Evening star., 1939-10-22

fects Of these tourist expenditures
on business are far-reaching. Re-
cent studies show that out OF each
dollar spent by motorists about 20
cents goes toward transportation
expenses. The recipients of this seq
ment of the tourist dollar include
service stations, tire and accessory
stores, battery and repair shops,
garages and 50 forth. Another 20
cents is spent on accommodations,
that is, for rooms at hotels or tour
ist camps. Retail purchases Incl
dental to travel absorb Is cents out
OF each dollar This includes pur-
chases of clothing, camping equip
ment, sports accessories and similar
expenditures. Meals and groceries
take another 81 cents, while amuse-
ments and refreshments account for
8 and cents. respectively.
On this basis it is estimated that
the clothing stores, department
stores, sports accessory shops and
other retail stores will transact
more than billion dollars worth
of business with American tourists.
Approximately s850OO0,000 will pass
across restaurant and quick lunch
counters. At least 100000 900 will
pour into the tills of hotels and
tourist camps. Concessionaires at
amusement centers, bathing beaches,
golf courses, tennis clubs, moving
picture houses and the entire roster
of varied enterprises catering to the
quest for amusement of relaxing
tourists will sell from $500 900 900 to
$3.50 100000 worth of pleasure. Ex-
penditures for refreshments along
the way will total at least $240,-
100000.
An Army Of Dollars.
1t is evident that as a big busi-
ness the tourist industry has few
rivals AS the regiments of tour
lists travel they enrich all the Amer
ican merchants and communities
along the way. Each year these
tourists make the all-important de-
cision Of what direction to travel and
what States to visit. Attractions of
various regions are weighed in the
balance-scenery, historic points of
interest, climate, opportunities for
sports, amusement facilities and
tourist accommodations. The most
important of these considerations is
the condition of the higwhay. No
matter how beautiful or historic
spot may be it must be conveniently
and comfortably reached over good
and safe roads if it is to receive its
share of the tourist trade. Parks,
beaches, old landmarks and trout
filled streams are not enough to lure
pleasure-bent citizens over unim-
proved and Unsafe highways.
Many States are investing mil
lions of dollars in their highway
systems, and such investments soon
begin to pay dividends in the form
of increased revenue from tourist
trade. Everywhere tourist stops
whether he is lone motorist who
stays for single night or a man
with family in trailer who spends
several Weeks-it means a direct
financial benefit to the whole COM
munity.
Road Show Scheduled.
The Importance of good highways
to the Nations business is expressed
in the American Road Builders As
sociation's slogan, Better roads
build better business" This truth
will be featured at the 37th annual
convention and road show of the ma
tional highway organization at Chi
cago January 29-February 2, 1910.
Roads rule the world" will theme
note this conclave, which will en-
phasize the major role played by
highways in national and interna-
tional peace, prosperity and prog
ress. For the highway industry
and profession the annual road
show occupies the same place as the
annual automobile show for the
automotive industry. Equipment will
be displayed, designs will be de-
scribed, methods will be discussed