GOTL tourism office open for business
May 14—GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE — The second year of the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau running the welcome center in the village is rolling along.
"We have extended our hours to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. [daily through September]," said Jennifer Downey, tourism manager, at the GOTL office on the Strip.
She said many people have already stopped in to check out all the opportunities in the village and surrounding communities.
Downey said the diversity of those visiting the village is surprising with families continuing their traditions of visiting the community and growth in women's visits.
She said women's trips are a unique growth area. Downey said bachelorette parties have become very popular with the unique possibilities in the village and surrounding wineries.
Downey said families continue to come to the village, especially from Pittsburgh and Youngstown, because of long lasting traditions. She said there are also a lot of new people coming to the area.
A family from Akron checked out the area during a recent visit before organizing a longer trip later this summer.
"We are discovered and undiscovered," she said.
Downey helped organize Saturday's parade with the village to kick off the season. She said she was happy with the results, but hopes to grow the event more in the years to come.
The visitor's center staff learned a lot during the first year of the office operation by the ACCVB. She said having sweat shirts in stock early and late in the season is important.
Downey said the family trail developed last year was a big success and will continue this year. She said it officially gets rolling with families able to pick up a card that details area businesses to visit.
"Sandy the Seagull" is the focus of the program that includes signs on the windows of each business. Downey said the families can then receive a prize and the possibility to win a larger prize later.
