Chamber plans tourism outreach meeting

PRINCETON — The Princeton Chamber of Commerce plans to host a region-wide tourism outreach to develop the promotion of the entire area as a tourist destination.

On Monday, Erika Robbins, director of the local Chamber, said the North Central Illinois Tourism Expo and Conference (NCITE) is set for April 15-16 in Princeton. The NCITE will be promoted locally in Bureau County but also in communities as far away as Geneseo, Ottawa and Morris.

The theme for the outreach is "Come Together," and the goal is to bring together communities with similar opportunities and challenges when it comes to promoting tourism, Robbins said. By working together, hopefully tourism ideas and dollars will have a greater outreach and impact, she said.

“The purpose of NCITE is to bring us all together and to build partnerships, to explore our common goals and obstacles, and to create awareness of the many sites, services and products available in North Central Illinois,” Robbins said. "In short, we want to give us an insight into each other.”

The two-day event will include panel discussions and workshops, a key-note presentation and seminars, and a showcase of participating organizations and businesses. Various venues will be used for the NCITE, including the Prouty Building, Wine Cellar and the Festival 56 Grace Theater.

Robbins said it’s important for businesses to realize their role and opportunity when it comes to developing tourism. Locally, Princeton has tons of history, lots of quaint downtown shops, and wonderful nature opportunities, she said.

Tourism has increased locally during the past several years, which is a trend she wants to keep going, Robbins said.

“I think the economy has played a part in that increase in local tourism,” Robbins said. “Because of the economy, people are taking shorter trips, less expensive and closer to home. When people take those shorter trips, they are using our local hotels, restaurants, stores and businesses. NCITE and Come Together will be a good opportunity for us to work together with other communities to further develop all the tourism opportunities we have in this area.”

Businesses do not have to be members of the Princeton Chamber to participate in the NCITE. More information on the April event will announced in early March, Robbins said.