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Tourist groups to talk about their future
By JIM ROSS © St. Petersburg Times, published May 10, 2001 LECANTO -- Before they decide what to do about their eco-tourism committee, members of the Tourist Development Council want to meet with committee members. So that's what they will do. The joint meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 11 at the Lecanto Government Building, 3600 W Sovereign Path. "I think it will be very beneficial to have both of the groups sit at the table and discuss projects and goals to make sure that there is not a fractured approach to marketing the county," said Mary Craven, the county's tourism coordinator. The committee, which has been around in one form or another since 1993, is composed of people who have a particular interest in eco-tourism. The committee is part of the tourism council, which collects the 2 percent tourist tax and is responsible for marketing the county as a whole. The committee has accomplished many of its goals, such as developing a coastal canoe trail and starting an eco-guide course, now taught at Central Florida Community College. Questions about the committee's next projects were lingering. Some wondered if the committee, now that it has accomplished its task, should even remain. The committee and the tourism council, in separate meetings, discussed the topic Wednesday. But there was no consensus except to plan the joint meeting. In related news, the council on Wednesday agreed to seek a $354,400 budget for 2001-02. The County Commission must approve the spending plan. Included in that budget is $40,000 that would go to the chambers of commerce to make up for the considerable time and money the chamber already spend handling tourism matters such as mailings, telephone inquiries and greeting visitors. Because of administrative shifts, Craven's salary must come out of council dollars instead of the general county fund. So that line item, as well as money to pay for a vehicle Craven could drive, are new additions to the budget. Craven frequently travels out of county to trade shows, conventions and meetings. She also ferries visiting journalists around Citrus. She hopes the council will purchase a minivan. The council money comes from the tourist tax which, according to state law, must be spent on tourism-related items. Craven said her counterparts in other counties are paid from council funds. The budget calls for no change in spending on print advertising or public relations.
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