Development: How to really attract tourists
July 3, 2008 · Updated 10:07 PM
A recent editorial endorsed keeping the locally collected room tax here at home.
A pier would do little to attract tourists, sadly.
Camp facilities, restaurants, rest rooms, normal activities, event shows, exhibitions, conventions and nice motels are what attract tourists.
A local group is discussing a privately managed exhibition-type hall, much like Lyndens Jansen Hall at the fairgrounds. For some 70 days a year Jansen Hall pulls in tourists at little cost to the community.
Such a facility need not be a convention center, but a simple metal structure of 10,000 square feet with bathrooms. It would bring thousands of tourist dollars to Oak Harbor.
Those interested please call the Exhibition Hall Committee c/o The CoachmanIinn at 675-0727.
Joel Douglas
Bellingham
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