April 15, 2005 – Shirley Luna

Travel and tourism in Nacogdoches County to be discussed at Chamber luncheon

The leader of Nacogdoches travel and tourism will be the speaker at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon at noon Friday, April 22, at The Fredonia Hotel.

Pam Fitch is the executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, an independent, non-profit organization that contracts with the city of Nacogdoches to promote travel and tourism.

While Fitch is director of the bureau, she is quick to give credit for the success of the tourism industry in Nacogdoches to the volunteers who give their time to promote the "oldest town in Texas."

"There are more than 125 dedicated and enthusiastic, active volunteers at the CVB who do everything from working in the Visitor's Center on weekends to leading community development initiatives," Fitch said. "All of our success is due to their hard work."

The bureau was formed in October 1996, and Fitch was named director in November 1998. During her tenure, she has developed group tour and meeting sales programs to promote Nacogdoches as the premier travel destination in East Texas. She also helped establish the Texas Forest Trail Region, a regional heritage tourism partnership between 35 East Texas counties and the Texas Historical Commission. She co-authored the $300,000 start-up grant to initiate the program, which is headquartered in Nacogdoches.

Fitch also has been actively involved in the development of special events designed to promote tourism in Nacogdoches. This includes the Nacogdoches Azalea Trail, Red River Radio Americana Music Festival and Nine Flags Festival. The visitors' bureau also provides assistance to the Texas Blueberry Festival and the Nacogdoches Jaycees Fourth of July Freedom Fest.

Travel and tourism in Nacogdoches County accounts for $57 million of direct spending annually and supports more than 1,200 jobs, according to Fitch. The bureau is governed by an 11-member board of directors and responds to an average of 1,600 visitor inquiries by mail, phone or Internet each month.

"An average of 665 people come into the Visitor's Information Center each month seeking information," Fitch said. "The top three cities of origin for travelers to Nacogdoches are Houston, San Antonio and the Dallas-Fort Worth area."

An SFA graduate, Fitch is an active member of the community serving in a number of local civic organizations, including the Fredonia Rotary Club. She volunteers with the Downtown Business Association, Historic Nacogdoches Incorporated and Nacogdoches Main Street Program. She is a past board member of Nacogdoches Junior Forum, Habitat for Humanity, SFA Alumni Association Charter Chapter and Pineywoods Economic Development Partnership.

She is married to Alan Fitch, manager of Varsity Book Store, owned by Nebraska Book Company and located at 315 E. College St. They have one daughter, Reagan, who attends Christ Episcopal School.

Ticket prices for the luncheon are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 560-5533.