Tourism in increasing business

Increasing and focusing on tourism is something that Worcester Country and North Central Massachusetts organizations have been focusing on over the last few years. The area attracts more than a million visitors a year to Wachusett Mountain, which is the largest and most well-known of the natural landmarks in the region.

Many local businesses are trying to take advantage of those that come to the region by placing advertisements or pamphlets at visitor centers that promote local events. But these guides may not be just for folks new to the area.

"We have a lot to offer. (Local residents) forget what is here, what is in this neck of the woods," said Diane Burnette, director of the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center. "We have all of these wonderful things in our own backyard."

The Association publishes a book that focuses on the local events and activities during the different seasons and the books are available for free at town halls and libraries throughout the area.

"We want to tell local people what is here," Burnette said. "We go out to local events and our books are throughout the community."

The Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center, which focused on the north central corridor of the state, is located off Route 2, just before the Leominster city line. In a given year, more than 160,000 people use the center as more than just a rest area as they drive along Route 2.

"We have been here for 12 years," Burnette. "We are trying to give good representation of the area."

The visitor center attracts a number of local residents because it carries a variety of books that focus on local landmarks and history, as well as provide access to other locally produced goods.

The larger organization of the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitor Bureau focuses on attracting tourists both from local communities and from out of state to all of the regions of Central Massachusetts.

Local residents can take advantage of the discounts and the information that is accessible through these organizations.