A Novel Approach to Tourism

As the world economy slows, so too do the local ones. 

No industry seems to be immune from the effects of the downturn, and one that is certainly shouldering more than its fair share of the burden is tourism and travel.

But the city of Grand Chute, Wisconsin is doing something interesting to counter this problem.  The Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering $50 gift cards for any two night hotel stay booked through its website.

The gift cards can be used at the local mall and are a way to try to stimulate both the stagnant hotel industry as well as the local retail sector.  Occupancy in the city’s hotels has been in a steep decline since December and the city wants to do all it can to turn things around.

Individual hotels are also offering incentives to encourage tourism, including both deals for couples as well as deals for families.  One such offer includes huge discounts at a local golf course.

It is interesting to watch the inventive ways both companies and chambers of commerce come up with to deal with the recession.  At Gift Certificate Guide, we are always excited when those strategies involve gift cards.