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La Porte doesn’t need to travel far from home to find tourists. Greater Houston’s 5+ million <br />residents is a large enough market to fuel day travelers for years to come. The key will be <br />honing in on populations that will be the “early adopters” of the new tourism push. These <br />individuals will view La Porte as a diamond in the rough, and feel personally involved in the <br />rediscovery of La Porte. They will also be the city’s best word of mouth marketing agents as <br />the campaign kicks off. They are: <br /> Residents of other historic, gentrified neighborhoods in Greater Houston, including the <br />Houston Heights, Boulevard Oaks, Broadacres, Independence Heights, <br />Westmoreland, and the Old Sixth Ward, to name a few. <br /> Board members, members, and investors of the Houston Preservation Alliance <br /> Board members, members, and investors in the Houston Heritage Society <br /> Alumni of La Porte High School living in Greater Houston <br />Advertising the Historic Sylvan Beach District in neighborhood association <br />newsletters, particularly those targeted above, will be an affordable way to reach these <br />individuals. In addition, offer to host membership meetings or special events in La Porte <br />that include a tour and lunch. <br />As tourism traffic increases and buzz builds, La Porte can extend its tourism promotion to <br />more mainstream audiences. Place Historic Sylvan Beach District brochures and <br />advertisements at venues such as: <br /> San Jacinto Monument Visitor Center <br /> San Jacinto College <br /> Hotels and attractions in and around the Bay Area <br /> La Porte Municipal Airport <br /> Houston Hobby, Ellington, and Intercontinental Airports <br /> The Houston Chronicle’s travel section, both print and online editions <br />Longer term, as the district establishes itself, position City leadership and the Main Street <br />Coordinator as thought leaders on the topic of downtown redevelopment. Speak at <br />community planning, downtown association, and historic organizations across the region and <br />state, citing La Porte as a successful model for other communities. <br />Tactic 2.1.4: Market La Porte to culinary related institutes and businesses. <br />The City’s goal of attracting visitors and enhancing quality of life could be greatly supported by <br />additional culinary activity located in the downtown district, including: <br />Culinary academy – A culinary academy anchored in the historic district would be the <br />impetus for establishing La Porte as a visitor destination in the region. Not only would <br />it draw a daily stream of students into downtown, but it would also spark the growth of <br />niche retail and hospitality businesses. <br />29 <br />Forward La Porte Economic Development Strategic Plan I 2009-2013 <br /> <br />