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78 c- Final Report March 1997 We have important current and potential attractions. Current attractions: Our attractions include natural features, cultural and ethnic activities, special events, historic sites, and man-made attractions. The attractiveness of our current features can be improved by increased maintenance, access, parking, way-fmding, and interpretation. Potential attractions: San Marcos has untapped potential. New attractions, can include a focus on LBJ, the history of the community, Gary Field, and nature- based activities such as birding and ecotourism. Tourism is consistent with and supports San Marcos' commitments. Goals identified by the Committee are to have a clean, safe and beautiful city; increase tourist attractions and retail mix; and improve access, circulation, and infrastructure. These goals reflect the major goals identified in the 1996 Master Plan by the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC identified goals including the protection of the San Marcos and Blanco Rivers, historic preservation, neighborhood conservation and revitalization, increased parking in the downtown/university area, and increased parks and park facilities. How to develop tourism. It is essential to plan for, stimulate, and facilitate tourism just as the community does for more commonly recognized types of economic development. For this reason, the Committee recommends the formation of a tourism development organization. Recommendations. The Committee recommends three general actions: 1. Ensure a clean, safe, and beautiful city. 2. Increase tourist attractions and retail mix. 3. Improve access, circulation, and infrastructure. These actions do not place an additional fiscal burden on the city of San Marcos. The city of San Marcos has already committed itself to these actions in the San Marcos Horizons, the city's master plan, which was adopted by the Council on February 26, 1996. Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee on Tourism Development Page 2