Davis boosts budget for visitors bureau

FARMINGTON — The Davis Area Convention and Visitors Bureau received a budget boost last week from the county's tourism fund.

During its regular meeting, the Davis County Board of Commissioners approved a bureau budget of $795,000 for 2007 — an increase of $133,000, or 20 percent, over last year.

"There needs to be an investment made to bring an even greater return to the county," said Commissioner Louenda Downs.

The bureau, which is in charge of marketing Davis County to the world, will have its work cut out for it this year as it solicits conventions for the Davis Conference Center. The center is being expanded this year to include a 17,000-square-foot exhibit hall, which can expand to 24,000 square feet.

The expansion is expected to bring $16 million into Davis County's economy.

The county's tourism dollars come from a hotel-room tax, a restaurant tax and car rentals. There is more than $4 million in the tourism fund for 2007 — an increase of 20 percent over last year.