Travel just about anywhere, and you will find a Natchez connection &045;&045; or at least someone who knows about our community and its beautiful antebellum houses.

Those homes have been the mainstay of our tourism industry since some enterprising ladies opened their doors to visitors more than 70 years ago.

But the tourism industry of the 1930s is not the tourism industry of today, and we need fresh opinions to help draw more and more visitors every year.

Wednesday, Natchez has an opportunity to hear some new ideas for tourism &045;&045; and to hear where we can improve.

Consultant Stu Barash, hired by a group of businesses and individuals

interested in taking tourism to new heights, will present the results of his

own study of Natchez’s industry. His report will not just have constructive criticism &045;&045; it will include solutions as well.

Everyone in the tourism industry &045;&045; and perhaps more importantly, in city government &045;&045; should an open mind about this report. There is no sense in listening to the report and continuing to do what we’ve always done. Tourism is holding steady despite changes in the economy, but if we’re going to build it into an even more booming business we need new ideas.

We also need a new spirit of cooperation. Organizers behind the tourism study hope the city will take a more active role in the industry, working with the private sector to form the most effective partnership.

Tourism does not have to be Natchez’s only industry, but we cannot deny that it is one of the most important aspects of our economy. We need a new attitude to take us into the future.