Economic outlook strong for family-friendly, business-friendly Rockwall

Economic development through tourism

Summer is in full swing in Rockwall and our businesses are rolling out the red carpet to welcome the thousands that visit  the Harbor and other hot spots in Rockwall every year.

Rockwall is a vacation destination year round, but we experience a surge of vacationers and “staycationers” during the summer months and they make a tremendous impact on our sales tax revenue.

Summer time activity has a yield effect of additional room nights at our hotels, additional meals in our restaurants, and more shopping at our large and small retail establishments. More folks are exposed to the quality of life that Rockwall offers during this season. They tend to take home their great experiences and tell their friends and family to visit Rockwall as well.

Many of these tourists come back again and again to enjoy our Concerts on the Lake held every Thursday at the Harbor, or to sail or ski on the lake or take a tour on the Harbor’s 40 ft. touring catamaran. They might take in a movie or load up their cooler before they hit the water…maybe do a little boutique shopping downtown or stop in at our winery to try a Rockwall grown vintage…all of these activities amount to more sales tax revenue and create experiences that help brand Rockwall as a choice destination in the Metroplex.

Cities are being creative with how they spend their budgets to bring in new business and revenues. Rockwall knows that tourism is a lucrative arm of economic development and we capitalize on it and promote it. While other cities are  experiencing negative sales tax revenue, we are enjoying gains in sales tax receipts. Our sales tax revenue increased 7.5% between 2010 and 2011 and we’re planning for a repeat performance this year.

There’s a constant energy in Rockwall during the summer. When the temperature rises, so does the enthusiasm for all of our popular tourist attractions. We have built a lifestyle here that is very family and business friendly, recreational in nature and that is attractive to those who visit. In fact it’s so appealing that many visitors become “permanent” by choosing to make Rockwall their home…for either their family or business. With the help of tourism, the economic outlook for Rockwall is strong and our community continues to thrive.

Come out and join us, for a visit or a lifetime.

By Sheri Franza, sfranza@rockwalledc.com, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation.

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