In an effort to meet the economic challenges of the past year and increase tourism in the area, the city of Washington plans to renew its membership with the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in April.
“It’s good that Peoria looks at Washington as a regional player,” said Washington Mayor Gary Manier.
Manier said the agreement is a “year-to-year thing.”
The PACVB is a nonprofit, member-based organization that serves as a resource for those visiting the area who seek information on services, dining, attractions, accommodations and events in the area.
The agreement means that the PACVB will market the Washington area for a second year.
“In 2009 we sent 113 leads to Five Points and Washington’s two hotels,” said PACVB president/CEO Bob Marx. He added that 59 leads have been sent so far in 2010.
“We’re trying to include them in every conference that comes to the area,” Marx said.
A lead can end up being good for multiple years. If a convention or event is scheduled for five years, that equals five leads for Washington.
Last year, the PACVB sent leads to Washington’s Sleep Inn and Super 8 hotels for the State Farm High School Basketball tournament.
Marx said they not only sent the leads, but also worked with the event planners in the registration area and as hostesses.
“This saved Washington about $1,500,” he said.
Marx said the agreement is funded by a 1 percent tax levied on the hotels.
“The challenge working with Five Points is that they’re very busy,” Marx said.
At the March 8 meeting of the Committee of the Whole, Marx said that the industry is beginning to turn around and now is the time to keep partnerships strong.
Manier said the renewal will be on the agenda for the next council meeting and that it will be approved.
“They’re great partners,” he said.
