By Melissa O'Neil Herald staff writer Small businesses are important to the state's travel industry.
Tourism is the state's fourth largest industry, after high-tech, aerospace and agriculture.
And they're spending their money at small businesses. About 94 percent of the businesses have fewer than 50 employees. Tourism improves quality of life and helps generate a positive image, she said. One traveler with a negative experience will tell 10 to 15 people. Customer service is vital whether you're directly or indirectly in the travel industry.