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20 <br />I SUMMARY AND ATIObiS <br />A synthesis of the investigation into visitors services in Orange County has led to the following <br />summary and recommendations on the impact of increased visitors on our towns and county. <br />The Task Force has found that the visitor industry is a strong, clean industry which will have an <br />increasing benefit for economic development and growth in Orange County. It is viewed as an important <br />contributor to both increased revenue and employment in the county. It is anticipated that it will <br />develop into one of the principal industries in the county in the next ten years. <br />The Task Force has ascertained that a county -wide visitors program is: <br />• growing and will be good for the county's economy, <br />• of critical importance and needs more attention to professional development, <br />• a sound investment and positive revenue source, and <br />• should be developed according to national industry standards. <br />As an employer, the visitor industry is seen as very important in an establishment of new and better job <br />opportunities. <br />In this respect, the visitor industry is perceived to provide above average wages and should not have a <br />negative impact on the environment or quality of life. <br />County and municipal funding as well as public support should be committed to increasing efforts to <br />promote Orange County as a travel destination. Specifically, funding should be committed to the <br />formation of a professionally managed visitors development authority and for county promotional and <br />marketing activities. <br />In addition, the industry should be involved with issues which directly and indirectly impact on itself, <br />its constituents and the citizens of Orange County. The industry should be actively involved in issues of: <br />• environmental quality <br />• economic development <br />• transportation <br />• education <br />• public safety, and <br />• cultural resources. <br />In general, the Task Force believes that the Orange County visitor industry should unify and <br />consolidate its resources and current efforts designed to enlist and encourage support from legislators and <br />the public. Unification and consolidation will not only result in a better return on investment, but it will <br />ensure that a common message is heard by our local and state government officials, as well as visitors to <br />the county. <br />11 <br />