New Missouri Welcome Center Opens

Jefferson City, Mo. – Just in time for the peak of the summer travel season, the Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is opening a new Official Missouri Welcome Center in northwest Missouri, on southbound I-29, near Rock Port. The new facilities replace the former building, which dated to the 1930s.

Officials with MDT will join those from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. June 27 at the Rock Port Welcome Center; the public and the media are invited to attend.

"The new, modern facilities offer a comfortable resting point, assisting our travelers as they explore familiar and new treasures in Missouri," said Beverly King, supervisor of the Rock Port Welcome Center. "We highlight local and state-wide lodging, attractions, dining options, state parks and historic sites, museums and hidden treasures off the beaten path to help travelers find enjoyable activities throughout Missouri. We are here to provide a welcome and to offer suggestions of how they might enjoy their journey."

In addition to information highlighting Missouri's tourism assets, the center includes an expanded parking area, picnic sites, a play area for children, and restroom facilities.

"Our welcome centers and staff play an important role contributing to Missouri's economy," said Katie Steele Danner, director of Missouri Division of Tourism. "Last year, Missouri welcomed more than 36 million visitors. Research shows travelers who stopped in at one of our welcome centers spent more time and more money in Missouri than they had originally planned. This concierge service is helpful to our guests, and our staff offers relevant travel suggestions."

During the opening ceremonies, the city of Rock Port will be recognized for its contribution to the facility. MoDOT officials will rededicate the center in honor of Senator Hardin Cox and will unveil a Blue Star Memorial Highway bronze marker.

The Division of Tourism operates six additional Official Welcome Centers: Joplin, beside I-44; Kansas City, on I-70; Hayti, beside I-55; Eagleville, along I-35; Hannibal, on Route 61; and St. Louis, off of I-270 North.


About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.