KOAM TV 7 Joplin and PittsburgCity of Miami hangs "Hotel District" directional sign

News release issued by City of Miami

City electriccrews hung two (2) directional signs this week on Main Street highlighting theMiami hotel district on east Steve Owens Boulevard.  The signage reads, "Hotel District" and hasan arrow pointing down Steve Owens Boulevard.

"The two (2) blank signs were freedue to a shipping error.  The MiamiConvention and Visitor's Bureau took advantage of this mix-up and paid to haveAllen Sign Studio complete the printing," stated Grant Coordinator Larry Eller.

Route 66 attracts tourists from all over theworld. International travelers consider Route 66 to be Classic America.Music celebrities like Paul McCartney and Robert Plant are recenttravelers. The problem has been that in the past when travelingthe Miami Route 66 section of highway, visitors get the wrongimpression that there are no hotels in Miami since our hotel district islocated adjacent to I-44 on Steve Owen Boulevard.  Most travelers continueon to other Route 66 communities that have hotels located alongside the Route.

The placement of the signs is meant to correct this misconception and encourageour Route 66 travelers to stay awhile in Miami and experience our unique brandof Oklahoma Route 66 culture.  Miami has outstanding hotels, restaurants,and attractions like the Coleman Theatre, Motor Cycle Museum, original RibbonHighway, Dobson Museum, and Native American entertainment and gaming.

It isimportant that Route 66 tourists stop and stay awhile in Miami.  Tourismis the 3^rd largest industry in the state of Oklahoma and generatesover $6 Billion dollars annually in revenue. These tourism dollars help generate new jobs and economic activities inand around our community. Oklahoma also has more miles of Route 66 than anyother state so travelers spend more time in-state and the new signs will helpMiami keep them in town longer.

"We are glad to havethis signage in place; it is a much needed addition. Our office has alwaysencouraged visitors to stay in our hotels, but this signage will help persuadethose visitors that do not stop by our office," said Miami Convention andVisitor's Bureau Director Amanda Davis.

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