TOURISM
TOURISM
VISION
The Bay Area, a favorite resort nationwide, is filled with tourists, often on return visits. Our waters provide a natural theme for all kinds of family fun. Regional unity and complementary attractions have resulted in longer stays by visitors and boosted our community's economic base. State -of the-art convention facilities are booked year round and a new multi-purpose complex provides a variety of sports, entertainment and cultural events. This expansion of the tourist industry has enhanced the quality of life for all area residents.
STRATEGY
Recommendations are based on input from the community and over 60 tourism industy experts. Our area's natural beauty, its cultural diversity and unique history are strengths. We should capitalize on current trends in tourism and provide potential economic and quality of life benefits.
OVERVIEW
*Tourism is the second largest industry in the state, and Texas ranks #2 for U.S. destinations.
* Without tourism, Texas households would pay an average of $558 /yr. in additional taxes.
* The Corpus Christi Bay Area is the #2 vacation destination in Texas after San Antonio.
* Beaches are our #1 attraction.
* From 1991 to 1993, tourist expenditures in Nueces, Aransas, Kleberg and San Patricio Counties were up over $100 million, contributing $510,750,000 to the region's economy. Payroll for the 9,630 tourism-related jobs was up almost $28 million to $136,940,000.
ACTIONS
REGIONAL MASTER PLAN FOR TOURISM Enhancing entertainment opportunities will offer a better sales package, encourage longer stays and position us to compete with other regions for business recruitment and retainment. The visitor industry provides a range of jobs from entry level service positions for our youth and unskilled workers to developers, realtors, architects, engineers, contractors, accountants, managers, etc.. To maximize the effectiveness of our efforts, local governments must collaborate on a regional master plan for tourism development and marketing. We must: - Define our regional image, - Educate the public on the economic and quality of life values of tourism and the variety of activities already available, - Focus on nature tourists, families, Winter Texans and visitors from Mexico, - Promote a bi-lingual signage package connecting the regional attractions, - Pool regional marketing budgets for common target markets,e.g. birding, history enthusiasts, etc., to achieve greater promotional impact.
RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Our community must recognize, protect and promote our region's unique natural resources. We can benefit from the growing popularity of family adventure and nature tourism. Local governments must collaborate to: - Adopt the recommendations of the Texas Nature Tourism Task Force. - Support a regional nature tourism handbook. (promoting birding, hiking, fishing etc.) - Protect and renourish the beaches, our area's #1 attraction. - Provide well-designed beach facilities. (R.V./ camping parks, restrooms, concessions, parking.) - Print a comprehensive, bi-lingual brochure listing area beaches and amenities.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS Currently the cultural diversity of our region is an undervalued asset. Cultural awareness and pride build esteem and bring different cultures within a community closer together. To improve visability and emphasize the importance of highlighting our cultures, the following projects should be developed: - Cathedral Plaza located below the historic 1940 Corpus Christi Cathedral, would celebrate our Hispanic Heritage and enhance the downtown entertainment district. - Festival Park is a permanent festival / park facility located on our community's greatest treasure, our Bayfront. Created by transforming Memorial Coliseum and the adjacent park from an existing public investment into an attractive financial asset, the park would serve as an anchor to encourage development between the north and south ends of the Downtown Bayfront District. A permanent site would eliminate some labor and set up costs for groups hosting festivals and allow organizers to concentrate on events planning.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS Storms, neglect and the attitude that "new is better" have left us with few historic architectural landmarks, but South Texas still has a fascinating history to tell. Two opportunities to tell this history: - Corpus Christi Beach. City policies should be reviewed and revised to incorporate design guidelines that will develop this district into a pedestrian friendly area that highlights its past as a seaside resort. - Heritage Park. The Tenants Association should become a sub-committee of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to improve visitor use through programming, marketing, hours of operation, and to establish a Visitors Center for history.
OTHER COMMUNITY INITIATIVES Vision 2000 supports other community endeavors which would attract investors, larger conventions and provide more economic and entertainment opportunities for visitors and area citizens. A County Fairground would be an asset to the growing Northwest Business Area's expansion. A combination Multi-Purpose Arena and Convention Center Addition would attract larger conventions and a wider variety of entertainment. Not only would an opening at Packery Channel give citizens closer access to the Gulf, it would be a catalyst for commercial and residential development on Padre Island.