Tourism group asking Shelburne municipalities for cash

Shelburne County needs a full time tourism coordinator.

That’s the opinion of the Discover Shelburne County Tourism Association, which has been making a pitch for money from the five municipal councils in the area.

Association Chairman Alan Nelson, the owner of the Water Street Bed and Breakfast says a tourism coordinator is needed to help develop an action plan for tourism in Shelburne County.

“We have lots to offer,” says Nelson. “But we need to generate more publicity about and for the area.”

In a discussion with municipal units, Nelson has pointed out that Shelburne County needs to address several issues in order to become a “destination area” for tourists. He says that will take a coordinated effort within the five municipal units to make that a reality.

In the short term, Nelson says the position would have to be funded locally. Federal funds could be applied for the position in subsequent years.

The tourism association is asking the municipal units for more than $50,000 to hire a coordinator. It starting meetings with the units in December and may now take its case to Team Shelburne for the funds.