Travelers highlight Route 66's economic impact
JOPLIN, Mo. — It could be a long weekend a couple of hours away, or a full week at the beach.
Travel takes on a wide range of trips, and impacts the economy even right here in southwest Missouri.
'This is my first time in Joplin. Yes, it will be my first time going through Missouri,' said Maria Kyson, Louisiana traveler.
Maria Kyson is traveling Route 66 through Missouri and Oklahoma.
'We're doing the whole week. We just stayed tonight here. In Catoosa, we stayed two nights, and then we're going up towards St Louis. We'll stay a couple of nights,' said Kyson.
She and her husband are just a small part of a much larger tourism picture for the Joplin area.
In 2024, Jasper and Newton County alone combined for hundreds of millions of dollars in spending from travelers.
'The almost $450 million that comes into the two counties drops our taxes locally that we have to pay because it's outside, money coming in and doing things like buying gas, buying food, attending attractions and events, and is that those impact our local markets, the local municipalities and the counties,' said Patrick Tuttle, Joplin CVB dir.
Joplin CVB Director Patrick Tuttle points out the two counties have more attractions than you might think… everything from fan favorites like Precious Moments and Jefferson Highway to other, much broader attractions.
'Route 66 has been around for 100 years now, is on the map and great draw. We've got some national parks in the area, you know, Carver National Monument's great to have. The fish hatchery down in Neosho is a nationally known fish hatchery. It's a lot of small things put together to make the big picture,' said Tuttle.
And while travel and tourism is great for the local economy, that also boosts the workforce.
Tourism related jobs account for more than eight thousand positions in a four county area.
Catering to tourists like Maria Kyson and what she calls her 'vintage' travel on the Mother Road.
'It shows you a lot of different things that you wouldn't see if you go to, you know, New York City, or LA or anything, you're not going to see,' said Kyson.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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