Larry Blaskey
Douglas Dispatch

   The impact the Douglas Municipal Golf Course has on tourism and city revenues was discussed during the regular meeting of the Douglas City Council earlier this month.

“Tourism, a key industry in Douglas and the area, contributes to our economy by creating jobs and enhancing our quality of life. This occurs through the direct development of amenities that benefit local residents and through the infusion of outside dollars that sustain employment and generate additional tax revenue that supports municipal services for the community,” said Victor Gonzalez, Economic Development Director for the city.

“Douglas, along with Cochise County relies heavily on tourism’s economic benefits. According to Dean Runyan Associates, total direct travel spending in Cochise County in 2007 equaled $350 million, which generated local taxes of $l 1.8 million and $12.8 million in states taxes.

“Tourism also created 4,460 jobs in Cochise County in 2007. Further, tourism has the potential to contribute even more to the economy through Douglas’ marketing efforts in the converting day trip visitors to overnight visitors and increase the overall length of stay, particularly RV travelers.”

Gonzalez said five specific travel and experience-related niches have been identified in Douglas;

√ Premier Border Golf & RV Destination- Take A Shot At Our Desert”

√ Douglas Heritage

√ Old West History

√ Birder’s Paradise

√ Gateway to Mexico — Agua Prieta and Rio Sonora Route

The 2005 Cochise County Visitor Study indicates that as much as 20 percent of visitors originate from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio. etc. In addition 57,4 percent of those foreign visitors to Cochise County are from Canada.

In 2009, the Escapee RV Club. Chapter 8 — Mexican Connection traveled to Douglas. The Mexican Connection, Chapter 8 of the Escapees RV Club, was established in 1985 in San Carlos, Sonora. Mexico, by a group of Escapees members who loved to winter in Mexico arid enjoy the scenery, traditions, food, culture and folklore.

The 50 plus RV caravan enjoyed the Douglas Agua Prieta bi-national region over a four day period in which the Douglas Visitor Center and the Agua Prieta, Mexico Chamber of Commerce held half day excursions, walking tours and traditional festivities.

“Overall our approach to increasing tourism is through promoting Douglas to both domestic and Canadian visitors complimenting Douglas’ Visitor demographics and strengthening efforts to promote “Take a Shot at our Desert” golf and RV destination,” Gonzalez said.

“Such efforts will include developing relationships with RV clubs, print and media advertising, The travel trade guide will also be used to promote Douglas as a premier Golf and RV destination in southeast Cochise County to regional and national RV magazines, RV associations and clubs.”