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Nov. 20, 2012

For immediate release

 

DMAI chief projects positive growth in 2013

 

(Wichita, Kan.) - The travel and tourism industry should see positive growth during 2013. That's the projection presented by Michael Gehrisch, Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) president and CEO, during the Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau 2012 Annual Meeting. The event was held in Wichita, Kan., Nov. 16.2012.

DMAI projects that hotel average daily rates should grow by 4.6 percent and occupancy rates will reach 63 percent. At the same time, nationwide room tax collections are expected to grow seven percent.

Gehrisch stressed that a community's funding of Destination Marketing Organizations should be seen as an investment that provides a good rate of return to the destination's economy.

Go Wichita President and CEO Susie Berglund Santo also projected moderate growth for the Wichita-area travel and tourism industry. Santo shared research that shows in 2011 visitors contributed $712 million in direct economic impact to the region's economy.

Go Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of marketing the greater Wichita area to leisure travelers, convention business and groups. This work creates a multi-million dollar economic impact each year. Learn more at gowichita.com.

For more information contact Ken Vandruff, director of communications, at 316.660.6305 or kvandruff@gowichita.com.

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