The big picture in tourism

By The Gazette Editorial Board

You don't visit long with Marilee Fowler before discovering her zest for regional tourism strategies.

During a discussion with The Gazette Editorial Board, the new executive director of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau noted a fresh example. The Amana Colonies campground is absorbing some overflow from the world horseshoe pitchers tournament in Cedar Rapids. The Amana Colonies CVB even installed some horseshoe pits for competitors to use for practice. The Amanas' response took root three years ago when Cedar Rapids began its efforts to land the tournament.

“We're not just selling Cedar Rapids. We want visitors to experience the entire area. They'll likely stay longer,” Fowler said.

And thus get exposure to more of what our Corridor region has to offer - and hopefully return to visit or even move here or open a business.

Fowler, not quite four months on the job, has done her homework on Cedar Rapids and the region. She talked about the new Event Center/U.S. Cellular Center project and how its future also will be intertwined with enhancing Third Street's offerings of restaurants, night life and shops, as well as development of nearby New Bohemia/Czech Village Cultural District. She's confident that the evolving Medical District will bring new visitors.

She also says it's critical to work with Marion, Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, Coralville and Iowa City to help build a stronger regional reputation.

She sees the big picture. And she joins a regional tourism effort already well established.

“It just makes good business sense. You don't go without taking the neighbors along,” said Kristie Wetjen, Fowler's counterpart at the Amana Colonies CVB.

“We (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City/Coralville and Amanas CVBs) have all worked together well for many years.”

Regionalism also reflects the economic times, Wetjen added. “People have less money for travel ... and when you can promote a region instead of just one destination, it gives the consumer a greater deal.”

Fowler's goals include attracting more sports events and religious conferences. “Youth sports seems to be recession proof,” she told us. “And because we are an affordable, safe and family-oriented community, we are attractive to those events and religious conferences where most people are paying their own way.”

Fowler's 23 years of tourism/marketing experience includes seven in Dubuque, where she was involved in groundwork that has led to successful riverside revitalization. We look forward to her contribution toward our region's important tourism industry.