'Sister cities' join for tourism campaign

Before the train leaves the station, Carson City and Virginia City tourism officials are starting to turn up the steam on a campaign to draw visitors to both destinations.

The "Sisters in History" campaign is the first official joint tourism venture in anticipation of the future connection between the two with the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

"We're very excited about it," said Susan Sutton, director of the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority. "It really prepares people for the fact that in a couple years, we will have a train to bring people from Carson City to Virginia City. It sells us as a regional destination."

The $24.4 million railway project is expected to take two years to complete. A regional economic impact study estimates the railway could generate $16.5 million a year with increased tourist spending.

With $7,000 in state tourism grant funding, the two cities are creating a coupon book for visitors with eight coupons to use for shopping, sightseeing and dining. It might also have a coupon for lodging, said Candace Duncan, director of the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The 50,000 booklets will be available to guests at local hotels and motels in both cities. The campaign will also be featured on the Internet and in national and state magazines.

Area businesses are invited to contact the Virginia City and Carson City tourism bureaus to be included in the book, but space is limited, Duncan said.

"I always like working on a regional basis," Duncan said. "It just makes sense for us to partner with other communities nearby. It gives people more things to do."

Eventually, the campaign will expand. Duncan said she would like to add another element each year, but the budget won't likely increase until the railroad begins operation, she said.

Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.