Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, July 16, 1993                   TAG: 9307160209
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI                                LENGTH: Short

TOURISM-GROUP BOARD LIKES IDEA OF AMTRAK SERVICE

HOSTS, a regional tourism organization, said such service would enhance its work and become a major tourist activity.

The call for Amtrak to run passenger service from Washington through Roanoke and Southwestern Virginia into Tennessee and on to Atlanta is being promoted by Roanoke Mayor David Bowers and others.

Government and tourism representatives in Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia also have supported the initiative.

In other business, the board voted to examine the location and services of its Visitors Center with the idea of seeking the maximum impact such a center can have on travelers in the region. A subcommittee will study the matter and make recommendations at a future meeting.

The center has been located since it opened at the Dublin Comfort Inn in space provided by the motel. It is accessible by Exit 98 off Interstate 81.

HOSTS also is starting a speakers' bureau to provide programs for clubs and organizations on the subject of tourism, and the role of HOSTS in promoting it regionally. Speakers can be scheduled by calling Ben Crawford during the day at 231-9629.