Thu Sep 19 09:01:00 UTC 2024: ## Christiansburg Council Debates Future of Joint Tourism Program
**CHRISTIANSBURG, VA** – The Christiansburg Town Council is continuing to grapple with the town’s participation in a joint tourism program with Montgomery County and Blacksburg.
Despite previous expressions of dissatisfaction with the program, council members expressed a greater sense of openness towards collaboration during a recent work session.
The main point of contention has been a perceived lack of representation for Christiansburg in promotional materials and a perceived lack of communication from the program’s recently retired director.
Councilwoman Johana Hicks suggested that the town should withdraw from the program and allocate funds to town staff for independent tourism initiatives, but Mayor Mike Barber argued against this, advocating for continued participation in the joint program.
Councilman Sam Bishop, a representative to the tourism effort, expressed concerns about communication but recognized the benefits of collaboration.
The meeting also highlighted the significant economic impact of tourism in Montgomery County, with visitors spending an estimated $276 million in 2022 and $279.6 million in 2023.
While the council ultimately requested a new contract and a presentation from the tourism program’s interim director, the debate over the town’s future participation in the joint program is expected to continue in upcoming meetings.
First Piper 