Boost in tourist traffic prompts building of more area hotels

If you build it, they will come.

Actually they’re already here, according to a recent study conducted by the Alabama Tourism Department that shows Lee County experienced a 9 percent increase in visitor spending during the 2007 year with total tourism revenues climbing to $259 million.

The increase in tourism also resulted in a five percent increase in related employment in the area.

As a result, nearly 400 hotel rooms will be added between now and 2009 to accommodate the increased volume of travelers, according to John Wild, president of the Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Bureau.

The prospect of serving that additional clientele is something Laura Sisk, a guest services representative for Hometown Suites in Auburn looks forward to.

“The average stay for our customers is about a month,” said Sisk.

The breakdown of clientele at the AU Hotel and Dixon Conference Center is almost evenly split between business and corporate customers and leisure travelers who typically vary between parents and alumni who may be visiting the area.

The AU Hotel and Dixon Conference Center has recently undergone an $11 million renovation of its 240-room facility, according to Hans Van Der Reijden, managing director for the hotel for the last five years.

“The amount this area has grown in just five years has been mind-boggling,” said Van Der Reijden.

The stream of revenue tourists bring when they come to town is something Robyn L. Bridges, public relations and communications director for the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, says will positively stimulate the local economy on a year-round basis.

“One of our biggest market segments are amateur and youth sporting events,” Bridges said.

The Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball event pumps some $1.1 million in revenue into the local economy annually,  according to Bridges.

The area’s numerous golfing venues have also made it an attractive destination for vacationers.

“People who are traveling to the Auburn area, are doing so for a reason,” said Bridges.