JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, announced today (6-12) the Missouri Division of Tourism has awarded $4,356.63 to the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce and $5,000 to the Hannibal Convention and Visitors’ Bureau to help fund qualified and performance-driven projects designed to increase visitation to these two locations. Both the Hannibal CVB and the Kirksville Chamber will match each dollar of state funding with local funds.

“I would like to commend both the Hannibal CVB and the Kirksville Chamber for participating in the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Program, and encourage other tourism programs throughout the district to participate in the matching program also,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “It is important for all of our programs, across every industry, to look for opportunities such as this.”

Tourism continues to rank as one of the most important revenue and job-producing industries in Missouri, creating more than 281,000 jobs. Missouri’s 6 million residents welcome more than 36 million visitors annually. With an $11 billion economic impact, and a $627 million impact on state tax revenue, tourism is a dynamic component of economic development. The travel industry has a broad footprint in Missouri because it is comprised of a diverse group of businesses found in every county in our state. The money that visitors spend while in Missouri produces business receipts at these firms, in turn employing Missouri residents and paying their wages and salaries.

These cooperative marketing funds may be used for media advertising, as well as a variety of other approved tourism marketing and promotional activities designed to attract additional visitors and boost visitor spending in Missouri.