Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Bob Doak said at the group's 69th annual meeting today at the Chattanooga Convention Center that local tourism is growing despite the down economy.

Nearly 1,000 guests attended this year’s meeting. The CVB discussed the state of the tourism industry; announced the newly elected annual board members; revealed two new logos; and recognized local ambassadors for being instrumental in bringing meetings, sporting events and reunions to Chattanooga.

Mr. Doak said, “Nationwide, times have been tough for tourism but here in Chattanooga, we have seen growth. Tourists continue to visit our extraordinary city, year after year, because of our commitment to make Chattanooga a better place.

“We can attribute this success to three main reasons: (1) we have a great product, (2) we have wonderful people, and (3) we promote them both. Over the past few years when other cities were cutting back, we were aggressive in our marketing initiatives and we will continue to be aggressive as we look forward. Tourism in Chattanooga is strong and all indications show that it will be nothing but stronger in the years to come.”

The CVB measures hotel room revenues against competitor cities that have been chosen because of their geographic proximity or their similar size and scale. Room tax revenues are only one indicator of Chattanooga’s tourism health, and many restaurants, attractions and shops may not have experienced these kinds of increases. However, it does show one thing that is beyond dispute – people are still coming to Chattanooga and spending money. And if they are doing it in a down economy, it’s clear they will do it when recovery is in full swing.

Mr. Doak said, “Our year-end numbers showed a 0.3% increase in room tax collections. It might appear odd to be excited about three-tenths of a percent increase, but when you compare the numbers to the markets in our competitive set, you’ll see that many of the cities are down double digits. Our summer months from June-August were up a collective 20.7% versus the same time last year. The numbers are extraordinary and show that we have gained significant market share during this tough time.”

The CVB is in the process of three major changes, officials said. The Visitors Center will move to the former Bijou space in the heart of the tourism district. The Bureau will move their corporate offices to the 18th floor of the SunTrust Towers on Market Street. Both moves are scheduled for completion by Nov. 1. The CVB also redesigned the Visitors Center and Bureau logos, incorporating trendy, bold and vibrant designs that are easily recognizable.

Mr. Doak said, "Meetings, reunions and sporting events have a significant impact not only on Chattanooga’s tourism industry, but they have a ripple effect throughout the metropolitan area. Everyone plays an integral role in economic and community development so it’s important that locals take pride in Chattanooga and think of our city first when planning these types of events. Every time we host a group, from 10 to 10,000 people, it gives us the opportunity to showcase to professionals what an amazing destination Chattanooga is. If you are associated with regional or national groups, invite those groups to bring their meetings to Chattanooga."

Local ambassadors were honored for their efforts in bringing conventions, reunions and sporting events to Chattanooga.

Mr. Doak said, "We’ve made it easy for you too – just contact the CVB staff and we will work through all aspects of the bid, at no charge to you. For more information, visit www.bringmymeeting.com or contact Steve Genovesi, 424-4423."

The new officers of the 2010-2011 CVB Executive Committee are Chairman, Jim Bambrey; Vice Chairman, Hiren Desai; Secretary, Mike Landguth; and Treasurer, Charlie Arant. The following were elected to three-year terms on the board of directors: Joe Duperre, Chattanooga Marriott; Doug Dyer, Brennan Dyer & Co., LLC; Sheldon Grizzle, CreateHere; Phillip Grymes, Outdoor Chattanooga; Jeff Messinger, Mt. Vernon Restaurant; Susan Moses, 212 Market Street Restaurant; Carla Pritchard, Chattanooga Presents; and Mike Steele, Payroll Professionals.