Joplin CVB requests tourism study
Jan. 16—An assessment of regional tourism impact along with identification of opportunities and needs to increase tourism will be sought by the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Patrick Tuttle (director) will ask Tuesday’s City Council for permission to commission the study.
He will propose a contract with the firm of Conventions, Sports & Leisure International LLC at a cost of $111,608. This was the median price among three proposals from tourism consultants. However, all those who took part in the selection process agreed that the proposal of the firm would meet their market assessment goals.
The candidates were evaluated by representatives from the Southwest Missouri Lodging Association and the Joplin Sports Authority’s advisory board.
The study aims to determine the effect of group travel on the region.
Tuttle says that such an analysis has not been conducted in Joplin’s 33 years of tourism marketing.
The assessment will ask the consultant to assess how the higher number of tourists could increase the sales of hotel rooms and the business of restaurants and retail outlets.
It is expected that the consultant will survey key stakeholders to determine which venue concept best suits their needs. A survey should also be conducted to poll key stakeholders regarding support for different financing models such as increasing the hotel-motel taxes.
The study should also identify the funding needs and roles of various tourism marketing groups.
The council will also consider the following:
—Approval of a payment of $23,891 to Central Square Technologies for purchase of a software time clock system to record the working hours of city employees. The city has been issuing time sheets in paper form.
—A purchase order to Vikings Cives Midwest for $239,596 to buy a 2024 International dump truck with snowplow and salt spreader.
—Appointment of board members for the 510 Range Line Community Improvement District.
The council will vote to decide whether to hold closed sessions to consult with a city lawyer on a legal or real estate issue.