Tourism bureau moving to downtown Sandusky

SANDUSKY — The local tourism bureau will travel a few miles north to a new home.Lake Erie Shores & Islands representatives announced Tuesday a plan to move their Erie County Welcome Center operation, 4424 Milan Road (U.S. 250), near Great Wolf Lodge, to a vacant downtown Sandusky property, 125 E. Water St., by Daly's Pub.By early 2019, they expect to lease space inside a longtime abandoned structure, located two parcels from what's formerly known as The Leaking Boot, recently purchased by Renaissance Too.Renaissance Too, a Sandusky-based company, intends to invest about $750,000 into the property. The company wants to offset its private revenue commitment by applying for grants and other financial aid. Representatives didn't disclose any other details about the lease, including Lake Erie Shores & Islands' rent payments. The bureau receives revenue mostly from local lodging, or hotel-motel, taxes.Relocating the welcome center, where people can receive information and insight on local attractions from bureau employees, better satisfies Lake Erie Shores & Islands main mission, representatives said.In short, they believe a storefront smack-dab in an emerging downtown — with many new businesses popping up and other development projects soon following suit — presents more possibilities to engage with people and enlighten them on area amenities."We are excited about the opportunities this new location will provide us to serve visitors to the region," bureau president Larry Fletcher said. "This move is consistent with our organization's long-range strategic plan and our mission to grow the region's tourism economy through collaborative promotion that increases visitation and makes (the region an) ideal place to play, live and work."Sandusky officials applaud the deal."Lake Erie Shores & Islands' decision to move its welcome center into the heart of downtown is a critical step forward in achieving that goal and will deepen an already strong partnership between the city and the region's champion for destination making," city manager Eric Wobser said.What won't relocate: the bureau's other post, in Ottawa County on Ohio 53 near the Liberty Aviation Museum. It will remain at that site.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Lake Erie Shores & Islands representatives announced Tuesday a plan to move their Erie County Welcome Center operation, 4424 Milan Road (U.S. 250), near Great Wolf Lodge, to a vacant downtown Sandusky property, 125 E. Water St., by Daly's Pub.