To the editor:

Funding for eXplore Lawrence comes from the transient guest tax collected at hotels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals in Lawrence. Attracting visitors and conventions with longer stays, especially Sunday to Thursday, and guiding guests to attractions throughout the city –not just downtown — to increase visitor spending is paramount for eXplore.

In its 2017 Annual Report, eXplore Lawrence touts its unmistakablylawrence.com website. As more potential visitors, residents and conventioneers access information and tickets online, the website is an invaluable marketing tool, which could better highlight the Visitor Center and also enable ticket sales via its events calendar.

EXplore Lawrence claims to be a “… data driven destination management organization that assures the greatest possible return on investment.” A true ROI calculation must consider the cost to renovate the downtown space, the annual $40,000 expense for rent and utilities, additional staff cost with the loss of volunteers, and intangibles such as bad will from frustrated visitors due to parking problems. Plus, Parks and Recreation will need to employ more staff for depot space previews and daytime events.

Perhaps a higher return on investment would be yielded from promoting the depot as an important destination instead of just a portal to other attractions; adding temporary and permanent housing and other assistance; enhancing roadside signage; updating the kitchen; and fixing the sound system. Maybe the Lawrence chamber of commerce, Lawrence Board of Realtors and KU would like to participate in the venture.

Teresa (Wolfe) Gerard,

Overbrook