Plans mapped for third annual tourism summit”Going Great, Getting Even Better,” is the theme for the 3rd annual Tourism Summit, to be held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa on April 7 from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
And, according to Fayette Chamber of Commerce executive director Muriel J. Nuttall, the annual event keeps getting better and better. Fayette County Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh said the purpose of the summit is to get all of the tourism players together so that they can come up with ideas on how to better promote tourism in the county.
“We need to get everybody involved, from the small mom-and-pop business owners to Nemacolin owners and operators, to better promote tourism,” said Cavanaugh. “Tourism and the summit are really picking up momentum and steam. We had about 300 participants at last year’s summit at Nemacolin, and we are expecting at least that many people this year.”
Cavanagh said one of the ideas that came out of a previous summit was the Historic Fayette County Guide, which was paid for by advertising.
“The guide was sent to all Fortune 500 companies,” said Cavanagh, “just to let them know what we have to offer here in Fayette County. We also marketed Fayette County at the National Conference of County Commissioners in Philadelphia.”
Nuttall said this year’s summit differs somewhat from previous years because it will include a breakout session in the morning, followed by lunch and a question-and-answer period regarding the upcoming 84 Lumber PGA Golf Classic in the afternoon.
The morning breakouts will include a session for the non-profit community on partnership opportunities created to benefit from the influx of tourists. Another session will be held for the retail/hospitality industry, which will look at visitor-ready issues.
A third session for community and civic leaders on visitor preparedness will also be held. Nuttall said Fayette County mayors, council members and township supervisors will enjoy this segment.
Cavanagh said calls have been made to Gov. Ed Rendell and U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown), inviting them and members of their staffs to attend the summit.
Nuttall said Velicia Crisafulle from the National Trust for Historic Preservation will also be at the summit to update participants on key issues.
County commissioners Ron M. Nehls and Vincent A. Vicites joined Cavanagh in encouraging people who are interested in promoting tourism to attend the summit.
Vicites said, “The summit has progressed over the past three years. Many of the ideas that have come out of the summit have been implemented.
“It’s really good to meet with people who have ideas and who know the industry best.”
Nehls said, with the the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War at Fort Necessity and the 84 Lumber PGA Golf Classic coming up later this year, the county needs to continue to build tourism awareness.
“We certainly need to take a close look at this (tourism and the summit) and pay attention,” said Nehls. “We certainly all need to support the summit, so that we can make this another successful effort.”
Nehls also threw out a challenge, saying, “Lets come up with some good ideas, some things that we can say we are going to do.”
Cavanagh said, “We’ve come so far in tourism in Fayette County, and we’ve got such opportunity in front of us. We need to be ready. We have the best jewels in the state with Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, Nemacolin, Fort Necessity and countless other attractions.”
Nuttall said the luncheon, which will cost participants a nominal fee, is a cooperative effort by the county commissioners, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Fayette Forward and the Laurel Highlands Visitors’ Bureau.
Nuttall said space is limited, so pre-registration and pre-payment are required to attend the summit. Deadline for registration is March 31. For more information, call the chamber office at 724-437-4571.