07/04/2007

Worcester County Tourism Gets Boost
By Don Klein

Assateague State Park

A slick 32-page full color publication heralding visitors, indicating where they can go in Worcester County will soon be making its appearance at all tourist information locales throughout Maryland.

Called "Beach and Beyond" it highlights for potential visitors the many attractions of the state's only seaside county. Famous Assateague ponies grace the cover, sharing space with scenes of the beach, fishing and the broad Atlantic.

Visitors are invited to explore the county from the Atlantic seaside to the western range of the county where 13,000 acres of forest makes the area a scenic delight.  The ancient Pocomoke River, that flows from north to south, is one of the nation's most unique rivers. Pocomoke is the Indian word for "black waters."

The annual publication tells in vivd copy and sparkling photographs, maps  and illustrations what many locals do not even know about their home county. Recreational opportunities described in the booklet are as various as they are rewarding.

Fishing on any of the back bays, Assawoman, Sinepuxent and Chincoteague, are also great for crabbing. There are trails for hikers, bikers and just plain sightseers. Birdwatching, golfing, camping, swimming, boating and tennis is available within minutes of most locations.

The brochure invites visitors to "Come wander the native pathways. Share nature's presence, relax and refresh yourself here in Worcester County."

Lisa Challenger, head of Worcester County Tourism, said they decided to use the Assateague ponies on the cover because they are so popular. "I got a call this morning from a lady who wanted to know about the horses," she said. Ms. Challenger praised the look of the publication, "It is a beautiful job, isn't it?"

The county spent $47,000 to publish 100,000 copies which will be disseminated to all state and county tourism centers, including those in the Ocean City Convention Center and the Route 50 Chamber of Commerce visitors' center.  There was an immediate mailing of 9,000 copies to people on record requesting tourism information about Worcester County.
"The publication costs will easily be recovered by the tourism the brochure will attract," said Ms. Challenger.

Five pages are devoted to outdoor recreation with explanations and telephone numbers for readers to use to make further inquiries and/or reservations. It demonstrates that Worcester County recreation is more than just the beaches of Ocean City.

There is a new section devoted to Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park and the Pocomoke River State Park. There are also pages dedicated to tourism at Berlin, Ocean City, Pocomoke City and Snow Hill.

The publication includes a three-page guide to golfing in Worcester County and a spread on the museums located throughout the area. There are also sections devoted to kids, African American heritage and Eastern Shore produce.

Bed and breakfast locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Pocomoke City and Snow Hill are clearly identified by name and location. Telephone numbers and Internet addresses are included. Parks and campgrounds, from national and state parks in the area to private campgrounds, are displayed with appropriate identification.

The colorful visitor's guide, designed to give the county an appeal to travelers, is eye-catching and should end up being well received. For more information contact Worcester County Tourism at www.visitworcester.org.