National Tourism Week Open House At Kosciusko Convention And Visitors Bureau
WARSAW — To celebrate National Tourism Week, Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted an informal cookout lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at the center on US 30, along with an open house inside the visitor center.
The local event helps to raise awareness of the impact travel and tourism has on Kosciusko County. The travel and tourism industry contributed $162.2 million to the Kosciusko County economy in 2015. One Ten Craft Meatery was on site grilling brats and hotdogs for guests, sponsored by Nipsco. As well as being invited to tour the visitor center, guests were able to enter a drawing for a $600 value “Experience Kosciusko County” prize pack.
National Tourism Week is celebrated the first full week in May each year. Established by a congressional resolution in 1983, the week of events serves to promote the industry. Travel and tourism professionals across the nation unite to illustrate the impact of travel with rallies, events and other activities. The role of the Kosciusko County Visitor Center has evolved over the past 18 years, with the center providing information on area lodging and attractions as well as maps, displays and educational exhibits. Founded in 1987, The KCCVB is celebrating 30 years of economic impact and is considered an economic engine operating as a destination marketing and management organization.
Tina Keaffaber, Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau sales manager, attends trade shows in order to recruit groups to come to Kosciusko County. The goal for Keaffaber is to “sell” Kosciusko County as a destination by promoting attractive options in the county at trade shows to attract motorcoach and leisure visitors. According to Keaffaber, “While Kosciusko County has a great tourism product, it can be a challenge finding a tour operator to fit our product. We are actively engaged in selling and promoting Kosciusko County because we are passionate about what there is to offer to all visitors.”
Regarding recreation, Keaffaber stated, “We do have a lot to offer here – a lot more than people realize.” She pointed out that there are over 100 lakes in Kosciusko County, providing plenty of opportunity for swimming, fishing, boating and other activities.