|
SIDEZ Strategic Plan GOAL # 3
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: Recognizing that the historical and scenic assets of the area represent strengths that have not been fully developed, three hundred tourism-related jobs will exist as the result of an aggressive program of conservation, development and marketing of existing and new tourist sites and services.
OBJECTIVE #1: Develop marketing programs to improve the image of the Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone as a tourist destination.
Strategies
a. Expand staff and marketing capabilities of the Southernmost IL Tourism Bureau.
1. Hire one (1) additional staff person to assist with tourism related projects.
2. Produce and distribute marketing materials (including internet marketing and brochures) to promote Southernmost IL Delta Empowerment Zone area.
b. Market festivals in the empowerment zone to tourists.
c. Develop Regional Hospitality Centers in each sub zone.
1. I-57 Welcome Center--Alexander County
2. Ullin Depot Restoration – Pulaski County
3. Train Depot Restoration--Johnson County
OBJECTIVE #2: Make the necessary improvements to develop the Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone into a tourist destination.
Strategies
a. Partner with Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge to develop an Auto Tour Route throughout the Cache
River Wetlands and the Southernmost IL Delta Empowerment Zone Region.
b. Provide leverage funds for the development of tourist attractions within the Southernmost IL Delta
Empowerment Zone.
• Ohio River Recreational Area (Pulaski Co.)
Phase 1: 100 slip marina at Grand Chain Landing with fuel and concession service. Phase 2: Develop lodge/restaurant on bluff overlooking marina. Phase 3: Develop 18-hole public golf course on land between marina and Lock & Dam #53. Phase 4: Develop Lock & Dam #53 site when released from Corps of Engineers. to include shops, camping, playground, dining and museum. Phase 5: Connect entire site by reopening Rolling Hills Road.
• Expansion of the National Cemetery at Mound City
• Outdoor Recreation Area at Thebes
• Development of Ft. Defiance State Park in Cairo
• Black History Museum in Cairo
• Pleasure Craft Fueling Flat and Dock in Cairo
• Johnson County Lodge and Community Center Complex
Phase 1: Develop business plan, begin fund commitments and accumulation, incorporate programs, develop new programs. Phase 2: Enhance fund raising program, seek foundation and private grants and endowments, develop plans, acquire land. Phase 3: Enhance fund raising, establish sustaining perpetual funding sources, let construction bids. Construct facility.
• Johnson County Bicycling Initiative
• Johnson County Amphitheater
• Johnson County Authentic Reproduction Covered Bridge
• Horseshoe Lake
• Cairo Custom House Museum
• Riverlore Mansion
• Thebes Courthouse
• Downtown Cairo Historic District
• Trail of Tears Monument
• Johnson County Sports Complex
• Cache River Wetlands
• Main Brothers Historical Sites
• Mound City Marine Ways
• 8th Street River Front, Cairo
• Primitive Campground in Johnson County
• Lewis & Clark Sites
c. -------
d. Support staffing tourist attractions/museums on weekends.
e. Support agri-tourism development.
f. Encourage and support the development of diversified tourist lodging in the zone.
OBJECTIVE #3: Enhance the existing natural resources abundantly available within the Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone.
Strategies
a. Partner with the Department of Natural Resources for the development of the Cache Wetlands Educational
Center
|
|
