It accounts for more than $16 billion dollars annually in economic impact for the state of Missouri and more than $250 million dollars locally. Tourism is in the top three industries in Missouri’s economic picture. More than 308,000 people are employed in this sector accounting for 1 in 12 Missouri jobs. Of 114 counties in the state, Cape County is in the top 15 for tourism related spending. Forecasts by Tourism Economics predict spending will continue to rise for the next several years. Tourism