"Do Resorts Boost Economy?"

Three tourist oriented blogs in a row.

The Bulletin has an article entitled, "Do Resorts Boost Economy?"

"A Deschutes County Commissioner is pushing for a study of the economic costs and benefits of destination resorts, in response to contradictory reports...."

Well, I don't know about the wage benefits of resorts, but I can tell you that a significant number of my customers, when asked "Where you from?" answer "Sunriver" or "Black Butte" or "Eagle Crest."

So from a small business owner's standpoint, destination resorts are important.

I think places like downtown Bend are more or less designed to capture business from this type of customer. It's why Bend is a tourist town, and that our local economy is dependent upon it.

There is an important caveat here, though.

When I say "Destination Resort" I mean a real, tourist destination, second home or vacation oriented community. Especially an established community.

The "contradictory reports" to me aren't really contradictions at all.

"Resort opponents have argued that many destination resorts are nothing more than large rural subdivisions, while developers and operators have said they draw tourists to Central Oregon and boost the local economy."

They're both right. I think the later 'resorts' have done little for our economy, because they aren't fully developed, they have had way too many "pretend and extend" passes on the touristy parts of their plans (overnight lodging, etc.).

Who's at fault?

The same guys asking for clarification on whether resorts boost the economy. The Deschutes County Commissioners have given waiver after waiver to these developers -- creating a boom and bust cycle.

I don't believe it's an accident that most of my customers come from well developed resorts, most of who were established long before the last land rush.

Real destination resorts help the tourist economy.

Fake ones don't.