Mathews Visitor and Information Center executive director Emily Allen discussed tourism as a source of income for the county at the January meeting of the PATH (People Aging in Their Homes) group in Mathews.

According to a press release, Allen told those present that about 88 percent of Mathews County’s revenue currently comes from real estate and property taxes, while other sources of income provide a budget cushion when more funding is needed. Allen said that tourism is a welcome addition to funding, because tourists come, spend money, and then leave without using vital services such as schools, fire, and rescue resources, said the release. A 2 percent transient tax on lodging has been established and is expected to grow as tourism increases.

MCVIC has hired Jim Robinson of East Rivers Marketing to develop strategy and plans to increase tourism, the release stated. When Mathews is compared with other Chesapeake Bay towns of a similar size, it ranks sixth in visitors, with pot...