Photo: From left to right are Beckie Nix, Bobbie Walker, Anne Dixon.
On Tuesday, May 13, the Appomattox Department of Tourism hosted a seminar entitled, “Tourism…A Seven Letter Word at the Appomattox Community Center.” Bobbie Walker, Director of Tourism, Education, and Workforce Readiness with the Virginia Tourism Corporation was keynote speaker.
Walker explained Tourism as, “Tis not what you think, One clean industry, Unbelievably easy, Revenue for me and you, It’s all for us, when the visitors go home, So… where have you been all my life, More people, staying longer, spending more money.” A tiny dynamo of a woman, Walker kept the audience spellbound with her presentation.
Attending the seminar were local residents, bed and breakfast owners, restaurant owners, and representatives from both the National Park and State Park. Beckie Nix, Director of Tourism for the Town of Appomattox proudly displayed graphics showing the steady increase in visitors since October, 2006. The Department of Tourism was created in June 2006 and the Appomattox Visitor Information Center in the old depot opened that October.
Visitation to Appomattox increased 59% from March, 2007 to March, 2008. March normally is not a busy month for visitors but considered a part of the off season. Visitation is up similarly for every month that Nix has records for and the trend is steadily up.
Thanks to Nix’s attention to detail and infectious enthusiasm, Appomattox is now on the map and gaining the recognition as a tourist destination that is deserves. Nix has created a welcoming atmosphere in the Visitor Information Center with the help of her staff of Travel Counselors. Visitors are greeted upon entering and engaged in conversation to determine their immediate needs. They are provided with information about area attractions and invited to watch the video of Appomattox shown in the theater.
The Center has a reservations desk for local lodging and offers free WiFi for those who travel with laptop computers. Maps, brochures, and other information about local attractions are available for free and the gift shop sells items unique to Appomattox and Virginia.
The increase in tourism has made it possible for more attractions which will in turn generate an even greater increase in tourism. The Museum of the Confederacy is relocating to Appomattox from Richmond and will be ready for visitors in 2010. Additionally, the site of the last battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Appomattox, is being preserved and will soon be open to visitors.
The new information kiosk is a big hit already and has become such a prominent feature on Main Street that when it was recently taken back to the factory for new paint a citizen called 911 to report it stolen! It is nice to know that its loss was missed.
Nix works closely with Anne Dixon, Parks and Recreation Director for Appomattox County and together they coordinate events and attractions to please visitors.
To learn more about Appomattox, visit www.tourappomattox.comtit, the interactive website run by the Department of Tourism. Here you can download brochures in PDF format and audio and video tours. You can also order packets of information and plan your entire trip.
[...] the whole Southern Civil War surrender experience. I understand it even more after learning about her efforts to bring the new Museum of the Confederacy to Appomattox. This town, after all, was where it all [...]