Small town businesses (and everywhere obviously) have been hit particularly hard by the slow-to-recover recession the US has endured over the past couple of years. Even with more residents staying close to home – ala the “staycation” – we’re all being a little tighter with our purse strings. What is a city or town to do to attract out-of-town dollars when times are tough?
Why not CREATE an attraction? Easier said than done, I realize, but consider the Killington Stage Race.
Killington, Vermont (DiscoverKillington.com) is a year-round destination for vacationers, although winter could be called its cash cow – like all ski resort areas. After a 10-year hiatus from putting on the Killington Stage Race, the event was brought back to life again this year. And area businesses rejoiced – and reaped.
According to the Killington Economic Development & Tourism Board, the bike race brought in 560 riders plus nearly 1,400 supporters. Filling hotels, inns and B&Bs, and providing loads of new business for restaurants, bars and other small businesses. This revived event proved to be a godsend for the area, and likely encouraged return business for years to come.
By cycle event standards, this was not a large endeavor, but half a million dollars into local tills over three days is something worth shouting about.
What can you do for your destination to drum up an event worth shouting about?
Read the full article in the Rutland Herald »
Photo courtesy KillingtonStageRace.com
