Lawrence may not think of itself as a “tourist town,” but figures released this week by the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau should make us want to dust off the city’s welcome mat.

The CVB’s annual report showed visitor spending in 2008 was 16.8 percent ahead of 2007 and that about 780,000 Lawrence visitors generated about $1.15 million in sales tax revenue for the city. That revenue reflects a significant boost not only for city coffers but also for the businesses where those sales were recorded.

Some of last year’s increase can be attributed to interest in Kansas University athletics activities, including the national basketball championship, according to CVB Director Judy Billings, but many other conventions and events also contribute to the total. When people come to Lawrence for any of those events, they most often seek local lodging, eat in local restaurants and shop in local retail stores.

Lawrence is an attractive destination for people who want a quick getaway. The Lied Center of Kansas, KU student productions and other local venues provide many entertainment options. Lawrence’s downtown, certainly one of the most vibrant in the region, also is a big draw. The mix of hotels, retail stores and restaurants is important to maintaining downtown as a tourist destination.

Motels, restaurants and retail stores in all parts of the city benefit from visitors and the dollars they bring with them. It’s a strong incentive for businesses to maintain and improve their facilities to remain attractive to Lawrence visitors.

It’s important for city leaders to continue their efforts to attract new jobs and build the local tax base by attracting new businesses and supporting existing businesses in Lawrence. The business boost provided by visitors to Lawrence is only one aspect of building the local economy, but this week’s report is a reminder of the significant impact visitor dollars have on local businesses and tax revenue.