From classic cars to history, art, and science, Sacramento has more than a mile of museums right along its riverfront. There’s now an idea to help create more tourism by promoting and expanding museums.<\/p>\n
Tourism generates more than $40 million in hotel taxes a year, and some of that money could be spent on museums.<\/p>\n
“Sacramento history is world history, and we shouldn’t minimize that,” said Megan Van Voorhis, director of Sacramento City Convention and Cultural Services.<\/p>\n
This week, Sacramento city leaders held a discussion on ways to bring more tourists to town, something that benefits the local economy.<\/p>\n
“The sales taxes that come in, the spending on local businesses, the jobs that are created,” Visit Sacramento CEO Mike Testa said.<\/p>\n
Currently, conventions and festivals are the biggest reason people come to the capital city from out of town. But museum supporters say Sacramento’s culture can also be a top attraction that draws people year-round.<\/p>\n
“Sacramento has a rich history that can be a very big driver for people to come to this region,” said Delta Pick Mello, the executive director of the Sacramento History Museum.<\/p>\n
Ty Smith, Sacramento’s newly hired city historian, noted that there are thousands of historical artifacts in the archives that never get seen because there’s not enough museum space to put them on display.<\/p>\n
“There is just so much more to show, and if you have the space to do that, you can create a hub that brings people in,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
There’s also potential room to add more museums in places like the railyards or vacant spaces in downtown.<\/p>\n
“For every buck they spend in a museum, I bet they go and spend two or three out in the community,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
It’s an effort to boost the economy while showing off Sacramento’s buzz-worthy exhibits to a global audience.<\/p>\n
“There are people who come from every corner of the world looking for an immersive experience,” Smith said. “Museums kind of give them the flavor of a place.”<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council unanimously voted to approve a set of priorities towards enhancing tourism. It allows museums, festivals, and other projects to apply for future funding.<\/p>\n
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