Building Missouri's tourism industry can produce more tax revenue and new jobs and do it faster than any other form of economic development, say tourism proponents. The problem is how to fund the promotion effort needed to keep tourism growing.

Part of the answer, says the Missouri Travel Council, is in a tourism funding bill that will increase the Missouri Division of Tourism budget.

Carla Snelt, president of the council, will be in Cape Girardeau tonight to discuss the bill, HB 188. Snelt will be guest speaker at a 5:30 p.m. meeting to be held at the Holiday Inn.

"She will explain the bill and answer questions," said Lyn Muzzy, director of the Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitor's Bureau.