High hopes for tourists to flock to the Roanoke Valley

Herald Staff Report

ROANOKE RAPIDS — The Roanoke Valley including Halifax and Northampton counties have a big stake in the success of the tourism industry in Eastern North Carolina. Monday, one opportunity to enhance the area’s reputation and entice visitors to drop in will roll into The Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

One of the nation’s largest tour bus operator gatherings opens Wednesday in Charlotte. Monday, a select group of those operators will visit the Valley as part of a pre-tour for the American Bus Association Marketplace.

Over 3,500 attendees are expected at this year’s Marketplace, where motorcoach, tour and travel industries come together in one location to book group travel business.

The potential has local tourist industry leaders busy seeking ways to make sure all of the tour bus professionals know of the region’s rich history, numerous opportunities for entertainment, play and sports and unique vacation possibilities. Tourism industry leaders will be touting the Valley’s various attractions including Historic Halifax, the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center, the Roanoke Canal Trail and Museum and, of course, the Roanoke River, Roanoke Rapids Lake and Lake Gaston.

“The Halifax County Convention and Visitor Bureau left no opportunity unexplored with this many Tour Operators visiting our state, explained Lori Medlin, executive director of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “We were able to have our area included on the Pre Show Familiarization Tour. On Monday, the pre-tour bus will roll into Halifax County.  The group will stop at The Roanoke Rapids Theatre for an evening with our attractions and hotel representatives.  This will be our opportunity to showcase our area as a destination for group tours in 2009 and beyond,” Medlin added.

The visit comes as the city and Chicago businessman Lafayette Gatling conclude their negotiations on the lease-purchase of the theater. A meeting is planned Monday afternoon between the city and state officials along with Gatling and representatives from Bank of America. That 1:30 p.m. gathering at the theater is open to the public.

Additionally, Medlin will travel to Charlotte for the Marketplace to meet with tour operators and sell our area and the entire Interstate 95 corridor.