Springfield, Mo. – Governor Mike Kehoe used his stop at the annual Governors Conference on Tourism to underscore the vital role tourism plays in Missouri’s economy and to rally local officials around future growth.
Kehoe told the assembled tourism groups that the industry generated a $21 billion economic impact last year and now employs over 307,000 Missourians. He called tourism “the second‑biggest industry in the state” and emphasized that it delivers a “largest return on investment” of any budget line for the state.
“Tourism will remain an incredible industry providing thousands of jobs for Missourians and making a huge economic impact on our state,” the governor said. “If you look at the return on investment and you look at the budget item that tourism receives, that’s the largest return on investment the state of Missouri puts in any budget line, period.”
Springfield’s Share of the Boom
Kehoe highlighted Springfield’s contribution, noting that tourism brings in more than a billion dollars and supports over 21,000 local jobs. Mark Hecquet, President and CEO of Visit Springfield Missouri, echoed the governor’s sentiment, explaining that visitor spending ripples through grocery stores, restaurants and other local businesses, generating tax revenue that funds further city improvements.
“People forget the power of tourism. They see visitors, but it feeds so much of our economy in the city,” Hecquet said. “It’s not just hotels; visitors go to our grocery stores, our restaurants, but it all generates tax, which then allows our city to continue reinvest.”
Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
The conference also served as a platform for outlining upcoming initiatives. Visit Springfield plans to attract larger conferences and place a stronger emphasis on sporting events for 2027. Kehoe urged tourism groups to keep state representatives informed about local projects, stressing the non‑partisan nature of the industry.
“It’s a non‑partisan tourism industry. Have them come to an event. Have them understand what you’re planning. Have them understand what the effect is on your community. That makes our conversation a lot easier when we’re telling people why this industry is so important,” the governor said.
Why Continued Support Matters
Kehoe’s message aligns with his administration’s broader economic agenda, which prioritizes job creation and fiscal responsibility. By highlighting tourism’s proven track record of delivering jobs and tax revenue, the governor aims to secure ongoing legislative and community backing for tourism‑related projects.
“We have to continue to make sure that tourism is a priority,” Hecquet added. “It’s a priority for our state, and it also has to be a priority for our city.”
As Missouri looks to build on a historic year that included high‑profile events such as a Today Show segment in downtown Springfield and the World Cup matches in Kansas City, state leaders are counting on the tourism sector to sustain momentum and drive future prosperity.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
