Lake Erie puts focus on tourism

SANDUSKY (AP) — Businesses along Lake Erie that count on tourists are hoping that families will spend their money close to home this summer.

One tourism office plans to roll out its largest advertising campaign ever to target people who plan on taking less-expensive trips because of the U.S. recession.

“Families, we think, are still going to take vacations,” said Robin Innes, spokesman for Cedar Point amusement park. “They may not stay as long, and they may not spend as much money. But they will travel.”

Other business are less certain.

“We’ve always had a good summer with the boaters,” said Candy Howman, whose family owns East Side Cafe near Sandusky Bay. “So we’re heavily relying on them this year because it’s been pretty bad.”

The area’s tourism agency, Lake Erie Shores and Islands East and West, will have promotions on television, billboards, radio and in publications.

It also plans to reach out to visitors from Cleveland and Toledo, something it has not done in the past because folks from nearby cities are less likely to stay overnight.

That approach has changed because research shows people plan to take shorter trips, said Larry Fletcher, a director of the visitors group.

“One of the biggest challenges is for the tourism businesses in the area to be confident,” Fletcher said.

Kalahari Resort, one of several indoor water parks in Sandusky, is targeting markets in Columbus, Pittsburgh and southern Chicago.

“We are hopeful people will not take the long trip and instead of spending the thousands of dollars to go to Florida or California, they will spend the three [hundred] or four hundred dollars and come here,” said Josef Haas, chief executive of Kalahari.