Lake area business create unique way to increase toursim

Tourism at the Lake can make or break businesses by the season, and maintaining a business is difficult even in the best of times.

Some on the west end of Osage Beach are taking a new approach. They’ve created “Passport to the Parkway,” something they hope will bring visitors to the west end of town.

Business owners said it’s needed after the expressway was put in a few years ago.

“That was kind of the beginning of the reason, to get off the exit and learn where these businesses are located,” said Joni Walden, owner of blinds and more.

Several years ago when the Highway 54 expressway was constructed, business owners on the west side of the parkway started seeing less traffic.

“Hopefully this will get people coming back to this area, saying oh yes, I used to come here, I used to eat here, I used to shop here, bank here, whatever their need may be,” said Providence Bank Branch Manager Susie Danforth.

For the next 11 days, the passport booklets will be available to be picked up throughout town.

Once someone gets at least 35 of the 70+ stamps, they’ll be entered into a drawing.

“So they go around, get stamped, get as many stamps as they can, bring it back to one of those passport locations, and then we have some great drawings, we have a smart tv, an ipad mini, a $500 VISA card, and all kinds of local prizes, hair salons, and whatnot,” said Walden.

Organizers said it ‘s very similar to a poker run, however this time, it benefits the businesses.

“We have 70 businesses that are signed up now, so we’re thrilled with that,” said Walden.