The article, written by Tom Callis, includes quotes from Chamber Director Marcia Bingham, among others. Marcia discusses the near doubling (WOW!!) of lodging tax revenue in September, attributing it to Stephenie Meyer Day. Marcia also points out the benefit to the entire Peninsula, since visitors are often interested in checking out other local attractions while they’re here.
Obviously, the Forks Chamber of Commerce, the voice of tourism in Forks and the West End, is delighted to see that its efforts are such a huge success. The Chamber staff and volunteers have worked for years to build Twilight-related tourism in this area–and, at least in the early days, heard a fair amount of local resistance and skepticism about its efforts. The 48% increase in lodging tax revenue is a strong indicator that the Chamber’s vision was right on and that it has done an incredible job in promoting this niche market. The massive influx of visitors has been a boon to all sectors of the local economy and has helped to spread the word that Forks and the West End have international appeal as world-class tourist destinations.
Thanks Twilighters!! We owe all of this to you. Let’s keep it going!! Forks, LaPush and the entire West End welcome all Twilight fans and encourage you to stay long enough to check out everything the area has to offer. Our web site–particularly our 5 Day Travel Guide–has lots of ideas about things to see and do while you’re here. This is a a great, low-key time of year to visit, so c’mon up!!