. Events like Sturgis on the River and the Midwest League All Star Game are due up in the next few days. Red, White, and Boom, the Blues Fest, street festivals, the Farmer's Market, the Bix Run and Bix Fest, the Mississippi Valley Fair, the Rib Fest, and the River Roots Live Festival are all additional examples of coming attractions. Some fly into town, others drive many hours, and still others come from surrounding counties to spend money in Davenport. The Fair, alone, averages over 30,000 visitors a day during "Fair Week."

In addition to this, conferences and conventions do come to town and use our facilities. The National Trials Symposium is an example of this and will be coming to Davenport this fall.

We have new attractions that we, as a city, should use as assets to promote our town: the IMAX, John O'Donnell, the Figge, the Bucktown Arts Building, the RME, the Skybridge, the Rhythm City Casino, revitalized parks, and an excellent trail system. Word is getting out that Davenport has more to offer, earlier this spring the Figge, which had 60,000 visitors during its' first six months, was featured on the cover of the 2006 Iowa Tourism Guide. The RME has shown recent signs of success with a half dozen sold out shows in the new Redstone Room.

Despite this success, I know many in the community believe we could do better. Some have mentioned marketing Davenport as "Iowa's Front Porch", still others believe River Vision holds the key to additional success, and others have told me the city should do more to strive towards hosting sporting events (i.e. ASA Softball).

Of course, a happy medium exists. Cities are challenged with providing numerous services in addition to amenities, while maintaining low tax/fee structures. A beautiful downtown is one thing, but you have to strive towards re-establishing neighborhoods as well. Citizens, obviously, count on police, fire, public works, and other services as well.

Heated debates have ensued on many of these topics. But, we do have options that cost little money. For example, providing a cleaner city that is friendly and welcoming, a more professional and efficient government and city workers. All of this adds up in the long run. If we are able to accomplish some of these goals, success for amenities will grow, and word will continue to spread about Davenport being a fun place to visit.

What are your thoughts on tourism? What events do you think Davenport could attract? Do you have a favorite amenity? How do you perceive tourism in Davenport? Please feel free to log in, thanks!